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The Spotlight: a twisty, gripping summer read - what if your favourite pop star was a serial killer?
Killer tunes.
Kirby Turner is on her last chance. With her previous girlband career dead in the water alongside the band's lead singer, Hailey, she's been drifting for years. But then came the call. Arena tour. Had a last-minute dropout. Want a girl drummer. Feminist thing or something. Would be good for you.
Killer lyrics.
When she finds out who the artist is, it feels like fate. Silver might now be the most famous singer on the planet, but Kirby knows her best as Alice Taffer, her former bandmate. From before Hailey died, and Kirby was blamed, and she slid into the gutter while Alice shot towards the stars.
Killer.
It seems too good to be true that they're reunited now - and as the tour begins, and Kirby is playing in front of fans again for the first time in years, it feels like coming home. But as the music starts to bring back buried memories of that last day with Hailey, she starts to was Hailey's death really her fault? How exactly did Silver rise to the top so fast? And now that Kirby's got everything she ever wanted - what would she do to hold on to it?
Kirby Turner is on her last chance. With her previous girlband career dead in the water alongside the band's lead singer, Hailey, she's been drifting for years. But then came the call. Arena tour. Had a last-minute dropout. Want a girl drummer. Feminist thing or something. Would be good for you.
Killer lyrics.
When she finds out who the artist is, it feels like fate. Silver might now be the most famous singer on the planet, but Kirby knows her best as Alice Taffer, her former bandmate. From before Hailey died, and Kirby was blamed, and she slid into the gutter while Alice shot towards the stars.
Killer.
It seems too good to be true that they're reunited now - and as the tour begins, and Kirby is playing in front of fans again for the first time in years, it feels like coming home. But as the music starts to bring back buried memories of that last day with Hailey, she starts to was Hailey's death really her fault? How exactly did Silver rise to the top so fast? And now that Kirby's got everything she ever wanted - what would she do to hold on to it?
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
About the author
Nicola Martin
4 books12 followersNicola Martin is an award-winning author of psychological thrillers, short stories and non-fiction.
Her debut novel, Dead Ringer, a thriller about meeting your doppelganger, won the Fiction Prize at the 2021 Lakeland Book of the Year Awards. Her second novel, The Getaway, is a murder-mystery set on a private island in the Caribbean, published by Bloomsbury Raven.
Following a 15-year career in PR/marketing, Nicola is now a full-time writer. She studied literature at the University of East Anglia and the University of California, Berkeley.
In addition to novels, she has had more than 40 short stories published in magazines like The People’s Friend, Best, and the Sunday Express. She is also the co-author of a non-fiction book, Defeat Dyslexia!: The Parents’ Guide to Understanding Your Child’s Dyslexia.
Nicola was brought up in Bristol and returned there as an adult. She’s happy to bore you to tears telling you about what a great city it is. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her poking around an art gallery, in the audience for a piece of weird theatre, or playing board games with friends.
Her debut novel, Dead Ringer, a thriller about meeting your doppelganger, won the Fiction Prize at the 2021 Lakeland Book of the Year Awards. Her second novel, The Getaway, is a murder-mystery set on a private island in the Caribbean, published by Bloomsbury Raven.
Following a 15-year career in PR/marketing, Nicola is now a full-time writer. She studied literature at the University of East Anglia and the University of California, Berkeley.
In addition to novels, she has had more than 40 short stories published in magazines like The People’s Friend, Best, and the Sunday Express. She is also the co-author of a non-fiction book, Defeat Dyslexia!: The Parents’ Guide to Understanding Your Child’s Dyslexia.
Nicola was brought up in Bristol and returned there as an adult. She’s happy to bore you to tears telling you about what a great city it is. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her poking around an art gallery, in the audience for a piece of weird theatre, or playing board games with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 14, 2026
Second chance for Kirby to restore her musical career. It’s what she’s always wanted, but after the implosion of her previous band she hasn’t known where to start.
This time round she believes that she can make it. Unfortunately, there’s too many odd things happening around her that make this tricky.
