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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
17 books5,877 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 1,011 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
August 7, 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!
July 6, 2026
Childless cat lady and her feline companion save the day in this new page-turner from Catherine Steadman.
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.
June 15, 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.
April 17, 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!
June 26, 2026
Tense for sure.
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 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 30, 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 ☺️
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!
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 7, 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 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
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.
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
July 4, 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 21, 2026
3 stars - liked the cat
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.
May 10, 2026
A publisher offers me a thriller book that has a cat as a main character, and I’m going to read it because, yes, I’m that girl. Bantam knows their audience! This character addition actually made the book what it was, though. Without the cat, this may have been a regular old mystery/thriller about a missing person.
Frankie is our main character, and she and her cat Blue have just moved to London after a messy divorce. This book is about the first week in her new home, which was QUITE eventful. Her cat is indoor/outdoor (grr…but if he hadn’t left the house we wouldn’t have this book!) and after him getting out on the day she moved in, he came home with something shocking scratched into his collar. Two words: “Help Me”.
When Frankie sees the collar, she immediately attaches an old “cat-cam” to it, and lets him out again the next day. Blue understood the assignment, and returned to the same place. Now Frankie has video proof that someone is being held against their will, but what does she do with it? It’s illegal to videotape someone inside of a private home, and Blue likes to enter windows (which also makes for some fun reading, as we get to know everyone on Frankie’s new street, and what their secrets are.) If she goes to the police, they may charge her with a crime, and she could be overreacting to nothing.
This book took a thriller, added a cat with a camera, and made it a unique and interesting story. There were even chapters from Blue, as well as a few other neighbors. The ending, especially the epilogue, were great. I really thought I had the ending pegged, but I was completely wrong! Three huge surprises at the end really impressed me, and made the book that much better. Four stars.
(Thank you to Random House - Bantam and Catherine Steadman for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is set to be released on June 23, 2026.)
Frankie is our main character, and she and her cat Blue have just moved to London after a messy divorce. This book is about the first week in her new home, which was QUITE eventful. Her cat is indoor/outdoor (grr…but if he hadn’t left the house we wouldn’t have this book!) and after him getting out on the day she moved in, he came home with something shocking scratched into his collar. Two words: “Help Me”.
When Frankie sees the collar, she immediately attaches an old “cat-cam” to it, and lets him out again the next day. Blue understood the assignment, and returned to the same place. Now Frankie has video proof that someone is being held against their will, but what does she do with it? It’s illegal to videotape someone inside of a private home, and Blue likes to enter windows (which also makes for some fun reading, as we get to know everyone on Frankie’s new street, and what their secrets are.) If she goes to the police, they may charge her with a crime, and she could be overreacting to nothing.
This book took a thriller, added a cat with a camera, and made it a unique and interesting story. There were even chapters from Blue, as well as a few other neighbors. The ending, especially the epilogue, were great. I really thought I had the ending pegged, but I was completely wrong! Three huge surprises at the end really impressed me, and made the book that much better. Four stars.
(Thank you to Random House - Bantam and Catherine Steadman for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is set to be released on June 23, 2026.)
June 24, 2026
Catherine Steadman’s latest thriller Nine Lives had me on the edge of my seat. A recently divorced Frankie moves into a new neighborhood and her cat, Blue, gets loose. The cat finally returns but she puts a tracker on his collar and can see inside all of the neighbor’s houses. At first I wasn’t sure where this was headed but I kept with it. It was a slow burn for me but once at the end, everything fell into place. Katherine hits this out of the park. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release.
July 19, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
I loved the plot, writing style and tension building but for whatever happened in the book the reason didn’t sit well with me. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
I loved the plot, writing style and tension building but for whatever happened in the book the reason didn’t sit well with me. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
March 21, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up
I enjoyed her previous novel, Look In The Mirror, so when I saw that Catherine Steadman had written a new one, I wanted to read it.
After a recent divorce, Frankie uses her savings and what she got in the divorce to buy a home on a posh street in London.
One night, her Persian, Blue, returns with the words “Help Me” carved into his collar.
Curious as to what to do, Frankie puts a cat camera on his collar to see if she can find out who needs help.
(I had no idea that they made cameras that could be worn by a pet cat and actually had to Google “cat camera” because I’d never heard the term before).
