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The Ugly Truth
"I'm a prisoner. I'm not allowed to leave. There is someone watching me every minute of the day."
Melanie Lange has disappeared.
Her father, billionaire business tycoon Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic.
Her ex-husband, Finn, and best friend, Nell, say she has been kidnapped. They are deeply concerned for her safety.
The media will say whichever gets them the most views.
But whose side are you on?
#SaveMelanie
#HelpPeter
Told via interviews, transcripts and diary entries, The Ugly Truth is a shocking and addictive thriller about fame, power and the truth behind the headlines.
Melanie Lange has disappeared.
Her father, billionaire business tycoon Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic.
Her ex-husband, Finn, and best friend, Nell, say she has been kidnapped. They are deeply concerned for her safety.
The media will say whichever gets them the most views.
But whose side are you on?
#SaveMelanie
#HelpPeter
Told via interviews, transcripts and diary entries, The Ugly Truth is a shocking and addictive thriller about fame, power and the truth behind the headlines.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2023
44 people are currently reading
2198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
March 19, 2023
Well, first: The Ugly Truth is wrongly marketed as mystery/thriller when it is better suited to the contemporary/women's fiction shelves. I kept waiting in anticipation of something darker or a plot twist, but the book moves from interviews to journals to twitter posts and feels very much like reading a gossip mag.
Second, it has been likened to #FreeBritney, but I didn't realise just how heavily North was going to base this on the Britney Spears' story. Melanie Lange even has two sons whom she lost custody of, and was institutionalised and medicated against her will. There's a debate to be had about the ethics of basing a novel on a living person's trauma, I'm sure, but I'll let other readers decide how much that bothers them. I'll just say that I personally found it boring to read a rehash of that whole drama.
It's surprising just how boring I found this to be actually, given that I usually love the dynamic pacing of mixed media formats-- short "chapters" of interviews, journal entries, video transcripts and tweets --but it was a snooze. We are taken through Melanie's rise to fame, subsequent media hounding and depiction in the media as a bad girl stumbling out of clubs (very mid-2000s Britney) and the interview format distances the reader from the events taking place in a way similar to how I felt about Daisy Jones & The Six.
Nothing happens that is surprising until, perhaps, the very end and even that left me feeling unmoved.
If you want to read a book about the rise and fall of a celebrity, this is that book. If you're looking for a compelling thriller, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
Second, it has been likened to #FreeBritney, but I didn't realise just how heavily North was going to base this on the Britney Spears' story. Melanie Lange even has two sons whom she lost custody of, and was institutionalised and medicated against her will. There's a debate to be had about the ethics of basing a novel on a living person's trauma, I'm sure, but I'll let other readers decide how much that bothers them. I'll just say that I personally found it boring to read a rehash of that whole drama.
It's surprising just how boring I found this to be actually, given that I usually love the dynamic pacing of mixed media formats-- short "chapters" of interviews, journal entries, video transcripts and tweets --but it was a snooze. We are taken through Melanie's rise to fame, subsequent media hounding and depiction in the media as a bad girl stumbling out of clubs (very mid-2000s Britney) and the interview format distances the reader from the events taking place in a way similar to how I felt about Daisy Jones & The Six.
Nothing happens that is surprising until, perhaps, the very end and even that left me feeling unmoved.
If you want to read a book about the rise and fall of a celebrity, this is that book. If you're looking for a compelling thriller, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
February 3, 2023
This book surprised me….in a good way. I could not stop reading it, totally engrossed in the story of
Melanie. The title is perfect, the ugly truth of fame and celebrity. How the British press behave is atrocious, and this fictional story had me thinking about Princess Diana and what happened to her, much of it due to the way the press hounded her.
This book is told completely in mixed media, newspaper articles, test messages, interview transcripts, chat room comments etc. I think the audio book would be fantastic. It is about a girl, who comes from a wealthy and famous family, who then becomes a famous model at a young age. What happens to her during and after this modelling career is what makes up this story. The public’s love/hate relationships with the famous. It tells of her mental health issues, her loves me losses, her new career. It was fabulous.
Thanks Random House UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on March 16th.
Melanie. The title is perfect, the ugly truth of fame and celebrity. How the British press behave is atrocious, and this fictional story had me thinking about Princess Diana and what happened to her, much of it due to the way the press hounded her.