What follows is a murder mystery with a difference. The only gripe I had was the ending all felt rather abrupt.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
This time round she believes that she can make it. Unfortunately, there’s too many odd things happening around her that make this tricky.
What follows is a murder mystery with a difference. The only gripe I had was the ending all felt rather abrupt.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
June 28, 2026
A crescendo of suspense and meticulously planned murders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Wish this day would last an hour more
Last a summer more, a summer more
Don´t go, just stay, just stay
For an hour more, for a summer more”
Killer-Kirby wird die Protagonistin in Nicola Martins Thriller "The Spotlight" genannt. Sie soll vor Jahren Bandkollegin Hailey aus Eifersucht und Sorge, dass ihre Drogensucht auffliegt, ermordet haben. Haileys Tod markierte nicht nur das Ende der Band, sondern auch von Kirbys Karriere. Doch mit Anfang dreißig bekommt sie eine zweite Chance: Silver, die damals unter dem Namen Alice das dritte Mitglied der Band gewesen ist, möchte Kirby als Schlagzeugerin für ihre Arena-Tour buchen. Doch die Riesenchance stellt sich bald als Riesengefahr da. Alice hat einen Stalker und wird mit dem Tod bedroht. Natürlich fällt der Verdacht auf Kirby. Die Schlagzeugerin nimmt die Ermittlungen daraufhin selbst in die Hand.
Nach einem recht langatmigen Beginn - hier werden vor allem die Hintergründe des ersten Bandzeit erzählt - nimmt die Romanhandlung mit Tourbeginn Fahrt auf. Interessant ist dabei weniger die Thriller-Handlung an sich als die vielen schillernden Charaktere, auf die Kirby trifft. Da gibt es einen spanischen Tänzer, einen alten Freund, der jetzt die Verantwortung für die gesamte Bühnen-Show trägt oder eine persönliche Assistentin, die Alice aka Silver jeden Wunsch von den Lippen abliest. Die Berichte über Kirbys Zeit im Tourbus und das Pendeln von Stadt zu Stadt, von Arena zu Arena, bieten unterhaltsame Einblicke in das Show-Biz. Hier liegt der eigentliche Unterhaltungscharakter des Buches.
Die Ermittlungen Kirbys erscheinen manchmal eher wie eine Nebengeschichte und ohnehin sind viele Handlungsschritte vorhersehbar. Obwohl man es die meiste Zeit mit einem klassischen Whodunit-Setting zu tun hat, ist die Auflösung eher ernüchternd. Große Überraschungen bleiben aus und beim Lesen erkennet man oft schon mehrere Kapitel vor Kirby, wie sich die Handlung entwickeln wird. Vielleicht mag das eine bewusste Gestaltungsentscheidung sein. Die Autorin hat nämlich viele Hinweis auf das Ende sehr offensichtlich platziert. Aufmerksame Leser können die falschen Fährten daher bald erkennen und den Kreis der Verdächtigen immer weiter eingrenzen. Mir hat genau diese Gestaltungsabsicht aber die Spannung genommen.
Die Erzählweise wirkt stellenweise sehr hektisch. Es gibt schnelle Szenenwechsel und Figuren tauchen auf, um direkt danach wieder zu verschwinden. Manche werden zwar über mehrere Kapitel versucht zu erreichen, bleiben aber bis zum Ende unauffindbar. Andere tauchen einmalig auf - wie etwa ein Besuch bei Haileys Ex-Freund Lewis -, um eine Rolle zu erfüllen und sind dann passé. Dadurch entsteht auch das ein oder andere kleine Plothole.
Insgesamt ist "The Spotlight" unterhaltsam und wird gegen Ende, ganz Thriller gemäß, auch mal richtig spannend. Insgesamt ist das Buch für meinen Geschmack aber zu unausgegoren und ich habe es lieber aufgrund der Musiktour-Thematik gelesen.