Through Blue’s camera, Frankie learns a lot about all of her new neighbors and is also able to see who the person who needs help is.
She goes to the police and isn’t taken seriously, but she is determined to find a way to help the individual in need.
The first 25-30% of this was a little slow for me, but after that things got more interesting.
Steadman is known for writing thrillers, but the majority of this book felt more like a slow burn mystery to me.
Only the last 15% felt more like a thriller.
This book was good, but it was far from being one of the best mysteries/thrillers that I’ve ever read.
For me, a really good thriller needs to be one that I cannot put down because I’m dying to know what happens next, and I didn’t feel that way with this book.
I did really like the ending, so at least I finished it feeling positive.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for proving me with an ARC to review.
Pub Date: June 23, 2026
I enjoyed her previous novel, Look In The Mirror, so when I saw that Catherine Steadman had written a new one, I wanted to read it.
After a recent divorce, Frankie uses her savings and what she got in the divorce to buy a home on a posh street in London.
One night, her Persian, Blue, returns with the words “Help Me” carved into his collar.
Curious as to what to do, Frankie puts a cat camera on his collar to see if she can find out who needs help.
(I had no idea that they made cameras that could be worn by a pet cat and actually had to Google “cat camera” because I’d never heard the term before).
Through Blue’s camera, Frankie learns a lot about all of her new neighbors and is also able to see who the person who needs help is.
She goes to the police and isn’t taken seriously, but she is determined to find a way to help the individual in need.
The first 25-30% of this was a little slow for me, but after that things got more interesting.
Steadman is known for writing thrillers, but the majority of this book felt more like a slow burn mystery to me.
Only the last 15% felt more like a thriller.
This book was good, but it was far from being one of the best mysteries/thrillers that I’ve ever read.
For me, a really good thriller needs to be one that I cannot put down because I’m dying to know what happens next, and I didn’t feel that way with this book.
I did really like the ending, so at least I finished it feeling positive.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for proving me with an ARC to review.
Pub Date: June 23, 2026
August 8, 2026
3 🌟
“What is coming for you will not find you. No one will find you. No one is coming to find you.”
I was hooked the moment I started reading and I wanted more. I was really tempted to finish it in a day but I didn’t. The book started out strong and kept me curious about the woman and Frankie’s new life in her new neighborhood, recently divorced and her adorable little cat Blue. The book was well written and I enjoyed the author’s style.
I enjoyed the interactions between Frankie and her neighbors, it was entertaining and the gossip among them was fun. I was really scared that Matt might have been Simon because he had all these odd things about him and his house, he was awfully suspicious but he wasn’t a bad guy so that build up that he might be Simon was a waste as it led to nothing. The cat camera on Blue was fun and he did help and save Anna and eventually saving Frankie too.
I really was hoping to give this book a 4.5 or even a 5 star rating but unfortunately the second half of the book was not interesting and confused me a little bit. The reveal of Simon didn’t live up to my expectations and left me a little disappointed as he was a character that came up once and gave Frankie pills. I wish the twist was a little more exciting and the reveal of Simon was better executed. I was hoping that Simon might have been Matt (for obvious reasons) or Eric as he was also a bit suspicious but he wasn’t in a throuple with Marina and Chris haha.
“What is coming for you will not find you. No one will find you. No one is coming to find you.”
I was hooked the moment I started reading and I wanted more. I was really tempted to finish it in a day but I didn’t. The book started out strong and kept me curious about the woman and Frankie’s new life in her new neighborhood, recently divorced and her adorable little cat Blue. The book was well written and I enjoyed the author’s style.
I enjoyed the interactions between Frankie and her neighbors, it was entertaining and the gossip among them was fun. I was really scared that Matt might have been Simon because he had all these odd things about him and his house, he was awfully suspicious but he wasn’t a bad guy so that build up that he might be Simon was a waste as it led to nothing. The cat camera on Blue was fun and he did help and save Anna and eventually saving Frankie too.
