What do you think?
Nine Lives
These are your neighbors. One is a killer.
When she begins to peer into the lives' of her glamorous neighbors, one woman discovers a terrifying secret in this riveting psychological thriller with nine lives worth of twists, from the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, a Reese's Book Club pick.
"Catherine Steadman more than delivers on the brilliant twists and thrills I’ve come to expect from her writing." —Lucy Foley
A riveting thriller about nine terrible secrets hidden behind the pastel-colored façade of one of London's most upscale enclaves, Nine Lives is catnip for suspense readers everywhere and perfect for fans of modern classics like The Girl on the Train and The Woman In the Window.
When she begins to peer into the lives' of her glamorous neighbors, one woman discovers a terrifying secret in this riveting psychological thriller with nine lives worth of twists, from the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, a Reese's Book Club pick.
"Catherine Steadman more than delivers on the brilliant twists and thrills I’ve come to expect from her writing." —Lucy Foley
A riveting thriller about nine terrible secrets hidden behind the pastel-colored façade of one of London's most upscale enclaves, Nine Lives is catnip for suspense readers everywhere and perfect for fans of modern classics like The Girl on the Train and The Woman In the Window.
291 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Catherine Steadman
16 books5,945 followersCatherine Steadman is an actress, screenwriter and author. She lives in North London with her husband and two children. She is best known as an actress for her role as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey. Something in the Water was her first novel - NINE LIVES will be out Summer 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,414 reviews
June 10, 2026
4.5⭐️ Catherine Steadman’s Nine Lives is a psychological thriller with a strong domestic suspense edge and one of the most original hooks I’ve come across in a while.
Frankie is recently divorced and trying to rebuild her life in a quiet London neighbourhood that very quickly turns out to be anything but. She’s easy to connect with—lonely, a bit unsure of herself, and just trying to find something to focus on, even if she doesn’t realise how far that will take her.
The main concept is what really makes Catherine Steadman’s Nine Lives stand out: a hidden camera attached to her cat’s collar. It sounds almost light-hearted at first, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. Once Frankie starts watching her neighbours through it, the whole thing becomes much more gripping and a bit unsettling in the best way. I found myself getting pulled into it far more than I expected.
Catherine Steadman’s writing is very easy to read and has a cinematic feel, like everything is unfolding almost in front of you. The pacing is more steady build than constant twists, but that actually works really well because the tension just keeps creeping up bit by bit.
The neighbours are deliberately hard to read, which keeps you guessing throughout. I kept changing my mind about who was trustworthy and whether Frankie was actually seeing things clearly or not.
What stood out most for me was how well the cat camera idea is handled. It could have easily felt gimmicky, but instead it really drives the whole story and adds this constant feeling of watching things you probably shouldn’t be seeing. It also makes you think about how quickly curiosity can turn into obsession.
The ending does pick up pace and takes a bit of a turn that made me rethink parts of the story. It doesn’t tie everything up too neatly, but it fits the tone of the book and actually leaves you sitting with it a bit afterwards.
Overall, Catherine Steadman’s Nine Lives is a clever, addictive thriller with a strong central idea and a really good sense of tension throughout. I didn’t expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did, but it completely pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Thank you NetGalley, Bantam Publishing, and author Catherine Steadman for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: June 23rd 2026
Frankie is recently divorced and trying to rebuild her life in a quiet London neighbourhood that very quickly turns out to be anything but. She’s easy to connect with—lonely, a bit unsure of herself, and just trying to find something to focus on, even if she doesn’t realise how far that will take her.
The main concept is what really makes Catherine Steadman’s Nine Lives stand out: a hidden camera attached to her cat’s collar. It sounds almost light-hearted at first, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. Once Frankie starts watching her neighbours through it, the whole thing becomes much more gripping and a bit unsettling in the best way. I found myself getting pulled into it far more than I expected.
Catherine Steadman’s writing is very easy to read and has a cinematic feel, like everything is unfolding almost in front of you. The pacing is more steady build than constant twists, but that actually works really well because the tension just keeps creeping up bit by bit.
The neighbours are deliberately hard to read, which keeps you guessing throughout. I kept changing my mind about who was trustworthy and whether Frankie was actually seeing things clearly or not.
What stood out most for me was how well the cat camera idea is handled. It could have easily felt gimmicky, but instead it really drives the whole story and adds this constant feeling of watching things you probably shouldn’t be seeing. It also makes you think about how quickly curiosity can turn into obsession.
The ending does pick up pace and takes a bit of a turn that made me rethink parts of the story. It doesn’t tie everything up too neatly, but it fits the tone of the book and actually leaves you sitting with it a bit afterwards.
Overall, Catherine Steadman’s Nine Lives is a clever, addictive thriller with a strong central idea and a really good sense of tension throughout. I didn’t expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did, but it completely pulled me in and didn’t let go.
Thank you NetGalley, Bantam Publishing, and author Catherine Steadman for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: June 23rd 2026
September 14, 2026
Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman
Narrated by author
I sat on this review for a few days to see how I felt after letting it stew. Catherine Steadman does a great job of narrating her book, of course she does, she's an actress, she knows what she is doing and the emotions she wants to portray. I wish I could have enjoyed the story more but I could never get passed what a lousy cat owner the main characters is in this story.
Frankie has had a successful career and she has been married before. She has even been able to purchase a very nice house in a very nice neighborhood due to money she's earned and other funds. The reason she had to buy a house was because her husband left her and now Frankie is starting over in almost every way possible. She's looking for jobs although it seems she may be overqualified for most of the jobs she applies for. She is good at what she does and it's being held against her.
So Frankie has a lot of time on her hands and she's using that time unwisely. Mainly Frankie is being very judgmental about her neighbors and extremely nosy about everything and everyone. Frankie allows her cat, Blue, to have the run of the neighborhood, night and day, and yes, I'm judging Frankie for doing so. Don't come crying to the readers when his life is cut short, Frankie! Blue is diabetic and must be on a strict eating plan but by running loose he is able to eat any junk he wants to eat.
Not only that, because Frankie has installed a "cat cam" on Blue's collar, she knows he's going into the houses of many of her neighbors. Frankie is furious when she sees neighbors giving Blue things to eat or drink. As if the entire world must bend to Frankie's wishes (which they aren't even aware of) while Frankie allows her cat to invade whatever spaces he desires to invade. I'm not a fan of Frankie and her lousy cat keeping habits.
Before the cat cam, Blue had come home with "help me" etched into his collar. This is the reason Frankie thinks she has the right to spy on whoever Blue encounters while he's prowling the neighborhood. Some neighbors rightly become furious when they realize that Blue is recording them in their own home but that doesn't stop Frankie. She's determined to find out who needs help. Things get very complicated, there are many suspicious people, and Frankie is going to do (more) illegal things to further her endeavors to snoop. Being in Frankie's head was nerve wreaking since she's all over the place with her thoughts. Not only that, she's quick to do many things without bothering to think so can get herself in trouble without trying at all.
It was hard for me to get past the cat running loose and Frankie being furious people would give her cat food, while she takes no responsibility for his health and welfare. Plus, Frankie is stomping all over the privacy of others while judging them. There is a very interesting crime being committed and that part of the story is intriguing. I guess this story wouldn't have happened the way it did without Frankie continually using her pet in ways I don't approve of but I get to complain about it since Frankie is free to complain about all kinds of things ;-)
Published June 23, 2026
Thanks to my library and Libby for this audiobook
Narrated by author
I sat on this review for a few days to see how I felt after letting it stew. Catherine Steadman does a great job of narrating her book, of course she does, she's an actress, she knows what she is doing and the emotions she wants to portray. I wish I could have enjoyed the story more but I could never get passed what a lousy cat owner the main characters is in this story.
Frankie has had a successful career and she has been married before. She has even been able to purchase a very nice house in a very nice neighborhood due to money she's earned and other funds. The reason she had to buy a house was because her husband left her and now Frankie is starting over in almost every way possible. She's looking for jobs although it seems she may be overqualified for most of the jobs she applies for. She is good at what she does and it's being held against her.
So Frankie has a lot of time on her hands and she's using that time unwisely. Mainly Frankie is being very judgmental about her neighbors and extremely nosy about everything and everyone. Frankie allows her cat, Blue, to have the run of the neighborhood, night and day, and yes, I'm judging Frankie for doing so. Don't come crying to the readers when his life is cut short, Frankie! Blue is diabetic and must be on a strict eating plan but by running loose he is able to eat any junk he wants to eat.
Not only that, because Frankie has installed a "cat cam" on Blue's collar, she knows he's going into the houses of many of her neighbors. Frankie is furious when she sees neighbors giving Blue things to eat or drink. As if the entire world must bend to Frankie's wishes (which they aren't even aware of) while Frankie allows her cat to invade whatever spaces he desires to invade. I'm not a fan of Frankie and her lousy cat keeping habits.