This book is told completely in mixed media, newspaper articles, test messages, interview transcripts, chat room comments etc. I think the audio book would be fantastic. It is about a girl, who comes from a wealthy and famous family, who then becomes a famous model at a young age. What happens to her during and after this modelling career is what makes up this story. The public’s love/hate relationships with the famous. It tells of her mental health issues, her loves me losses, her new career. It was fabulous.
Thanks Random House UK for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on March 16th.
February 9, 2024
The tale of a young woman living in the public eye, and the many prices she pays for it.
This really hits hard, it lays bare the disgusting behaviour of the press, and the Twitter mob who never give a second thought to their words and actions and the harm they may cause. I read an interesting remark somewhere, that stated folk are getting far too comfortable with insulting others online and not getting an immediate smack in the face for it. True that. Told by way of interviews, gossip columns, tweets, newspaper articles etc,
this exposes all of that nastiness so well it was a hard to read at times, the ugly truth indeed.
This really hits hard, it lays bare the disgusting behaviour of the press, and the Twitter mob who never give a second thought to their words and actions and the harm they may cause. I read an interesting remark somewhere, that stated folk are getting far too comfortable with insulting others online and not getting an immediate smack in the face for it. True that. Told by way of interviews, gossip columns, tweets, newspaper articles etc,
this exposes all of that nastiness so well it was a hard to read at times, the ugly truth indeed.
Read
November 26, 2022An intriguing look at social media fame and mental health with compelling characters and an addictive feel.
The author explores many socially relevant themes whilst providing an entertaining and thought provoking read. I especially liked the ending which made you really think about what had come before.
Overall an excellent timely thriller that works beautifully and is a real page turner.
The author explores many socially relevant themes whilst providing an entertaining and thought provoking read. I especially liked the ending which made you really think about what had come before.
Overall an excellent timely thriller that works beautifully and is a real page turner.
April 14, 2024
The first thing to mention is the books genre. It is marketed as a mystery thriller, but for me, it should really be contemporary modern literature. It has an interesting and very readable format, comprising solely of mixed media formats, extracts from fictional interviews, diary entries, social media, documentary interviews, texts, newspapers, and so on. Focusing on two media campaigns #savemelanie and #helppeter. Melanie, a young model, her friends, her troubled teenage years, moving to her marriage and children, the love hate tabloid interest in her and her entrepreneur father Peter and her sister Zara who works in his business. You question who is the unreliable narrator, and I couldn't help but think of other people the media has been obsessed with, Princess Diana and Brittany Spears, to name but two. It's very readable, and I just love books that make you think. More a social commentary than thriller, it's certainly not the books fault that it has been mis- genred even though I was after a thriller read, but that said, I still really enjoyed it. If you are after a thriller, then maybe give this one a skip, but I was so pleased I continued reading. I'll certainly read more books by the author.....Great stuff.
February 18, 2024
! THIS IS NOT A THRILER. I am SICK of women’s fiction being labelled as thriller books !
Pros:
- Very engaging style with interviews, social media commentary and Netflix style documentary cuts
- Highlights the audacity and toxicity of the British media
- Strong and well developed character pool
Cons:
- Literally no mystery/whodunnit or plot twists at all
- Unsatisfying ending
If you liked How To Kill Your Family or Blood Sugar, you will like this (it is better than both of them with a similar concept)
Pros:
- Very engaging style with interviews, social media commentary and Netflix style documentary cuts
- Highlights the audacity and toxicity of the British media
- Strong and well developed character pool
Cons:
- Literally no mystery/whodunnit or plot twists at all
- Unsatisfying ending
If you liked How To Kill Your Family or Blood Sugar, you will like this (it is better than both of them with a similar concept)
March 23, 2024
The Ugly Truth is a mixed-media novel about a model/influencer’s disappearance from the public eye and the question of whether her hotel-mogul father is keeping her prisoner. It’s told largely through transcripts – of a Netflix documentary about Melanie Lange, and interviews with her father – with a few other formats (emails, tweets) thrown into the mix. I’d normally eat this up, but here I wasn’t all that interested in getting to the end of the story. It wasn’t until I scanned some other lukewarm reviews, Emily May’s in particular, that I figured out why: it’s really quite boring and flat. North cherry-picks incidents from the lives of various tortured celebs; perhaps because of that – because it’s just rehashing real stories – it never gets exciting. All the voices are too similar, and they don’t read like transcripts of people speaking aloud. When Melanie’s journal entries are added to the narrative, they don’t gel with what we’ve been told about her (if you want me to believe your main character is a borderline genius and ace entrepreneur as well as one of the most beautiful women alive, her voice had better demonstrate some of that brilliance. It also strangely goes unexamined that her business model sounds like a Ponzi/MLM scheme). It really can’t stick the landing, either. The final ‘twist’ feels cheap and grim rather than shocking, and the conclusion to the documentary is so unconvincing that I almost started laughing when I read it.