Last a summer more, a summer more
Don´t go, just stay, just stay
For an hour more, for a summer more”
Killer-Kirby wird die Protagonistin in Nicola Martins Thriller "The Spotlight" genannt. Sie soll vor Jahren Bandkollegin Hailey aus Eifersucht und Sorge, dass ihre Drogensucht auffliegt, ermordet haben. Haileys Tod markierte nicht nur das Ende der Band, sondern auch von Kirbys Karriere. Doch mit Anfang dreißig bekommt sie eine zweite Chance: Silver, die damals unter dem Namen Alice das dritte Mitglied der Band gewesen ist, möchte Kirby als Schlagzeugerin für ihre Arena-Tour buchen. Doch die Riesenchance stellt sich bald als Riesengefahr da. Alice hat einen Stalker und wird mit dem Tod bedroht. Natürlich fällt der Verdacht auf Kirby. Die Schlagzeugerin nimmt die Ermittlungen daraufhin selbst in die Hand.
Nach einem recht langatmigen Beginn - hier werden vor allem die Hintergründe des ersten Bandzeit erzählt - nimmt die Romanhandlung mit Tourbeginn Fahrt auf. Interessant ist dabei weniger die Thriller-Handlung an sich als die vielen schillernden Charaktere, auf die Kirby trifft. Da gibt es einen spanischen Tänzer, einen alten Freund, der jetzt die Verantwortung für die gesamte Bühnen-Show trägt oder eine persönliche Assistentin, die Alice aka Silver jeden Wunsch von den Lippen abliest. Die Berichte über Kirbys Zeit im Tourbus und das Pendeln von Stadt zu Stadt, von Arena zu Arena, bieten unterhaltsame Einblicke in das Show-Biz. Hier liegt der eigentliche Unterhaltungscharakter des Buches.
Die Ermittlungen Kirbys erscheinen manchmal eher wie eine Nebengeschichte und ohnehin sind viele Handlungsschritte vorhersehbar. Obwohl man es die meiste Zeit mit einem klassischen Whodunit-Setting zu tun hat, ist die Auflösung eher ernüchternd. Große Überraschungen bleiben aus und beim Lesen erkennet man oft schon mehrere Kapitel vor Kirby, wie sich die Handlung entwickeln wird. Vielleicht mag das eine bewusste Gestaltungsentscheidung sein. Die Autorin hat nämlich viele Hinweis auf das Ende sehr offensichtlich platziert. Aufmerksame Leser können die falschen Fährten daher bald erkennen und den Kreis der Verdächtigen immer weiter eingrenzen. Mir hat genau diese Gestaltungsabsicht aber die Spannung genommen.
Die Erzählweise wirkt stellenweise sehr hektisch. Es gibt schnelle Szenenwechsel und Figuren tauchen auf, um direkt danach wieder zu verschwinden. Manche werden zwar über mehrere Kapitel versucht zu erreichen, bleiben aber bis zum Ende unauffindbar. Andere tauchen einmalig auf - wie etwa ein Besuch bei Haileys Ex-Freund Lewis -, um eine Rolle zu erfüllen und sind dann passé. Dadurch entsteht auch das ein oder andere kleine Plothole.
Insgesamt ist "The Spotlight" unterhaltsam und wird gegen Ende, ganz Thriller gemäß, auch mal richtig spannend. Insgesamt ist das Buch für meinen Geschmack aber zu unausgegoren und ich habe es lieber aufgrund der Musiktour-Thematik gelesen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another banger from Nicola Martin! 🙌 The Spotlight follows Kirby, one of Martin's now-signature hauntingly unwell FMCs trying here to escape her past and her present, settled in a life defined not by what she's doing but by what she isn't. Before she had drugs and some level of fame as a member of an all-girl band that ended with her bandmate Hailey's untimely death (or murder question mark?!), now she has a dog, a sober mentor, and a job, which she's trying to convince herself is all just as good. But the minute an opportunity for more comes up she takes it, which is how she becomes the touring drummer in the backing band for Silver, her former bandmate and now solo star who's also married to the Svengali who put their original band together and with whom Kirby was also once romantically involved...oh boy. The music biz, am I right?