Before the cat cam, Blue had come home with "help me" etched into his collar. This is the reason Frankie thinks she has the right to spy on whoever Blue encounters while he's prowling the neighborhood. Some neighbors rightly become furious when they realize that Blue is recording them in their own home but that doesn't stop Frankie. She's determined to find out who needs help. Things get very complicated, there are many suspicious people, and Frankie is going to do (more) illegal things to further her endeavors to snoop. Being in Frankie's head was nerve wreaking since she's all over the place with her thoughts. Not only that, she's quick to do many things without bothering to think so can get herself in trouble without trying at all.
It was hard for me to get past the cat running loose and Frankie being furious people would give her cat food, while she takes no responsibility for his health and welfare. Plus, Frankie is stomping all over the privacy of others while judging them. There is a very interesting crime being committed and that part of the story is intriguing. I guess this story wouldn't have happened the way it did without Frankie continually using her pet in ways I don't approve of but I get to complain about it since Frankie is free to complain about all kinds of things ;-)
Published June 23, 2026
Thanks to my library and Libby for this audiobook
August 15, 2026
Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman ✍🏻
Narrated by Catherine Steadman-the author/actress best known for her role as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey 🎙️
Listening Length 9 hours 23 minutes at 1x or 6 hours 15 minutes at 1.5x 🎧
4.5 ⭐️
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO HELP A STRANGER?
Newly divorced Frankie has just moved into an upscale London neighborhood with her gorgeous Persian cat, Blue when he comes home after a night of roaming with two words scratched into his collar-
HELP ME
Frankie isn’t sure if this is an actual cry for help, but it’s unsettling, and she doesn’t want to ignore it, so she attaches a “Cat Cam” to Blue’s collar-hoping that he might return to the person who is in peril.
What she sees on the camera when he returns has her running to the Police, but they are unwilling to even watch the video, saying it would be illegal to do so, since what was captured on the video was done so without consent.
So, she decides to investigate on her own, with the assistance of Blue (and his collar)
The story unfolds through Frankie’s chapters, occasional chapters from Anna-the woman being held captive who sent the message on Blue’s collar, and a few “ Cat Cam” chapters where we see what Blue sees and who he meets, as our “unsuspecting hero” struts through his new neighborhood.
Haven’t you ever wondered what your neighborhood cats get up to?
Highly ORIGINAL, and filled with almost unbearable TENSION, I was worried for Blue (no harm comes to him at all) for Frankie, and for Anna whose days are drawing to a close, as she desperately pins her hopes on the friendly cat who has suddenly started visiting her.
I even got tears in my eyes at one point!
This one exceeded my expectations, maybe in part because I am such a cat lover, and I am glad I decided to listen to it!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the audiobook!
Narrated by Catherine Steadman-the author/actress best known for her role as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey 🎙️
Listening Length 9 hours 23 minutes at 1x or 6 hours 15 minutes at 1.5x 🎧
4.5 ⭐️
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO HELP A STRANGER?
Newly divorced Frankie has just moved into an upscale London neighborhood with her gorgeous Persian cat, Blue when he comes home after a night of roaming with two words scratched into his collar-
HELP ME
Frankie isn’t sure if this is an actual cry for help, but it’s unsettling, and she doesn’t want to ignore it, so she attaches a “Cat Cam” to Blue’s collar-hoping that he might return to the person who is in peril.
What she sees on the camera when he returns has her running to the Police, but they are unwilling to even watch the video, saying it would be illegal to do so, since what was captured on the video was done so without consent.
So, she decides to investigate on her own, with the assistance of Blue (and his collar)
The story unfolds through Frankie’s chapters, occasional chapters from Anna-the woman being held captive who sent the message on Blue’s collar, and a few “ Cat Cam” chapters where we see what Blue sees and who he meets, as our “unsuspecting hero” struts through his new neighborhood.
Haven’t you ever wondered what your neighborhood cats get up to?
Highly ORIGINAL, and filled with almost unbearable TENSION, I was worried for Blue (no harm comes to him at all) for Frankie, and for Anna whose days are drawing to a close, as she desperately pins her hopes on the friendly cat who has suddenly started visiting her.
I even got tears in my eyes at one point!
This one exceeded my expectations, maybe in part because I am such a cat lover, and I am glad I decided to listen to it!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the audiobook!
March 17, 2026
**4.5-stars rounded up**
After a messy divorce, Frankie moves herself and her lovable cat, Blue, into their own place in a posh London neighborhood.
It's her first time living on her own for many years, so of course there's a bit of anxiety surrounding that. The neighborhood seems lovely though, and Frankie is ready to settle in. Lord knows, she needs a fresh start.
Being alone in the house, particularly at night, does leave Frankie unsettled. She assumes this is something that will just take getting used to. Everything is fine, right?
But then after Blue arrives home after an evening carousing the neighborhood, Frankie makes a startling discovery. Someone has etched the words HELP ME into his collar.
Frankie is shocked. She doesn't know what to believe. Is this some sort of a prank, perhaps? Local teens looking to get a rise out of somebody?
Frankie's not willing to just let it go, regardless. Someone could really need help. Assuming that Blue couldn't have gone too far, and the person in distress must be nearby, Frankie digs out an old cat cam to attach to his collar to try to figure out where the person may be located.
As Frankie starts secretly watching the footage that Blue is capturing each day, she starts to learn a lot inadvertently about the households around her.
Eventually, Frankie finds the footage she's been waiting for. Now her casual curiosity has become an obsession. She needs to find the truth, and she'll stop at nothing to get it.
I had an absolute blast reading Nine Lives. Catherine Steadman definitely delivered all the fun things I look for in a Suspenseful Neighborhood Drama. She got my pulse racing so many times and I was fully invested.
I also loved the use of the cat cam. I felt like it was such a clever way to progress the plot. The voyeuristic nature of this, it's deliciously-compelling. Who doesn't want to know what's going on inside their neighbors homes?
Steadman wastes no time getting us to the action of this story either. Within the first 10%, I was hooked. There were some disturbing things happening, even within Frankie's home, that were getting under my skin. I had to know what was going on.
Frankie was a great MC for me. She sort of fits my tastes as far as her reliability as a narrator went. She is unmoored by her recent divorce and her new home. There were moments when I questioned whether I could believe everything she was telling me.
With this in mind, I'm sure this won't work as well for everyone, because of that, but for me, it was a real success.
In addition to Frankie, she had some other neighbors that I also really enjoyed. I liked seeing her relationships with those neighbors develop throughout.
Frankie really need someone in her corner after all she'd been through with her ex, and I felt like a couple of people she met on her street would be able to fill that role for her. It made me feel hopeful in a way, even with all the craziness that was going on as well.
As this story approaches the conclusion, the pace really picks up. Steadman has now slotted into place for the Reader exactly what is going on, and if you're invested still by that point, you will be on the edge of your seat.
One would assume they know how a story like this is going to conclude, but Steadman still managed to bring major intensity and cause of concern. I was gagged, racing through, I just needed to see how it was gonna wrap up.
I would highly recommend this to Psychological Thriller Readers, particularly those who love messy neighborhood drama. Steadman delivers that here in spades.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I have a feeling this will be making my Favorite Books of 2026 list!
After a messy divorce, Frankie moves herself and her lovable cat, Blue, into their own place in a posh London neighborhood.
It's her first time living on her own for many years, so of course there's a bit of anxiety surrounding that. The neighborhood seems lovely though, and Frankie is ready to settle in. Lord knows, she needs a fresh start.
Being alone in the house, particularly at night, does leave Frankie unsettled. She assumes this is something that will just take getting used to. Everything is fine, right?
But then after Blue arrives home after an evening carousing the neighborhood, Frankie makes a startling discovery. Someone has etched the words HELP ME into his collar.
Frankie is shocked. She doesn't know what to believe. Is this some sort of a prank, perhaps? Local teens looking to get a rise out of somebody?
Frankie's not willing to just let it go, regardless. Someone could really need help. Assuming that Blue couldn't have gone too far, and the person in distress must be nearby, Frankie digs out an old cat cam to attach to his collar to try to figure out where the person may be located.
As Frankie starts secretly watching the footage that Blue is capturing each day, she starts to learn a lot inadvertently about the households around her.
Eventually, Frankie finds the footage she's been waiting for. Now her casual curiosity has become an obsession. She needs to find the truth, and she'll stop at nothing to get it.
I had an absolute blast reading Nine Lives. Catherine Steadman definitely delivered all the fun things I look for in a Suspenseful Neighborhood Drama. She got my pulse racing so many times and I was fully invested.
I also loved the use of the cat cam. I felt like it was such a clever way to progress the plot. The voyeuristic nature of this, it's deliciously-compelling. Who doesn't want to know what's going on inside their neighbors homes?
Steadman wastes no time getting us to the action of this story either. Within the first 10%, I was hooked. There were some disturbing things happening, even within Frankie's home, that were getting under my skin. I had to know what was going on.
Frankie was a great MC for me. She sort of fits my tastes as far as her reliability as a narrator went. She is unmoored by her recent divorce and her new home. There were moments when I questioned whether I could believe everything she was telling me.