Unfortunately, however, I am addicted to mixed-media narratives. I still enjoyed the format of this if nothing else, and I’m still interested in reading North’s forthcoming (similarly structured) novel, Clickbait, which I’m hoping will improve on some of the problems here. So, as it sold me on something else by the author, job done, I guess!
Unfortunately, however, I am addicted to mixed-media narratives. I still enjoyed the format of this if nothing else, and I’m still interested in reading North’s forthcoming (similarly structured) novel, Clickbait, which I’m hoping will improve on some of the problems here. So, as it sold me on something else by the author, job done, I guess!
June 19, 2023
3.5 / 5
I dont think this is a thriller or suspense fiction. If anything its like a netflix documentary turned into a physical transcript. I enjoyed reading the book, it had everything to grip you and it kept feeding into the narrative up until the very end where I found it to fall downhill. But I was expecting this to happen. I tried to stay as neutral as possible whilst reading this book, conscious that this book was about the sides of story ( theres three sides, Melaine's Side, Sir Peter's side and the truth).
The book is about the story of Melaine from a third person perspective documenting her life as she grows into adulthood, catapulted into fame after 1 photo realised onto the press. She was 15 at the time and thrust into the firing line of the British Media. The book is set as a transcript style which has two running commentary: one about a Netflix doc on the life of Melaine where her closest friends are interviewed and one about Peter's side of the story. I knew from reading the first 100 pages what would happen in the end. The book was giving major Princess Diana or Caroline Flack / Cara Delevingne/ Britney Spears vibes, documenting the ordeal they faced, the scrutiny from the British Media, the public and the press. Every inch of Melaine's life was revealed and the book ultimately tries to force you to pick a side. The book in a way forces you to think about the different perspective, the ordeals they face and how they cope with everything as a celebrity.
There are twists and reveals in the end which some can argue was not expecting. But I saw it from a mile away. One of the positives about the read is how quick the read is, there are some pages which only have sentence - so if you want a quick read this is a book to go to.
Overall I think the book genre is off. I dont think this is a thriller of any sorts. Its more fiction I suppose. I dont see how this is a thriller at all.
I dont think this is a thriller or suspense fiction. If anything its like a netflix documentary turned into a physical transcript. I enjoyed reading the book, it had everything to grip you and it kept feeding into the narrative up until the very end where I found it to fall downhill. But I was expecting this to happen. I tried to stay as neutral as possible whilst reading this book, conscious that this book was about the sides of story ( theres three sides, Melaine's Side, Sir Peter's side and the truth).
The book is about the story of Melaine from a third person perspective documenting her life as she grows into adulthood, catapulted into fame after 1 photo realised onto the press. She was 15 at the time and thrust into the firing line of the British Media. The book is set as a transcript style which has two running commentary: one about a Netflix doc on the life of Melaine where her closest friends are interviewed and one about Peter's side of the story. I knew from reading the first 100 pages what would happen in the end. The book was giving major Princess Diana or Caroline Flack / Cara Delevingne/ Britney Spears vibes, documenting the ordeal they faced, the scrutiny from the British Media, the public and the press. Every inch of Melaine's life was revealed and the book ultimately tries to force you to pick a side. The book in a way forces you to think about the different perspective, the ordeals they face and how they cope with everything as a celebrity.
There are twists and reveals in the end which some can argue was not expecting. But I saw it from a mile away. One of the positives about the read is how quick the read is, there are some pages which only have sentence - so if you want a quick read this is a book to go to.