As far as set-ups go this is a juicy one, and the intrigue only amps up from there as tour begins. Silver remains a tantalizing figure, so close but so often out of reach but for the brief moments when she and Kirby reconnect over their past writing together for the band, which they begin tentatively doing again in Silver's grand hotel suites that contrast so starkly with Kirby's unglamorous tour bus bunk. A stalker, a potential romance, and further investigations into Hailey's death ensue as, thanks to their song collabs, Kirby steps gradually back into the spotlight.
On a prose level Martin's a cut far above the vast majority of thriller writers, with every word tumbling along with a satisfying cadence that makes it not just easy to read but actively pleasant. With a cast of shady characters all slightly strange in their own way you never know who to trust so you're constantly kept on your toes as the plot twists and turns.
This book ultimately ends up being a fascinating meditation on the hunger for attention. As the late, great Pete Wentz (he's not dead, I just stopped caring about Fall Out Boy well over a decade ago, which is its own death) once plastered onto a hoodie that I definitely still have in my apartment somewhere: Love can't save you. This book so capably shows that what connects these people is their essential hollowness, that manifests in some as greed for money and others as greed for fame, adulation, glory--not always intertwined, as we see here--but either way, it's a void that can never be filled because you can never go too far in pursuit of it, and so ultimately there will never be enough to satisfy. That can drive you a little crazy or a lot crazy, but either way it's a hell of a ride.
As far as set-ups go this is a juicy one, and the intrigue only amps up from there as tour begins. Silver remains a tantalizing figure, so close but so often out of reach but for the brief moments when she and Kirby reconnect over their past writing together for the band, which they begin tentatively doing again in Silver's grand hotel suites that contrast so starkly with Kirby's unglamorous tour bus bunk. A stalker, a potential romance, and further investigations into Hailey's death ensue as, thanks to their song collabs, Kirby steps gradually back into the spotlight.
On a prose level Martin's a cut far above the vast majority of thriller writers, with every word tumbling along with a satisfying cadence that makes it not just easy to read but actively pleasant. With a cast of shady characters all slightly strange in their own way you never know who to trust so you're constantly kept on your toes as the plot twists and turns.
This book ultimately ends up being a fascinating meditation on the hunger for attention. As the late, great Pete Wentz (he's not dead, I just stopped caring about Fall Out Boy well over a decade ago, which is its own death) once plastered onto a hoodie that I definitely still have in my apartment somewhere: Love can't save you. This book so capably shows that what connects these people is their essential hollowness, that manifests in some as greed for money and others as greed for fame, adulation, glory--not always intertwined, as we see here--but either way, it's a void that can never be filled because you can never go too far in pursuit of it, and so ultimately there will never be enough to satisfy. That can drive you a little crazy or a lot crazy, but either way it's a hell of a ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was certainly kept on my toes with this book. It was fabulous.
I was never entirely sure what would happen next, and I loved the various flashbacks Kirby had to the summer where Hailey died. And her sudden complete and utter conviction that it really had been murder and not just a tragic accident.
But with the internet and public constantly calling her Killer Kirby as apparently she is a prime suspect, it's up to her to try to clear her name if the fledgling popularity she is now experiencing as part of Silver's tour is to become something bigger.
History though was a way of repeating itself and there are similarities in the various stalkers that the girls have experienced.
I could never have guessed the truth of who was behind everything and was very happy to go along with whatever Kirby was suspecting or understanding at any given time.
What is also very apparent is that it is very hard to know who to trust in this, and there is much suspicious behaviour afoot!
This is now the second of Nicola Martin's books that I have read and I have been incredibly impressed with both of them, and will certainly be on the look out for her next release.
Just a wonderfully bamboozling read that set in a pop music and touring environment that I was totally enjoying reading about.
Thank you to Raven Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Second chances at stardom are vanishingly rare, and Kirby is well aware of this when she is given the opportunity to join an arena tour at the last minute when a female drummer is needed. Her first chance fell apart years ago when the lead singer of their band, Hailey, died in a blast of publicity to which she was unfortunately linked.