With this in mind, I'm sure this won't work as well for everyone, because of that, but for me, it was a real success.
In addition to Frankie, she had some other neighbors that I also really enjoyed. I liked seeing her relationships with those neighbors develop throughout.
Frankie really need someone in her corner after all she'd been through with her ex, and I felt like a couple of people she met on her street would be able to fill that role for her. It made me feel hopeful in a way, even with all the craziness that was going on as well.
As this story approaches the conclusion, the pace really picks up. Steadman has now slotted into place for the Reader exactly what is going on, and if you're invested still by that point, you will be on the edge of your seat.
One would assume they know how a story like this is going to conclude, but Steadman still managed to bring major intensity and cause of concern. I was gagged, racing through, I just needed to see how it was gonna wrap up.
I would highly recommend this to Psychological Thriller Readers, particularly those who love messy neighborhood drama. Steadman delivers that here in spades.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Bantam, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I have a feeling this will be making my Favorite Books of 2026 list!
August 1, 2026
Catherine Steadman is one of my favorite writers! She consistently crafts distinctive, engaging books that stand apart from other books.
When this book became suspenseful last night, I had to set it aside and finish it this morning.
Though fictional, the story feels disturbingly plausible given the alarming number of missing women and children who are never found.
The reality is sobering: when an adult woman disappears, there is often little official response, despite our legal right to autonomy over our own lives. We have the right to leave our lives behind. But was it done willingly...
I found this book exceptional and highly recommend her entire collection.
When this book became suspenseful last night, I had to set it aside and finish it this morning.
Though fictional, the story feels disturbingly plausible given the alarming number of missing women and children who are never found.
The reality is sobering: when an adult woman disappears, there is often little official response, despite our legal right to autonomy over our own lives. We have the right to leave our lives behind. But was it done willingly...
I found this book exceptional and highly recommend her entire collection.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely love Catherine Steadman’s books, so the moment I received her latest work, I didn’t hesitate—I jumped right in. The idea of someone in your own neighborhood possibly being a killer? Instantly hooked. That kind of close-to-home tension always works for me, and this book delivers that uneasy, creeping feeling so well.
There are quite a few characters here, but I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them. Of course, Frankie is our anchor, but I have to say—my favorites were Aoife, the 29-year-old movie star with her own layers to peel back, and Pam, the retired, middle-aged woman who embraces her solitude with such refreshing honesty and no-nonsense attitude. And then… we have the real star of the book: Blue. Frankie’s cat completely stole the show for me. Truly, this furry little detective is the rockstar of the entire story.
One of the most unique and creative aspects of the book is the cat-cam perspective. Seeing parts of the story unfold through Blue’s eyes felt like watching an indie film or a cleverly shot documentary. It added a fresh, slightly eerie layer to the narrative—like we’re witnessing something we shouldn’t be seeing.
The structure also deserves credit. The story moves between the near past—two years ago, where we’re introduced to a mysterious woman who may have been taken—and the present timeline, where Frankie stumbles upon a disturbing video captured by her cat’s camera. (Honestly, the fact that she only checked the footage because her cat went missing makes it even more chilling.) As the two timelines slowly connect over the course of nine intense days, the tension builds in a very satisfying way. And I loved the subtle nod to the number nine—it almost feels like a clever wink to the “nine lives” idea, especially considering who the real investigator of this story is!
The pacing started off strong and kept me engaged, though I’ll admit the middle section felt slightly uneven at times. Some of the repeated cat-cam sequences and neighborhood interactions could have been trimmed a bit to keep the momentum tighter. Still, I was never bored. I kept turning the pages, eager to see how everything would come together.
And that ending? Very satisfying. It left me with a big smile—especially with how the author chose to use a certain character in the epilogue. Such a smart and rewarding choice.
Plot-wise, we follow Frankie Green, who, after nearly twenty years of marriage, discovers her husband’s betrayal and starts over in a new London neighborhood with her beloved Persian cat, Blue. But her fresh start quickly turns unsettling. She begins experiencing strange night episodes—waking up at her front door with no memory of how she got there. Then Blue goes missing… and when he returns, there’s a chilling message scratched onto his collar: help me.
When Frankie checks the footage from Blue’s camera, she sees something disturbing—something she can’t ignore. But here’s the dilemma: she can’t go to the authorities, because the footage was captured without consent, making it legally unusable. She doesn’t even know which house the footage is from. All she knows is that someone nearby may be in danger… and the threat could be much closer than she ever imagined.
Overall, while this wasn’t my absolute favorite from the author, I really appreciated the originality of the concept, the character work, and the way the mystery unfolded. It kept me guessing, questioning everyone, and fully invested in finding out the truth.
If you’re already a fan of Catherine Steadman, this is definitely one you should pick up. It’s fresh, intriguing, and just different enough to stand out.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine / Bantam for sharing this intriguing thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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There are quite a few characters here, but I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them. Of course, Frankie is our anchor, but I have to say—my favorites were Aoife, the 29-year-old movie star with her own layers to peel back, and Pam, the retired, middle-aged woman who embraces her solitude with such refreshing honesty and no-nonsense attitude. And then… we have the real star of the book: Blue. Frankie’s cat completely stole the show for me. Truly, this furry little detective is the rockstar of the entire story.
One of the most unique and creative aspects of the book is the cat-cam perspective. Seeing parts of the story unfold through Blue’s eyes felt like watching an indie film or a cleverly shot documentary. It added a fresh, slightly eerie layer to the narrative—like we’re witnessing something we shouldn’t be seeing.
The structure also deserves credit. The story moves between the near past—two years ago, where we’re introduced to a mysterious woman who may have been taken—and the present timeline, where Frankie stumbles upon a disturbing video captured by her cat’s camera. (Honestly, the fact that she only checked the footage because her cat went missing makes it even more chilling.) As the two timelines slowly connect over the course of nine intense days, the tension builds in a very satisfying way. And I loved the subtle nod to the number nine—it almost feels like a clever wink to the “nine lives” idea, especially considering who the real investigator of this story is!
The pacing started off strong and kept me engaged, though I’ll admit the middle section felt slightly uneven at times. Some of the repeated cat-cam sequences and neighborhood interactions could have been trimmed a bit to keep the momentum tighter. Still, I was never bored. I kept turning the pages, eager to see how everything would come together.
And that ending? Very satisfying. It left me with a big smile—especially with how the author chose to use a certain character in the epilogue. Such a smart and rewarding choice.
Plot-wise, we follow Frankie Green, who, after nearly twenty years of marriage, discovers her husband’s betrayal and starts over in a new London neighborhood with her beloved Persian cat, Blue. But her fresh start quickly turns unsettling. She begins experiencing strange night episodes—waking up at her front door with no memory of how she got there. Then Blue goes missing… and when he returns, there’s a chilling message scratched onto his collar: help me.
When Frankie checks the footage from Blue’s camera, she sees something disturbing—something she can’t ignore. But here’s the dilemma: she can’t go to the authorities, because the footage was captured without consent, making it legally unusable. She doesn’t even know which house the footage is from. All she knows is that someone nearby may be in danger… and the threat could be much closer than she ever imagined.
Overall, while this wasn’t my absolute favorite from the author, I really appreciated the originality of the concept, the character work, and the way the mystery unfolded. It kept me guessing, questioning everyone, and fully invested in finding out the truth.
If you’re already a fan of Catherine Steadman, this is definitely one you should pick up. It’s fresh, intriguing, and just different enough to stand out.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine / Bantam for sharing this intriguing thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
July 6, 2026
Childless cat lady and her feline companion save the day in this new page-turner from Catherine Steadman.
June 14, 2026
Frankie and her cat, Blue, move into a new home after a terrible divorce. She is curious about her neighbors and spends her days peeping out of the window trying to figure them out.
One day, Blue returns and his collar has “help me” scratched on his collar. Frankie decides to put a spy camera on his collar in hopes of finding out what’s really going down.
This was such a refreshing take on an amateur sleuth, psychological thriller type story. The cat was a nice touch, and me being a cat lover, loved that. I kept trying to guess who the culprit was and I was so wrong.
Nine Lives is a slow burn suspenseful tale that focuses on how well you really know your neighbors. I loved it and recommend it to mystery and thriller fans! I can’t wait for what she has up her sleeve next!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 6/23/26
Thank you to Bantam books for the gifted copy.
One day, Blue returns and his collar has “help me” scratched on his collar. Frankie decides to put a spy camera on his collar in hopes of finding out what’s really going down.
This was such a refreshing take on an amateur sleuth, psychological thriller type story. The cat was a nice touch, and me being a cat lover, loved that. I kept trying to guess who the culprit was and I was so wrong.
Nine Lives is a slow burn suspenseful tale that focuses on how well you really know your neighbors. I loved it and recommend it to mystery and thriller fans! I can’t wait for what she has up her sleeve next!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 6/23/26
Thank you to Bantam books for the gifted copy.
June 26, 2026
Tense for sure.