Overall I think the book genre is off. I dont think this is a thriller of any sorts. Its more fiction I suppose. I dont see how this is a thriller at all.
June 29, 2023
The Ugly Truth is a stark examination of the obsessive culture of the British media. A powerhouse combination of compulsive drama and psychological intent.
The Ugly Truth isn’t an easy book to read. No, far from it is at its core ugly. It delves into both the media and society’s obsession with the celebrity lifestyle. Only a few pages in I was reminded about the #freebritney movement and the British tabloids treatment of Princess Diana. Britney Spears relationship with the media and her subsequent relationship with her father after her very public breakdown shone through in this story and makes the reader ask all kinds of questions, not all good.
Melanie Lange has been in the spotlight since her teenage years. Her popularity took off like a rocket, but she was watched at every event, every party, her life wasn’t her own. So, when she was photographed at a party where cocaine and drug taking was obviously part of the deal, she was dropped by the major brand she was modelling for. Some suggest this was her sister, Zara trying to sabotage her considering it was a party hosted by her boyfriend. It is never revealed if that was the case.
The Ugly Truth is told in an original way, through the medium of a Netflix show and interviews. Melanie has been missing for around six weeks at the time of filming and interviews are conducted with Nell, Melanie’s best friend and PA, Sir Peter Lange, Melanie’s father and owner of the Lange hotel chain and Finn, Melanie’s ex-husband. It sounds like hell, doesn’t it? I mean who would want to live their live constantly being spoken about and trashed on social media. I think it would slowly destroy me, a ticking timebomb.
There is talk that Melanie hasn’t been seen in public in months because her father has held her against her will somewhere. There’s been talk for years about her mental health, her relationships, her post-natal depression after having her boys and then her marriage breakup. But where is she really? Has her father done this or is she genuinely receiving help for dwindling mental health.
I actually despised Sir Peter. He had one of those god complexes that brokered no argument against his decisions even if that impacted you personally. He certainly liked having the reigns in every situation even when it came to setting up his daughter with a boyfriend. This is where I could very much see the similarities between Britney Spears’s father and Melanie’s. He’s the kind of guy that is far more concerned about his money than he is about his daughter’s welfare and don’t get me started on his treatment of his other daughter, Zara.
The Ugly Truth isn’t an easy book to read. No, far from it is at its core ugly. It delves into both the media and society’s obsession with the celebrity lifestyle. Only a few pages in I was reminded about the #freebritney movement and the British tabloids treatment of Princess Diana. Britney Spears relationship with the media and her subsequent relationship with her father after her very public breakdown shone through in this story and makes the reader ask all kinds of questions, not all good.
Melanie Lange has been in the spotlight since her teenage years. Her popularity took off like a rocket, but she was watched at every event, every party, her life wasn’t her own. So, when she was photographed at a party where cocaine and drug taking was obviously part of the deal, she was dropped by the major brand she was modelling for. Some suggest this was her sister, Zara trying to sabotage her considering it was a party hosted by her boyfriend. It is never revealed if that was the case.
The Ugly Truth is told in an original way, through the medium of a Netflix show and interviews. Melanie has been missing for around six weeks at the time of filming and interviews are conducted with Nell, Melanie’s best friend and PA, Sir Peter Lange, Melanie’s father and owner of the Lange hotel chain and Finn, Melanie’s ex-husband. It sounds like hell, doesn’t it? I mean who would want to live their live constantly being spoken about and trashed on social media. I think it would slowly destroy me, a ticking timebomb.
There is talk that Melanie hasn’t been seen in public in months because her father has held her against her will somewhere. There’s been talk for years about her mental health, her relationships, her post-natal depression after having her boys and then her marriage breakup. But where is she really? Has her father done this or is she genuinely receiving help for dwindling mental health.
I actually despised Sir Peter. He had one of those god complexes that brokered no argument against his decisions even if that impacted you personally. He certainly liked having the reigns in every situation even when it came to setting up his daughter with a boyfriend. This is where I could very much see the similarities between Britney Spears’s father and Melanie’s. He’s the kind of guy that is far more concerned about his money than he is about his daughter’s welfare and don’t get me started on his treatment of his other daughter, Zara.