So, what is the catch with this new offer now? Well, just that Kirby will be supporting her *other* former bandmate Alice, who has reinvented herself with phenomenal success as world superstar Silver. And as Kirby is about to discover, the new tour is about to drag up all kinds of old memories - mostly traumatic - and that is even without the fact that she has to help Silver contend with a stalker who seems intent on taking her life just as he may have taken Hailey's.
Can Kirby prevent history from repeating itself? And is it even her job to do so?
This is a fascinating look at how the music industry operates behind the scenes. Except for a brief dip at one point, the pace is maintained well throughout. Overall, this is an entertaining story and one worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
So, what is the catch with this new offer now? Well, just that Kirby will be supporting her *other* former bandmate Alice, who has reinvented herself with phenomenal success as world superstar Silver. And as Kirby is about to discover, the new tour is about to drag up all kinds of old memories - mostly traumatic - and that is even without the fact that she has to help Silver contend with a stalker who seems intent on taking her life just as he may have taken Hailey's.
Can Kirby prevent history from repeating itself? And is it even her job to do so?
This is a fascinating look at how the music industry operates behind the scenes. Except for a brief dip at one point, the pace is maintained well throughout. Overall, this is an entertaining story and one worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A unique take on a murder mystery, set against the backdrop of a pop sensation embarking on a world tour.
Five years ago, three girls—Hailey, Alice, and Kirby—formed a pop group, albeit a dysfunctional one. Kirby was heavily addicted to drugs, and Hailey was considering leaving to go solo. That was until she was found drowned in a lake. Now, five years on, Kirby is given the opportunity to revive her career by reuniting with Alice, now known as Silver, on her tour. Can they take up from where they left off or are there other agendas in play?
As Kirby begins to reflect on the night her ex-bandmate died, memories and incidents start to make her question what really happened. To add to her concerns, she believes Alice is being stalked, just as Hailey was prior to her death. Can she protect her friend before history repeats itself?
As people start to go missing or end up dead, the question becomes: who can be trusted, and who is playing a game?
This was a gripping read that delivered on twists and suspense, while showcasing what it’s like to be on tour and living in a glass bowl.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
Five years ago, three girls—Hailey, Alice, and Kirby—formed a pop group, albeit a dysfunctional one. Kirby was heavily addicted to drugs, and Hailey was considering leaving to go solo. That was until she was found drowned in a lake. Now, five years on, Kirby is given the opportunity to revive her career by reuniting with Alice, now known as Silver, on her tour. Can they take up from where they left off or are there other agendas in play?
As Kirby begins to reflect on the night her ex-bandmate died, memories and incidents start to make her question what really happened. To add to her concerns, she believes Alice is being stalked, just as Hailey was prior to her death. Can she protect her friend before history repeats itself?
As people start to go missing or end up dead, the question becomes: who can be trusted, and who is playing a game?
This was a gripping read that delivered on twists and suspense, while showcasing what it’s like to be on tour and living in a glass bowl.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Phew this is a real roller coaster of a book keeping me gripped for page after page, through unexpected twists and totally unpredictable! A brilliant observation and reflection of the music industry across the uk and America. Questionable deaths and hints of stalkers the tale unfolds beautifully.
Kirby has been asked to come out of her idyllic escape in the depths of the countryside in a natural paradise, back to the music world with a tour from her old band mate Silver aka Alice. With all the unanswered questions she was left with at the end of her last involvement, she dives back in. She is a gifted musician and song writer but has never believed her talent.
Alice is the ultimate star, needing to be loved and to remain in the spotlight. She is haunted by a stalker but who is it?!
There are some great characters surrounding Kirby and Alice, and quite true to life.
This book is so real and easy to imagine. Really enjoyed reading this, it’s raw, shocking in places and hard to put down, I can’t stop thinking about or talking about!! Loved it, a must read this year and a perfect holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Raven books for the early read, much appreciated.
Kirby has been asked to come out of her idyllic escape in the depths of the countryside in a natural paradise, back to the music world with a tour from her old band mate Silver aka Alice. With all the unanswered questions she was left with at the end of her last involvement, she dives back in. She is a gifted musician and song writer but has never believed her talent.