March 29, 2026
Wow! Loved the way this story was told. From the voyeur aspects through a cat camera, the protagonist unintentionally watches a crime happening. But she doesn't know where or how to do anything because the police aren't biting. She's a great lead, and as she befriends neighbors on a posh London street, it makes me glad I stick to my own business. Tho, if I knew a crime was being committed, I'd try to solve it, too. Strong motivation. Newly rebuilding life. A complex story with a few layers and interesting POV throughout the chapters. My primary niggles: (1) where was her family in all this? She had no one to talk to except the neighbors, and (2) the ending was just off. It was a 5-star read until the very end. I won't spoil it but I felt like it sputtered instead of blossomed. Plus someone we'd briefly learned about came back in the picture to take up the last few pages, and in a way that simply took the story's power away from the main character. Oh well... still a very exciting read all the way through!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
BANGER ALERT! BANGER ALERT!
A breathtaking tour de force of the highest order, Nine Lives stunned me into silence with the first chapter and then followed it up with a plot Hitchcock would have admired. You see, not only was the it twisty, chilling, and clever, but the perfectly crafted characters and the setting of a wealthy London enclave worked together to make me feel like I was there. Bringing me fully into Frankie’s lonely world, the isolation was paired with the nosiness in quite the believable way. But it was the cat cam-snooping idea that made this book into a five-plus-star read. Giving us a fly-on-the-wall view while also keeping the suspense level dialed up to a ten, my blood froze as my hair raised on end. Don’t get me wrong, my fingers were also flying through the pages at a crazy-fast speed. After all, with Rear Window-esque vibes and a root-for-able main character, I couldn’t put this book down…even to pee.
So I’m betting that you’re wondering what ended up being my absolute favorite part of this one-sitting read. Truthfully, it was hard to whittle it down because the whole book was so brilliant. By the time I reached the last grin-worthy page, though, the gossip-worthy relationships that also felt true-to-life came out with the win. Well, and Steadman’s thought-provoking observations about human nature. Oh. And I can’t forget about the all of the unique characters jumping off of the page. A cinematic tale of psychological suspense that paired paranoia with a claustrophobic sense of unbridled dread, it was a dark and twisted ride from beginning to end. But then, Steadman is known for all of the above. So if you were a fan of The Woman in the Window or The Girl on the Train, be sure to order this humdinger of a read ASAP. After all, it just made my ‘best of’ list for the year. Rating of 5+ stars.
Read if you love:
- Feeling like a fly on the wall
- Amateur sleuths
- Hitchcock-like plotting
- Multiple POVs (including one for the cat cam)
- A creeping sense of paranoia
- Dual timelines
- Relatable narrators
- Thought-provoking themes
- An original premise
- Rich people behaving badly
- Unputdownable reads
SYNOPSIS:
Reeling from a very recent divorce, Frankie has moved into a glamorous London neighborhood. This is a new chapter in her life. She’s decided to put down roots with Blue, the beautiful Persian cat she left her marriage with.
But little doubts about her perfect new life start to grow, and when Blue returns one night from slipping into places he shouldn’t, Frankie’s concerns solidify. Two words are roughly scratched into his collar: help me. Unsettled and unwilling to ignore the incident, Frankie roots out an old unused “cat cam” collar. What slowly begins as a voyeuristic fascination with her neighbors and the secrets they’re hiding soon turns into a perilous quest for the truth that threatens to bring untold terrors to her doorstep.
Thank you Catherine Steadman and Bantam Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 23, 2026
Content warning: forced confinement, kidnapping, murder, sexual content, panic attack/anxiety disorder, violence, mention of: divorce, infidelity, miscarriage, domestic abuse, murder-suicide, death of a parent, stalking, rape
A breathtaking tour de force of the highest order, Nine Lives stunned me into silence with the first chapter and then followed it up with a plot Hitchcock would have admired. You see, not only was the it twisty, chilling, and clever, but the perfectly crafted characters and the setting of a wealthy London enclave worked together to make me feel like I was there. Bringing me fully into Frankie’s lonely world, the isolation was paired with the nosiness in quite the believable way. But it was the cat cam-snooping idea that made this book into a five-plus-star read. Giving us a fly-on-the-wall view while also keeping the suspense level dialed up to a ten, my blood froze as my hair raised on end. Don’t get me wrong, my fingers were also flying through the pages at a crazy-fast speed. After all, with Rear Window-esque vibes and a root-for-able main character, I couldn’t put this book down…even to pee.
So I’m betting that you’re wondering what ended up being my absolute favorite part of this one-sitting read. Truthfully, it was hard to whittle it down because the whole book was so brilliant. By the time I reached the last grin-worthy page, though, the gossip-worthy relationships that also felt true-to-life came out with the win. Well, and Steadman’s thought-provoking observations about human nature. Oh. And I can’t forget about the all of the unique characters jumping off of the page. A cinematic tale of psychological suspense that paired paranoia with a claustrophobic sense of unbridled dread, it was a dark and twisted ride from beginning to end. But then, Steadman is known for all of the above. So if you were a fan of The Woman in the Window or The Girl on the Train, be sure to order this humdinger of a read ASAP. After all, it just made my ‘best of’ list for the year. Rating of 5+ stars.
Read if you love:
- Feeling like a fly on the wall
- Amateur sleuths
- Hitchcock-like plotting
- Multiple POVs (including one for the cat cam)
- A creeping sense of paranoia
- Dual timelines
- Relatable narrators
- Thought-provoking themes
- An original premise
- Rich people behaving badly
- Unputdownable reads
SYNOPSIS:
Reeling from a very recent divorce, Frankie has moved into a glamorous London neighborhood. This is a new chapter in her life. She’s decided to put down roots with Blue, the beautiful Persian cat she left her marriage with.
But little doubts about her perfect new life start to grow, and when Blue returns one night from slipping into places he shouldn’t, Frankie’s concerns solidify. Two words are roughly scratched into his collar: help me. Unsettled and unwilling to ignore the incident, Frankie roots out an old unused “cat cam” collar. What slowly begins as a voyeuristic fascination with her neighbors and the secrets they’re hiding soon turns into a perilous quest for the truth that threatens to bring untold terrors to her doorstep.
Thank you Catherine Steadman and Bantam Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 23, 2026
Content warning: forced confinement, kidnapping, murder, sexual content, panic attack/anxiety disorder, violence, mention of: divorce, infidelity, miscarriage, domestic abuse, murder-suicide, death of a parent, stalking, rape
June 26, 2026
4 solid stars for "Nine Lives" - I really enjoyed this thriller! I liked that a lot of it was told via CAT & it's cat camera 😻🐈⬛ - that's a new one!! (but as a cat mom, PLEASE, please don't let your kitties go wandering!!) Overall, I also liked the FMC Frankie too, but there were a few "girl, NO" moments too. The middle was also a bit slower than I liked but the last third or so was just impossible to put-down & the epilogue was awesome!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Well done & I will keep reading Steadman for sure!
July 16, 2026
"Maybe everything is better around here, I think with a bite of cheerful cynicism."
And then maybe not. You can't pick your parents, your siblings, and in most cases, your neighbors. Those neighbors have dug roots into this community long before you arrived. Behind those closed doors are people who want to know the ins and outs of you, too.
Sometimes a book just snaps from the first few chapters. Nine Lives is certainly not heavy lifting. I knew that as I settled in. But, Hunka Munka, this one does have bite. I cast aside logic and just buckled up for the ride. There's tension from the get-go and Blue the Cat was the main feature. Sometimes we just need a book that puts the world on the shelf for a few moments.
Francesca "Frankie" Green is trying to be a survivor even though her reflection in the mirror states otherwise. She's forty and newly divorced....tossed out of her marriage by a cheater. But she's made some good financial decisions and has bought a house in an upscale section of London. She gazes out of her window and tries to figure out who these neighbors are. Three of them were at the end of her driveway shaking their heads. Two came over to introduce themselves. But all of them seem to have different lives behind those closed doors.
Enter Blue. Blue is Frankie's adorable cat. She scoots him out the door every morning for his adventures. But this time Blue comes back with "Help Me" scratched into his collar. Frankie decides to pull out the collar with the camera.....and what she sees shocks her. Frankie rushes to the police, but they won't give her the time of day. She could be arrested for videotaping without people's permission. They can't view it themselves because of the law. She's told to toss the video and the collar. But Frankie knows she's the only lifeline for this person....no matter the cost.
Nine Lives is a fun read with a very creative storyline. I've always enjoyed Catherine Steadman's novels. Her choice of an inquisitive cat and its owner is a highly interesting one. Entertain us is our mantra and Steadman does. It doesn't matter that there are a few pockets of improbability here and there. We're running alongside Blue to see what happens next.
Nine Lives is one to reach for. Curiosity doesn't kill the cat in this one. But it could put its owner in a whole pack of danger. Be sure to check it out.
And then maybe not. You can't pick your parents, your siblings, and in most cases, your neighbors. Those neighbors have dug roots into this community long before you arrived. Behind those closed doors are people who want to know the ins and outs of you, too.