I really was hoping to give this book a 4.5 or even a 5 star rating but unfortunately the second half of the book was not interesting and confused me a little bit. The reveal of Simon didn’t live up to my expectations and left me a little disappointed as he was a character that came up once and gave Frankie pills. I wish the twist was a little more exciting and the reveal of Simon was better executed. I was hoping that Simon might have been Matt (for obvious reasons) or Eric as he was also a bit suspicious but he wasn’t in a throuple with Marina and Chris haha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2026
This was my first jaunt into the wild world of cat-cam thrillers, and I grabbed it because Catherine Steadman was the author. But the moment Blue the Persian cat sashayed onto the scene with “HELP ME” etched into his collar? I was a goner.
Thanks to the author and Ballantine/Bantam for the complimentary #ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntary.
Frankie’s fresh off a divorce and trying to piece her life back together in a swanky London neighborhood with her sidekick, Blue. We all know the glossier the street, the juicier the secrets. Frankie slaps a camera on Blue, and she’s knee-deep in her neighbors’ drama. Someone’s hiding some seriously creepy stuff.
I’m a sucker for that sneaky, peep-through-the-curtains vibe, especially when everyone’s busy faking perfection. The cat-cam angle is pure brilliance, and Blue nearly steals the spotlight from everyone else. Frankie, the lovable main character, is still a mess after her recent divorce. She’s trying to get to know her neighbors, but some are too standoffish, which raises some red flags. And Blue could teach detectives a thing or two. I’ve read several cat-thrillers this year. When do the dog detectives get their moment?
“Nine Lives” is twisty, fast, and pure binge-worthy fun. If you’re into domestic suspense, nosy neighbors, and a plot hook that actually feels fresh, toss this one on your TBR. You’ll thank me later.
Thanks to the author and Ballantine/Bantam for the complimentary #ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntary.
Frankie’s fresh off a divorce and trying to piece her life back together in a swanky London neighborhood with her sidekick, Blue. We all know the glossier the street, the juicier the secrets. Frankie slaps a camera on Blue, and she’s knee-deep in her neighbors’ drama. Someone’s hiding some seriously creepy stuff.
I’m a sucker for that sneaky, peep-through-the-curtains vibe, especially when everyone’s busy faking perfection. The cat-cam angle is pure brilliance, and Blue nearly steals the spotlight from everyone else. Frankie, the lovable main character, is still a mess after her recent divorce. She’s trying to get to know her neighbors, but some are too standoffish, which raises some red flags. And Blue could teach detectives a thing or two. I’ve read several cat-thrillers this year. When do the dog detectives get their moment?
“Nine Lives” is twisty, fast, and pure binge-worthy fun. If you’re into domestic suspense, nosy neighbors, and a plot hook that actually feels fresh, toss this one on your TBR. You’ll thank me later.
July 26, 2026
Frankie can't believe her luck. She's moved into a perfect neighborhood, established and wealthy and filled with lovely people - and she's excited to try to fit in. She got a killer deal. She's brought her cat, one that loves to go out and patrol the neighborhood and come back at night. But when her cat comes back with a message buried in the collar, Frankie realizes one of these houses of new neighbors harbors dark secrets - and she's determined to find out who.
This was such a fun mystery. I loved that so much of the mystery is tied to the cat and when and where the travels were. I really liked the main character and I found her easy to read. I did this as an audio and the narrator did a great job of sucking me into the mystery. and I was surprised by the end, So good! I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was such a fun mystery. I loved that so much of the mystery is tied to the cat and when and where the travels were. I really liked the main character and I found her easy to read. I did this as an audio and the narrator did a great job of sucking me into the mystery. and I was surprised by the end, So good! I loved this one!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
July 1, 2026
I loved it. Catherine Steadman just hits all the right notes for this reader.
This is a fun and suspenseful take on "That Darn Cat," but this time the cat has a camera. Clever and fun.
This is a fun and suspenseful take on "That Darn Cat," but this time the cat has a camera. Clever and fun.
June 22, 2026
💭: What a clever book! Frankie, a recently divorced woman moves into an upscale neighborhood. She allows her cat to run around outside, and one day it comes back with the words “HELP ME” scratched into its collar. Frankie decides to put the cat cam on it and the footage she finds is scary. A woman who looks like she is being kept against her will in a basement. Frankie does everything she can think of to find the woman and save her. The police are no help. The neighbors are all suspicious. You truly don’t know whose basement she could be in. This is a slow burn that focuses on how you really can’t truly know who you live next to.
Definitely go grab this one!
Definitely go grab this one!
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