Alice is the ultimate star, needing to be loved and to remain in the spotlight. She is haunted by a stalker but who is it?!
There are some great characters surrounding Kirby and Alice, and quite true to life.
This book is so real and easy to imagine. Really enjoyed reading this, it’s raw, shocking in places and hard to put down, I can’t stop thinking about or talking about!! Loved it, a must read this year and a perfect holiday read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Raven books for the early read, much appreciated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A murder mystery intertwined with the music industry proved to be a very intriguing combination that kept me on my toes throughout. Kirby is in a toxic pop band and her drug abuse isn't helping either... Hayley was planning to go her own separate way until she was found dead. That was five years ago, and now Kirby has a chance to revive her music career, but to do so, she must partner with her former bandmate Alice. The pacing was absolutely perfect, and I loved how social media and publicity influenced the atmosphere and plot, making the mystery even more compelling. I could never have guessed who the murderer was, even though I tried my best, and I was unraveling the clues alongside Kirby every step of the way. Baffled in the best possible way throughout the entire book. It was my first read by this author, but definitely won't be my last.
July 8, 2026
Years ago Kirby was part of a girl group who saw a little success until death and a drugs habit put paid to it. Now Kirby is clean and working in the depths of nowhere until she gets a call-up for a world tour, the artist is her former friend and bandmate Silver. As the tour progresses Kirby finds that Silver has a stalker and then she starts to suspect that the death of their former bandmate Hailey was murder. her suspicions land on Silver's husband Jonesy. The tour is cancelled after another death and when Kirby realises who the murderer is, her life is at risk.
This is a very easy to read summer book. OK, it is about murder but the gossipy nature of the writing makes it a fun read. I did find the actions of Jonesy a bit difficult to understand in the last few chapters but the ending made up it!
This is a very easy to read summer book. OK, it is about murder but the gossipy nature of the writing makes it a fun read. I did find the actions of Jonesy a bit difficult to understand in the last few chapters but the ending made up it!
July 25, 2026
A book with a fantastic premise that didn't manage to deliver, in my opinion.
The jumping back and forth drove me crazy and was often unnecessary.
The whodunit was extremely predictable. I knew after less than a third of the book who was behind it. Of course, if one reads a lot of suspense and thrillers, one learns to see the patterns, so that in and of itself wouldn't bother me. However, this book managed to never really build much tension and threw in a lot of apparently guilty people that it was so easy to figure out were innocent.
I would have enjoyed to see more of the actual popstar side and Kirby's rise, mixed with a gritty suspense-plot, instead of this lowkey insanity.
The jumping back and forth drove me crazy and was often unnecessary.
The whodunit was extremely predictable. I knew after less than a third of the book who was behind it. Of course, if one reads a lot of suspense and thrillers, one learns to see the patterns, so that in and of itself wouldn't bother me. However, this book managed to never really build much tension and threw in a lot of apparently guilty people that it was so easy to figure out were innocent.
I would have enjoyed to see more of the actual popstar side and Kirby's rise, mixed with a gritty suspense-plot, instead of this lowkey insanity.
June 22, 2026
Many thanks to Netgalley and also Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books (UK) for providing this ARC!
This one was basically a girlband murder mystery and I was there for it - like as a kid I wanted to be on stage myself, but then, many little girls surely dreamed of that, right?
Anyway, I've already read The Island by Nicola Martin and seeing how much I've had enjoyed the book, of course I had to read her newest one as well. It was another fast-paced rollercoaster ride with an ending that did definitely surprise me yet again. Can only recommend!
This one was basically a girlband murder mystery and I was there for it - like as a kid I wanted to be on stage myself, but then, many little girls surely dreamed of that, right?