Sometimes a book just snaps from the first few chapters. Nine Lives is certainly not heavy lifting. I knew that as I settled in. But, Hunka Munka, this one does have bite. I cast aside logic and just buckled up for the ride. There's tension from the get-go and Blue the Cat was the main feature. Sometimes we just need a book that puts the world on the shelf for a few moments.
Francesca "Frankie" Green is trying to be a survivor even though her reflection in the mirror states otherwise. She's forty and newly divorced....tossed out of her marriage by a cheater. But she's made some good financial decisions and has bought a house in an upscale section of London. She gazes out of her window and tries to figure out who these neighbors are. Three of them were at the end of her driveway shaking their heads. Two came over to introduce themselves. But all of them seem to have different lives behind those closed doors.
Enter Blue. Blue is Frankie's adorable cat. She scoots him out the door every morning for his adventures. But this time Blue comes back with "Help Me" scratched into his collar. Frankie decides to pull out the collar with the camera.....and what she sees shocks her. Frankie rushes to the police, but they won't give her the time of day. She could be arrested for videotaping without people's permission. They can't view it themselves because of the law. She's told to toss the video and the collar. But Frankie knows she's the only lifeline for this person....no matter the cost.
Nine Lives is a fun read with a very creative storyline. I've always enjoyed Catherine Steadman's novels. Her choice of an inquisitive cat and its owner is a highly interesting one. Entertain us is our mantra and Steadman does. It doesn't matter that there are a few pockets of improbability here and there. We're running alongside Blue to see what happens next.
Nine Lives is one to reach for. Curiosity doesn't kill the cat in this one. But it could put its owner in a whole pack of danger. Be sure to check it out.
July 13, 2026
My love for my furry friend is validated after reading this original, suspenseful, intense thriller! The Cat Camera chapters especially pulled me in! They were genius! I loved how the story developed with the help of beloved Blue, who instantly stole my heart. I loved Frankie, Aoife, and Pam as well. There were times I thought I knew where the story was going, but I was completely surprised by the events leading to the satisfying, shocking conclusion. I have read and loved all of Catherine Steadman’s books. This book continues the 5-star streak. Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for my copy.
July 20, 2026
3.5 stars, domestic drama. I have enjoyed most of Steadman's books in the past, they are always wild rides!
Frankie and her cat Blue move into a new house in a posh London neighborhood after her divorce. She has a lot of anxiety, but she is determined to make a new way in life. Some of the neighbors are welcoming, and some seem as if they do not want Frankie there. One day, Blue escapes from the house and when he returns, the words "HELP ME" are scratched into his collar. Frankie attaches a cat camera to him and then starts to watch the footage to see if this is real or just a prank. She ends up discovering a lot more than she could have imagined.
Some of Frankie's choices were just dumb to me. She jumps to conclusions and confronts people even when she has no evidence and when it might put her in danger. If you like a juicy, voyeuristic neighborhood drama, then step right up and read this book. You will have to suspend a bit of disbelief, but overall I had a lot of fun with all of the spying on the neighbors.
This story has a dual timeline--one of Frankie and one of a woman who goes missing. That definitely drew me in and I was very invested to discover exactly what was going on in that neighborhood! There are lots of characters, and all of them seem to have something to hide--even if it isn't harboring a kidnapped woman.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Frankie and her cat Blue move into a new house in a posh London neighborhood after her divorce. She has a lot of anxiety, but she is determined to make a new way in life. Some of the neighbors are welcoming, and some seem as if they do not want Frankie there. One day, Blue escapes from the house and when he returns, the words "HELP ME" are scratched into his collar. Frankie attaches a cat camera to him and then starts to watch the footage to see if this is real or just a prank. She ends up discovering a lot more than she could have imagined.
Some of Frankie's choices were just dumb to me. She jumps to conclusions and confronts people even when she has no evidence and when it might put her in danger. If you like a juicy, voyeuristic neighborhood drama, then step right up and read this book. You will have to suspend a bit of disbelief, but overall I had a lot of fun with all of the spying on the neighbors.
This story has a dual timeline--one of Frankie and one of a woman who goes missing. That definitely drew me in and I was very invested to discover exactly what was going on in that neighborhood! There are lots of characters, and all of them seem to have something to hide--even if it isn't harboring a kidnapped woman.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all of Catherine's books in the past 18 months and she is consistently one of my favorites in the Thriller space.
This one really missed the mark for me by the time the story ended, but I do love her writing and the worlds she drops us into that i was still compelled to read to the end.
We're following a recently divorced woman who has moved onto a new, wealthy, street and accidentally starts spying on her neighbors via her cats collar camera. When she begins to suspect one of her neighbors is hiding a deadly secret, shes left wondering what she can do to expose the secret while keeping herself safe.
Something this book did that I felt was interesting was trying to make the police act in a way that I feel was actually authentic. Frankie comes to them with her (illegally obtained) evidence and the cops tell her they will do what they can within the confines of the law and that her part of this is done. Now, obviously we have no story if Frankie doesnt involve herself but I appreciated that there was this acknowledgement that once you had something over to the police, as a civilian you are meant to then step back and not stay involved and you may not know how the situation ends. That felt realistic (and frustrating) and it was a refreshing inclusion. It also helped shape Frankies actions because she knew she was on thin ice with the police already.
However where this book falls apart is in the reveals. A thriller is always going to rest on the reveal feeling properly built up while not being too obvious. If you re-read it you should see the layers and misdirects surrounding the reveal. This reveal felt like I missed a chapter for why this was the reveal.
I also wasnt in love with the perspective choice for the Epilogue, though I do think it was meant to be kind of cheeky and showing "who won the break up" so to speak, it was also like "do i care about this perspective though" ? I think if the reveal hadnt let me down I would feel less critical about the epilogue but back to back it was a bit of a let down of an ending for me.
——
Tempted to give this 5 stars just to balance the idiot who rated 1 when it doesn’t even have a title or synopsis so you’re rating it on nothing at all….
But regardless after 2 wins from ms steadman I’m eagerly anticipating this release ☺️
I have read all of Catherine's books in the past 18 months and she is consistently one of my favorites in the Thriller space.
This one really missed the mark for me by the time the story ended, but I do love her writing and the worlds she drops us into that i was still compelled to read to the end.
We're following a recently divorced woman who has moved onto a new, wealthy, street and accidentally starts spying on her neighbors via her cats collar camera. When she begins to suspect one of her neighbors is hiding a deadly secret, shes left wondering what she can do to expose the secret while keeping herself safe.
Something this book did that I felt was interesting was trying to make the police act in a way that I feel was actually authentic. Frankie comes to them with her (illegally obtained) evidence and the cops tell her they will do what they can within the confines of the law and that her part of this is done. Now, obviously we have no story if Frankie doesnt involve herself but I appreciated that there was this acknowledgement that once you had something over to the police, as a civilian you are meant to then step back and not stay involved and you may not know how the situation ends. That felt realistic (and frustrating) and it was a refreshing inclusion. It also helped shape Frankies actions because she knew she was on thin ice with the police already.
However where this book falls apart is in the reveals. A thriller is always going to rest on the reveal feeling properly built up while not being too obvious. If you re-read it you should see the layers and misdirects surrounding the reveal. This reveal felt like I missed a chapter for why this was the reveal.
I also wasnt in love with the perspective choice for the Epilogue, though I do think it was meant to be kind of cheeky and showing "who won the break up" so to speak, it was also like "do i care about this perspective though" ? I think if the reveal hadnt let me down I would feel less critical about the epilogue but back to back it was a bit of a let down of an ending for me.
——
Tempted to give this 5 stars just to balance the idiot who rated 1 when it doesn’t even have a title or synopsis so you’re rating it on nothing at all….
But regardless after 2 wins from ms steadman I’m eagerly anticipating this release ☺️
July 21, 2026
Catherine Steadman is one of my favorite writers! She consistently crafts distinctive, engaging books that stand apart from other books.
When this book became suspenseful last night, I had to set it aside and finish it this morning.
Though fictional, the story feels disturbingly plausible given the alarming number of missing women and children who are never found.
The reality is sobering: when an adult woman disappears, there is often little official response, despite our legal right to autonomy over our own lives. We have the right to leave our lives behind. But was it done willingly...
I found this book exceptional and highly recommend her entire collection.
When this book became suspenseful last night, I had to set it aside and finish it this morning.
Though fictional, the story feels disturbingly plausible given the alarming number of missing women and children who are never found.
The reality is sobering: when an adult woman disappears, there is often little official response, despite our legal right to autonomy over our own lives. We have the right to leave our lives behind. But was it done willingly...
I found this book exceptional and highly recommend her entire collection.
April 9, 2026
Not a page turner whatsoever.
The beginning had me thinking this would be a strong thriller because the plot definitely kicked it off in a mysterious way, but every page after, had me bored. The thing with Catherine’s books is they seem to have a good idea about them, but momentum gets lots along the way, this one in particular had so many characters, and implausible pieces of the story. The ending was underwhelming. Unfortunately, this was a huge miss!
The beginning had me thinking this would be a strong thriller because the plot definitely kicked it off in a mysterious way, but every page after, had me bored. The thing with Catherine’s books is they seem to have a good idea about them, but momentum gets lots along the way, this one in particular had so many characters, and implausible pieces of the story. The ending was underwhelming. Unfortunately, this was a huge miss!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
After a painful divorce, Francesca Green moves into a small, glamorous London neighbourhood, determined to make a fresh start. On the first day in her new home, Blue, her cat, escapes and doesn’t return until the wee small hours, his collar in disarray with the words ‘Help Me’ scratched onto the leather. It’s not the only unsettling incident. Frankie decides to put a camera collar onto Blue, which, whilst it allows her to track his movements, results in her becoming somewhat of a voyeur of her neighbours. However, it becomes clear that this is a secretive neighbourhood and this could lead to terrible consequences. Nine lives : Frankie Green or her camera wearing cat??
First of all, I really like the concept of using the cat cam as a plot trope, it’s a bit different and does lead to some tantalising descriptions of Frankie‘s new neighbours. Inevitably, this raises the suspicion levels which twitch back-and-forth between various characters. They’re a diverse bunch which leads to an interesting whodunnit. The characterisation is good, there are quite a few peripheral characters that maybe don’t add much to the plot but they do add to the ‘flavour’ of the area. At times, I want to yell ‘Noooo’ at Frankie as she sure takes risks and the odd alarming vibes at her new property makes me want to suggest she moves house.
There are some good twists, but I don’t think they’re up to the authors usual standards and there’s not a great deal of suspense or tension. It feels disjointed on occasions, due to timeline or narrator switches. It has an uneven pace, it’s quite slow at the start, then it picks up, slows again in the second half with the momentum eventually increasing. The ending is okay, to me it seems to fizzle out and I hope for more of a bang and a question if the Epilogue is required.
Overall though, it’s entertaining, there’s the right level of intrigue and it’s easy to read.
After a painful divorce, Francesca Green moves into a small, glamorous London neighbourhood, determined to make a fresh start. On the first day in her new home, Blue, her cat, escapes and doesn’t return until the wee small hours, his collar in disarray with the words ‘Help Me’ scratched onto the leather. It’s not the only unsettling incident. Frankie decides to put a camera collar onto Blue, which, whilst it allows her to track his movements, results in her becoming somewhat of a voyeur of her neighbours. However, it becomes clear that this is a secretive neighbourhood and this could lead to terrible consequences. Nine lives : Frankie Green or her camera wearing cat??
First of all, I really like the concept of using the cat cam as a plot trope, it’s a bit different and does lead to some tantalising descriptions of Frankie‘s new neighbours. Inevitably, this raises the suspicion levels which twitch back-and-forth between various characters. They’re a diverse bunch which leads to an interesting whodunnit. The characterisation is good, there are quite a few peripheral characters that maybe don’t add much to the plot but they do add to the ‘flavour’ of the area. At times, I want to yell ‘Noooo’ at Frankie as she sure takes risks and the odd alarming vibes at her new property makes me want to suggest she moves house.
There are some good twists, but I don’t think they’re up to the authors usual standards and there’s not a great deal of suspense or tension. It feels disjointed on occasions, due to timeline or narrator switches. It has an uneven pace, it’s quite slow at the start, then it picks up, slows again in the second half with the momentum eventually increasing. The ending is okay, to me it seems to fizzle out and I hope for more of a bang and a question if the Epilogue is required.
Overall though, it’s entertaining, there’s the right level of intrigue and it’s easy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fantastic book! It has such a unique premise involving a cat wearing a collar that contains a cat camera…and said camera capturing something truly dark and disturbing. Some parts are genuinely creepy, and there is tons of mystery and suspicion. This might be my favorite of Steadman’s books. Plus, who can resist a beautiful feline named Blue?
August 2, 2026
Nine Lives is a lightening fast, highly entertaining, read. It won't change your life or make you see the world differently, but in terms of satisfying, well written thrillers that keep readers invested, it checks all the boxes.
Brief Summary:
Frankie, our protagonist, is recently divorced and just moving into a new home in a London neighborhood when readers meet her. She adores her new home, but she can't shake the feeling that something is not quite right. She initially chalks this up to being alone for the first time in over a decade...well, almost alone. She got Blue, the cat, in the divorce. Blue comes home, after his first day out wandering the new neighborhood, with the words "help me" scratched into his collar. (And yes, this is exactly the same impetus that triggers Frankie's investigation as was used in the old Haley Mills Disney film, That Darn Cat. But fortunately, this is where the similarities end. Nine Lives is not a That Darn Cat retelling, I promise). In an effort to find out who needs help, Frankie gets a tiny cat collar video camera recording device, and each night she reviews the footage, discovering a great deal more about her neighbors than she has bargained for.
On the surface, I know this sort of plot summary makes this book sound oh-so-cute and sentimental, but it really is quite intensely written. Blue is not overly sentimentalized, and there are several other mysteries aside from the primary one, all of which continually fuel the suspense. Frankie has started sleepwalking, neighbors are gossiping about her house as a potential dangerous threat which they refuse to openly tell her about, her backdoor seems to open and close by itself, the police are useless, and a new love interest seems to appear in her life just when she needs him the most...or does she?
Nine Lives is exactly the sort of thriller I love to read when I am in between hard hitting, dense literary reads and just need a sure thing--a book I know I won't be able to put down, but one I don't have to think about too much. It's a wonderful ride which I strongly recommend to readers in book slumps, readers who need a break from books that took a lot out of them, &/or to anyone who simply loves mysteries and thrillers. It also happens to be a great read for anyone going through a divorce. The ending (I will refrain from spoilers) is truly perfect. The main characters are likable immediately, the settings are vividly depicted, and the suspense is unrelenting. It takes no effort whatsoever to get into this book. I read it in two sittings, all in one day. I will certainly return to this author.
Brief Summary:
Frankie, our protagonist, is recently divorced and just moving into a new home in a London neighborhood when readers meet her. She adores her new home, but she can't shake the feeling that something is not quite right. She initially chalks this up to being alone for the first time in over a decade...well, almost alone. She got Blue, the cat, in the divorce. Blue comes home, after his first day out wandering the new neighborhood, with the words "help me" scratched into his collar. (And yes, this is exactly the same impetus that triggers Frankie's investigation as was used in the old Haley Mills Disney film, That Darn Cat. But fortunately, this is where the similarities end. Nine Lives is not a That Darn Cat retelling, I promise). In an effort to find out who needs help, Frankie gets a tiny cat collar video camera recording device, and each night she reviews the footage, discovering a great deal more about her neighbors than she has bargained for.
On the surface, I know this sort of plot summary makes this book sound oh-so-cute and sentimental, but it really is quite intensely written. Blue is not overly sentimentalized, and there are several other mysteries aside from the primary one, all of which continually fuel the suspense. Frankie has started sleepwalking, neighbors are gossiping about her house as a potential dangerous threat which they refuse to openly tell her about, her backdoor seems to open and close by itself, the police are useless, and a new love interest seems to appear in her life just when she needs him the most...or does she?
Nine Lives is exactly the sort of thriller I love to read when I am in between hard hitting, dense literary reads and just need a sure thing--a book I know I won't be able to put down, but one I don't have to think about too much. It's a wonderful ride which I strongly recommend to readers in book slumps, readers who need a break from books that took a lot out of them, &/or to anyone who simply loves mysteries and thrillers. It also happens to be a great read for anyone going through a divorce. The ending (I will refrain from spoilers) is truly perfect. The main characters are likable immediately, the settings are vividly depicted, and the suspense is unrelenting. It takes no effort whatsoever to get into this book. I read it in two sittings, all in one day. I will certainly return to this author.
August 15, 2026
What a dynamically cute 😼thriller that I truly enjoyed! This was the best kind of storytelling that was so uniquely crafted. I mean writing from a cat cam POV, brilliant! The story itself was amazing with a very satisfying ending. By the end of this one you will not be able to put it down and you will be on the edge of your seat.
Looking for an interesting thriller that’s not super dark and can easily follow? Then grab your fur baby and saddle up for a wild adventure with Mr. Blue. This was a lighthearted thriller that’s still packed the hard punch of suspense and heart stopping moments and for that I say….Well done and thank you!
Looking for an interesting thriller that’s not super dark and can easily follow? Then grab your fur baby and saddle up for a wild adventure with Mr. Blue. This was a lighthearted thriller that’s still packed the hard punch of suspense and heart stopping moments and for that I say….Well done and thank you!
August 6, 2026
I picked this up because I was in the mood for a page-turner, and Catherine Steadman usually delivers. The premise immediately hooked me. Francesca (Frankie), a newly divorced woman, moves into an affluent London neighborhood for a fresh start. From day one, she can’t shake that feeling that something isn’t right, but brushes it off. She has a cat named Blue who has a habit of wandering off, and her new neighbors seem to know him.
Then one day, her cat comes home with “HELP ME” scratched onto his collar.