Anyway, I've already read The Island by Nicola Martin and seeing how much I've had enjoyed the book, of course I had to read her newest one as well. It was another fast-paced rollercoaster ride with an ending that did definitely surprise me yet again. Can only recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this ARC. Loving Nicola Martin's previous novel, I knew I would love this read and I was not disappointed! Written in a quick witted and stylish way, you love the characters and engage well with the plot. An excellent thriller with social comment on society, fame and the price of it!
Did Not Finish
June 21, 2026REVIEW FOR NET GALLEY:
Thank you Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to have a ARC for this book. I DNF at 20%, unfortunately for me I did not like this book I struggled to get into the book, which is a shame because it looked like Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes with Daisy Jones and the Six with a mystery twist, but I did not get this with the book!
Thank you Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to have a ARC for this book. I DNF at 20%, unfortunately for me I did not like this book I struggled to get into the book, which is a shame because it looked like Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes with Daisy Jones and the Six with a mystery twist, but I did not get this with the book!
July 7, 2026
Gutted that I wasted one of my birthday books on this, because it was absolute nonsense. Genuinely think these 5 star reviewers must have received a payment. It was poorly written, darted all over the place, slow AND rushed all at the same time. Felt a bit like something I’d have written a chapter of in year 7 English.
July 26, 2026
A very enjoyable read. It is well plotted and the conclusions it reaches feel reasonably earned. I do feel like a little more could have been done to plant the seeds of Kerby's end point, it doesn't quite stick for me. But it was a great read anyway and I whizzed through it in a day.
The book jacket gives too much away though.
The book jacket gives too much away though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
...Ready for it?
(you're not. Ready for Silver or Kirby, that is.)
Martin's characters come fully formed, full of flaws and dreams. Part mystery, part thriller, part character study, The Spotlight is a song you won't be able to get out of your head.
(you're not. Ready for Silver or Kirby, that is.)
Martin's characters come fully formed, full of flaws and dreams. Part mystery, part thriller, part character study, The Spotlight is a song you won't be able to get out of your head.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a twisty murder mystery, I didn’t clock who did it until it was staring me on the page in the face! Kirby deserved the second chance after turning her life around. My only gripe is the ending was too fast and I wanted the person to get their comeuppance slower! Thank you to NetGalley for this arc 🎤🎧
June 18, 2026
Out today! Kirby, a down-on-her-luck musician, is offered a tantalising second shot at fame and fortune. This is her chance to go on tour with the biggest popstar in the world. But this new opportunity has also set her on a collision course with a killer.
June 18, 2026
A brilliant murder mystery. Five stars. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kirby is another feisty character ( have read quite a few lately ) who doesn’t hold back in her thoughts, very funny in parts, scathing in others and emotive at times but honest whichever way her thinking is going
An ex minor pop star she now has the chance to experience the life again as one of her ex band members ‘Silver’ has hit the big time and wants her around
But there are murders, literally, within this world and also an unsolved death from their band days
A quirky book which built up to the ending but unfortunately then seemed rushed and over before it began
Great characters and a lovely dog Bandit
More than worthy of reading time just wanted more at the end
An ex minor pop star she now has the chance to experience the life again as one of her ex band members ‘Silver’ has hit the big time and wants her around
But there are murders, literally, within this world and also an unsolved death from their band days
A quirky book which built up to the ending but unfortunately then seemed rushed and over before it began
Great characters and a lovely dog Bandit
More than worthy of reading time just wanted more at the end
July 22, 2026
The spotlight - Nicola Martin
I was hooked from the very first page, I love thrillers but I especially love when it doesn’t feel like a thriller. This didn’t feel like that almost right up until near the end. Although there was always an element of who done it with other things going on, it wasn’t heart in your mouth thrilling until the end. I did read this start to finish in 2 and a half hours during a flight. I couldn’t put it down and I honestly loved it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Release date - 18th June 2026
I was hooked from the very first page, I love thrillers but I especially love when it doesn’t feel like a thriller. This didn’t feel like that almost right up until near the end. Although there was always an element of who done it with other things going on, it wasn’t heart in your mouth thrilling until the end. I did read this start to finish in 2 and a half hours during a flight. I couldn’t put it down and I honestly loved it!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Release date - 18th June 2026
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