Frankie attaches a cat cam to his collar, hoping to discover what he’s been up to. Naturally, the most important footage is erased because she never upgraded after the free trial ended. I laughed at that because I’ve done the exact same thing with my Ring camera—once it’s gone, it’s gone.
One of my favorite things in a domestic thriller is questioning whether the narrator is reliable, and Steadman sets that up well. Claire struggles with insomnia, stress, and takes diazepam, so both she and the reader begin to question what’s real. My only criticism is that the author spells this out a little too often. I don’t mind an unreliable narrator, but I’d rather infer it from the character’s actions than be repeatedly reminded of it.
When Frankie discovers a woman may be in danger, she can’t convince the police to act because the video evidence was obtained illegally. So she does her own sleuthing, collecting more footage and slowly piecing together the mystery. There are plenty of suspects, and I was completely wrong about where it was headed.
This was an engaging, fast-moving mystery with just the right amount of tension. The cat cam made for a refreshingly original twist—I can’t say I’ve ever read another thriller where a mischievous cat helps solve the case. That darn cat!
Aside from my small quibble about the author overexplaining Frankie’s state of mind, I really enjoyed this one. There’s also a little romance. It kept me guessing, wrapped up well, and was exactly the kind of entertaining page-turner I was looking for.
Then one day, her cat comes home with “HELP ME” scratched onto his collar.
Frankie attaches a cat cam to his collar, hoping to discover what he’s been up to. Naturally, the most important footage is erased because she never upgraded after the free trial ended. I laughed at that because I’ve done the exact same thing with my Ring camera—once it’s gone, it’s gone.
One of my favorite things in a domestic thriller is questioning whether the narrator is reliable, and Steadman sets that up well. Claire struggles with insomnia, stress, and takes diazepam, so both she and the reader begin to question what’s real. My only criticism is that the author spells this out a little too often. I don’t mind an unreliable narrator, but I’d rather infer it from the character’s actions than be repeatedly reminded of it.
When Frankie discovers a woman may be in danger, she can’t convince the police to act because the video evidence was obtained illegally. So she does her own sleuthing, collecting more footage and slowly piecing together the mystery. There are plenty of suspects, and I was completely wrong about where it was headed.
This was an engaging, fast-moving mystery with just the right amount of tension. The cat cam made for a refreshingly original twist—I can’t say I’ve ever read another thriller where a mischievous cat helps solve the case. That darn cat!
Aside from my small quibble about the author overexplaining Frankie’s state of mind, I really enjoyed this one. There’s also a little romance. It kept me guessing, wrapped up well, and was exactly the kind of entertaining page-turner I was looking for.
July 15, 2026
Would your cat help you spy on your neighbors? 🐈⬛ 🎥
Thank you to @bantambooks for my gifted copy of Steadman’s 2026 thriller, NINE LIVES. Ever since her 2022 release The Family Game, Catherine Steadman has become an auto-read author. Her originality in storytelling in the thriller space has repeatedly gripped me each time since.
Frankie Green is reeling from a very recent divorce, but luckily has been able to move into her own home in a glamorous London neighborhood with her blue Persian cat Blue. However, this new chapter starts unraveling when Blue returns one night from somewhere he shouldn’t have been. Scratched into his collar are two words: HELP ME. Refusing to ignore it, she digs out an old cat-cam collar. What starts as a voyeuristic curiosity about her neighbors soon spirals into a dangerous search for the truth—one that could bring terror to her door.
Catherine Steadman has done it again! This book is perfect for those who love suspense-driven thrillers. Slow burning mystery, but not a slow burn (if that makes sense!). It is being labeled The Girl on the Train meets The Woman in the Window and I definitely can see that (with no intoxicated protagonist). This new spin on the Rear Window trope was done perfectly. Frankie’s trauma from her divorce hit close to home for me and made her extremely relatable, which obviously kept me turning the pages. The neighborhood drama felt realistic and convincing, while the suspense of Blue’s journey with the cat-cam collar through me over the edge in suspense with bated breath. This one is less in-your-face-action than Steadman’s last two, but definitely the most edge-0f-your-seat. NINE LIVES will be a favorite of the year and a must read for those who love the genre. STARS: 5, PUB: 6/23
Thank you to @bantambooks for my gifted copy of Steadman’s 2026 thriller, NINE LIVES. Ever since her 2022 release The Family Game, Catherine Steadman has become an auto-read author. Her originality in storytelling in the thriller space has repeatedly gripped me each time since.
Frankie Green is reeling from a very recent divorce, but luckily has been able to move into her own home in a glamorous London neighborhood with her blue Persian cat Blue. However, this new chapter starts unraveling when Blue returns one night from somewhere he shouldn’t have been. Scratched into his collar are two words: HELP ME. Refusing to ignore it, she digs out an old cat-cam collar. What starts as a voyeuristic curiosity about her neighbors soon spirals into a dangerous search for the truth—one that could bring terror to her door.
Catherine Steadman has done it again! This book is perfect for those who love suspense-driven thrillers. Slow burning mystery, but not a slow burn (if that makes sense!). It is being labeled The Girl on the Train meets The Woman in the Window and I definitely can see that (with no intoxicated protagonist). This new spin on the Rear Window trope was done perfectly. Frankie’s trauma from her divorce hit close to home for me and made her extremely relatable, which obviously kept me turning the pages. The neighborhood drama felt realistic and convincing, while the suspense of Blue’s journey with the cat-cam collar through me over the edge in suspense with bated breath. This one is less in-your-face-action than Steadman’s last two, but definitely the most edge-0f-your-seat. NINE LIVES will be a favorite of the year and a must read for those who love the genre. STARS: 5, PUB: 6/23
June 29, 2026
Wow, another let down. The concept was good, love a good Rear Window story, but nope it was just a bunch of nonsense.
1. It is NOT illegal for cops to look at video footage that was obtained without the consent of the person in the video especially when a person is possibly kidnapped. I know the whole setting of the alarm thing was supposed to make Frankie look cagey and the police would be suspicious of her behavior but that isn’t enough to make the cops NOT watch the video 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ - no I do not live in the UK but two minutes of research proved this was bullshit
2. The entire setting off alarm thing was just dumb. So she was sleep walking because she was stressed and unlocked her door setting off the alarm and then acted super cagey when the cops showed up. Just tell them you were sleep walking and it was new? Like what? Makes no sense. I hate when authors make characters do something dumb just to move the story along.
3. What is with haunted house red herrings in these books I’ve been reading? Like she thought the house was being broken into then found out it was being opened from the INSIDE..dun dun dun. Then all the gossip she was overhearing about the house and it was just that people were murdered 🙄
4. The killer being the doctor she went to see ONCE because of the sleepwalking and was never mentioned again. That’s not a twist or interesting. Just fucking lazy.
5. The Wikipedia page chapter recapping what happened. So the author thinks we are dumb and can’t remember what happened? Or just the fact the she realized the book is a shit show and needed to recap lol so she clearly didn’t do her job with the first the rest of the book.
6. The ex’s POV at the end. Why? Who fucking care? Just dumb dumb dumb.
I could go on but I don’t want to spend anymore energy in this nonsense.
1. It is NOT illegal for cops to look at video footage that was obtained without the consent of the person in the video especially when a person is possibly kidnapped. I know the whole setting of the alarm thing was supposed to make Frankie look cagey and the police would be suspicious of her behavior but that isn’t enough to make the cops NOT watch the video 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ - no I do not live in the UK but two minutes of research proved this was bullshit
2. The entire setting off alarm thing was just dumb. So she was sleep walking because she was stressed and unlocked her door setting off the alarm and then acted super cagey when the cops showed up. Just tell them you were sleep walking and it was new? Like what? Makes no sense. I hate when authors make characters do something dumb just to move the story along.
3. What is with haunted house red herrings in these books I’ve been reading? Like she thought the house was being broken into then found out it was being opened from the INSIDE..dun dun dun. Then all the gossip she was overhearing about the house and it was just that people were murdered 🙄
4. The killer being the doctor she went to see ONCE because of the sleepwalking and was never mentioned again. That’s not a twist or interesting. Just fucking lazy.
5. The Wikipedia page chapter recapping what happened. So the author thinks we are dumb and can’t remember what happened? Or just the fact the she realized the book is a shit show and needed to recap lol so she clearly didn’t do her job with the first the rest of the book.
6. The ex’s POV at the end. Why? Who fucking care? Just dumb dumb dumb.
I could go on but I don’t want to spend anymore energy in this nonsense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2026
I love that fact that every Catherine Steadman book has such a unique premise that pulls you in. This was such a clever idea, one I haven’t seen before and I have read a lot of thrillers. I powered through this book in 2 sittings, it was so addictive and so much fun to read.
Newly divorced Frankie has just bought a beautiful new house in London and is excited for her future, just her and her cat Blue. The neighbours seem a bit standoffish to begin with, and some are hiding some dark secrets. Blue is happy traipsing around the neighbourhood with his cat camera on his collar. When Frankie watches what happens on a day in the life of Blue, she makes a shocking discovery. The police are not interested so she takes things into her own hands.
Although it had some pretty dark moments, there was also moments where I laughed. Such a fun idea and really well done. I will read anything this author writes, knowing that it is going to be interesting and exciting.
Thanks so much to Ballantine Books on NetGalley for my early copy of this book to read. Out in the world on June 23rd.
Newly divorced Frankie has just bought a beautiful new house in London and is excited for her future, just her and her cat Blue. The neighbours seem a bit standoffish to begin with, and some are hiding some dark secrets. Blue is happy traipsing around the neighbourhood with his cat camera on his collar. When Frankie watches what happens on a day in the life of Blue, she makes a shocking discovery. The police are not interested so she takes things into her own hands.
Although it had some pretty dark moments, there was also moments where I laughed. Such a fun idea and really well done. I will read anything this author writes, knowing that it is going to be interesting and exciting.
Thanks so much to Ballantine Books on NetGalley for my early copy of this book to read. Out in the world on June 23rd.
June 23, 2026
4.5/5
I have a complicated history with Catherine Steadman’s books. I’ve absolutely loved some and strongly disliked others, but Nine Lives is easily my favorite of hers so far. The cat camera premise immediately hooked me because it’s unlike anything I’ve read before and I’ll admit it appealed directly to my nosy side. The idea of seeing glimpses into neighbors’ lives through the perspective of a wandering cat creates such a creepy, voyeuristic atmosphere, and Steadman makes the most of it. Every new piece of footage felt like another clue in a neighborhood full of secrets.
The story moves at a brisk pace with multiple characters, plenty of gossip, and enough suspicious behavior to keep everyone on the suspect list. I especially loved the suburban scandal element. Give me neighborhood drama, hidden resentments, and people pretending everything is perfect while chaos simmers underneath, and I’m all in.
The dual timeline works well, alternating between Frankie’s present day investigation and the story of a woman who was abducted years earlier. While I wasn’t completely surprised by how everything connected, watching the pieces come together was still incredibly entertaining.
My only real hesitation comes from a few plausibility issues and aspects of the ending that didn’t fully work for me. Even so, the originality of the premise, the suspenseful atmosphere, and the constant tension more than made up for those shortcomings.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Neighborhood secrets and suburban scandals
* Voyeuristic thrillers
* Dual timelines
* Unreliable appearances and hidden lives
* Fast paced psychological suspense
* Multiple suspects and plenty of twists
* Unique thriller premises
I have a complicated history with Catherine Steadman’s books. I’ve absolutely loved some and strongly disliked others, but Nine Lives is easily my favorite of hers so far. The cat camera premise immediately hooked me because it’s unlike anything I’ve read before and I’ll admit it appealed directly to my nosy side. The idea of seeing glimpses into neighbors’ lives through the perspective of a wandering cat creates such a creepy, voyeuristic atmosphere, and Steadman makes the most of it. Every new piece of footage felt like another clue in a neighborhood full of secrets.
The story moves at a brisk pace with multiple characters, plenty of gossip, and enough suspicious behavior to keep everyone on the suspect list. I especially loved the suburban scandal element. Give me neighborhood drama, hidden resentments, and people pretending everything is perfect while chaos simmers underneath, and I’m all in.
The dual timeline works well, alternating between Frankie’s present day investigation and the story of a woman who was abducted years earlier. While I wasn’t completely surprised by how everything connected, watching the pieces come together was still incredibly entertaining.
My only real hesitation comes from a few plausibility issues and aspects of the ending that didn’t fully work for me. Even so, the originality of the premise, the suspenseful atmosphere, and the constant tension more than made up for those shortcomings.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Neighborhood secrets and suburban scandals
* Voyeuristic thrillers
* Dual timelines
* Unreliable appearances and hidden lives
* Fast paced psychological suspense
* Multiple suspects and plenty of twists
* Unique thriller premises
September 18, 2026
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ 📖 🎧 🐈⬛
I was intrigued by the premise of "Nine Lives" right off the bat. The story follows Frankie, who moves into a new London neighborhood after her divorce and things take a crazy turn when her cat comes home with "HELP ME" scratched into his collar! To figure out what's going on, she slaps a little cat camera on him to spy on the neighbors.
As a huge cat lover, Blue 🐈⬛ was easily the real hero of the story for me! My biggest issue, though, was how irresponsible Frankie was with him. Letting a diabetic cat roam around outside unsupervised drove me crazy. People fed him anything, not to mention whatever random junk he ate off the street!
Pacing-wise, it started off totally fine with a steady setup, but it definitely dragged in the middle before picking back up for a strong ending.
I did immersive reading for this one (reading on my e-reader while listening along to the audiobook 🎧) Catherine Steadman narrates her own book and did a good job.
Overall, A fun, quick and entertaining mystery, just a few questionable pet-owner choices away from a 4 star for me!
I was intrigued by the premise of "Nine Lives" right off the bat. The story follows Frankie, who moves into a new London neighborhood after her divorce and things take a crazy turn when her cat comes home with "HELP ME" scratched into his collar! To figure out what's going on, she slaps a little cat camera on him to spy on the neighbors.
As a huge cat lover, Blue 🐈⬛ was easily the real hero of the story for me! My biggest issue, though, was how irresponsible Frankie was with him. Letting a diabetic cat roam around outside unsupervised drove me crazy. People fed him anything, not to mention whatever random junk he ate off the street!
Pacing-wise, it started off totally fine with a steady setup, but it definitely dragged in the middle before picking back up for a strong ending.
I did immersive reading for this one (reading on my e-reader while listening along to the audiobook 🎧) Catherine Steadman narrates her own book and did a good job.
Overall, A fun, quick and entertaining mystery, just a few questionable pet-owner choices away from a 4 star for me!
June 27, 2026
I mean… it really doesn’t get any better than this!! 😍👏 Thank you so much @bantambooks #partner for this gorgeous gifted copy!!! Thank you for sending me one of my favorite books so far this year!! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you #prhaudiopartner for the equally fantastic gifted audiobook!! 🎧 🎧 Hands down 5 stars!⭐️
Sooo you know when you know that it’s going to be a five star.. immediately… that book that you can’t put down… the one you put your earbuds in because you NEED to take it EVERYWHERE… because you HAVE to know?!!! THIS is that book.
Listen to this… you are new to the neighborhood… you feel like an outsider.. well of course you do!! You are the newbie!! Except it’s not just that… people are whispering about you. Why?? 😳🤷♀️
To add to your unease about the neighbors… get this… SOMEONE writes Help Me on your cat’s collar. Ummm 🤔 WHAT?! Is this a joke? Well you decide to find out. 🐈⬛ When you do… hang on because it’s about to get all kinds of wild!!
I absolutely LOVED that Blue took center stage!! I could not get enough of this clever cat. 🐈⬛
This book has been all over Instagram and seriously.. the hype is real!!! It’s fun, clever and totally unique. LOVED it!! I instantly ordered @catsteadman's backlist!!!
😻😻 Is this on your TBR? Have you read a @catsteadman book yet??
Sooo you know when you know that it’s going to be a five star.. immediately… that book that you can’t put down… the one you put your earbuds in because you NEED to take it EVERYWHERE… because you HAVE to know?!!! THIS is that book.
Listen to this… you are new to the neighborhood… you feel like an outsider.. well of course you do!! You are the newbie!! Except it’s not just that… people are whispering about you. Why?? 😳🤷♀️
To add to your unease about the neighbors… get this… SOMEONE writes Help Me on your cat’s collar. Ummm 🤔 WHAT?! Is this a joke? Well you decide to find out. 🐈⬛ When you do… hang on because it’s about to get all kinds of wild!!
I absolutely LOVED that Blue took center stage!! I could not get enough of this clever cat. 🐈⬛
This book has been all over Instagram and seriously.. the hype is real!!! It’s fun, clever and totally unique. LOVED it!! I instantly ordered @catsteadman's backlist!!!
😻😻 Is this on your TBR? Have you read a @catsteadman book yet??
July 6, 2026
An unusual thriller about Frankie, who moves into a very rich London street…of course,as I love,we meet all the new neighbours ,all with amazing lives and again of course all with secrets…
But then Frankie’s cat, Blue, discovers there is more behind the closed doors of her neighbours houses than she can ever imagine ( wont say how Blue discovers this as would spoil it ) and suddenly she is in a race to save a woman’s life
But unsure who she can trust and who is good and who is bad makes her quest all the more difficult and time is running out
Really good different read that was dark shocking and encouraged you to just read ‘that next page’ as we got nearer to the big CATalyst of a finish
Enjoyably readable
But then Frankie’s cat, Blue, discovers there is more behind the closed doors of her neighbours houses than she can ever imagine ( wont say how Blue discovers this as would spoil it ) and suddenly she is in a race to save a woman’s life
But unsure who she can trust and who is good and who is bad makes her quest all the more difficult and time is running out
Really good different read that was dark shocking and encouraged you to just read ‘that next page’ as we got nearer to the big CATalyst of a finish
Enjoyably readable
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