January 26, 2023
Very unusual book where the story is told by a plethora of characters and in various ways ie via interviews,newspaper reports,Netflix Documentary commentary,friends and family snippets etc
The story is based around Melanie,daughter of a millionaire businessman Peter but a success herself with her comsetics company,however Melanies life has gone into freefall after the birth of her 2 children and she has ‘disappeared’,gone for months when there is suddenly a disturbing video on YouTube of her saying she is being held against her will by her Father…..the Father insists she is in a ‘facility’ after suffering a breakdown being cared for 24/7….the book then continually makes you think whose side you are on and gives evidence for both sides ( via the ways mentioned above )
Its quite difficult to write a review tbh but it is an intriguing read/idea and I certainly did take a side (wont say who as will let you take your own side when reading ) and it was fascinating to see the same part of this tory told multiple ways with differing explanations
For me this is a book you need to try yourself and see how you get on with it,I found it a quick read as and more and more fascinating as the story progressed
The story is based around Melanie,daughter of a millionaire businessman Peter but a success herself with her comsetics company,however Melanies life has gone into freefall after the birth of her 2 children and she has ‘disappeared’,gone for months when there is suddenly a disturbing video on YouTube of her saying she is being held against her will by her Father…..the Father insists she is in a ‘facility’ after suffering a breakdown being cared for 24/7….the book then continually makes you think whose side you are on and gives evidence for both sides ( via the ways mentioned above )
Its quite difficult to write a review tbh but it is an intriguing read/idea and I certainly did take a side (wont say who as will let you take your own side when reading ) and it was fascinating to see the same part of this tory told multiple ways with differing explanations
For me this is a book you need to try yourself and see how you get on with it,I found it a quick read as and more and more fascinating as the story progressed
February 29, 2024
Interesting novel looking at media and social media and abusive relationships and how media can exploit and being nasty and only giving one side. Felt this novel was okay and an easy read
April 3, 2023
Melanie Lange is a 34-year-old former model, turned successful businesswoman, who in a recent YouTube clip claims that she’s been imprisoned in an unknown location by her father, Sir Peter Lange.
Sir Peter Lange, a billionaire business tycoon, says he admitted Melanie to a private mental health facility following her mental breakdown, after she lost custody of her two children, Sebastian and William.
The media and social media are in uproar, with Melanie’s fans wanting to #SaveMelanie, and people on Sir Peter’s side wishing to #HelpPeter. Who is telling the truth? Or is the truth more blurred in this case?
I LOVED this book so much, I devoured it in two sittings. I had to know what happened next. I found it fresh, exciting, and extremely addictive.
The format of the book (emails, social media posts, Netflix documentary transcripts, Melanie’s journal, Sir Peter’s unpublished biography) turned it into a much quicker and accessible read.
I found myself swaying from Melanie’s to Peter’s side. I could see why she thought her father was controlling, and I understood that he wanted to protect his daughter. However, this book reminded me of the recent #FreeBritney movement, which I followed with great interest and I was on Britney’s side, so I was probably more inclined to support the #SaveMelanie side.
The ending though… shocking! Didn’t expect it at all.
Overall, it is a fantastic book that is bound to keep people talking. I can’t wait to read more work from this author, she’s the one to watch out for!
Sir Peter Lange, a billionaire business tycoon, says he admitted Melanie to a private mental health facility following her mental breakdown, after she lost custody of her two children, Sebastian and William.
The media and social media are in uproar, with Melanie’s fans wanting to #SaveMelanie, and people on Sir Peter’s side wishing to #HelpPeter. Who is telling the truth? Or is the truth more blurred in this case?
I LOVED this book so much, I devoured it in two sittings. I had to know what happened next. I found it fresh, exciting, and extremely addictive.
The format of the book (emails, social media posts, Netflix documentary transcripts, Melanie’s journal, Sir Peter’s unpublished biography) turned it into a much quicker and accessible read.
I found myself swaying from Melanie’s to Peter’s side. I could see why she thought her father was controlling, and I understood that he wanted to protect his daughter. However, this book reminded me of the recent #FreeBritney movement, which I followed with great interest and I was on Britney’s side, so I was probably more inclined to support the #SaveMelanie side.
The ending though… shocking! Didn’t expect it at all.
Overall, it is a fantastic book that is bound to keep people talking. I can’t wait to read more work from this author, she’s the one to watch out for!
March 25, 2023
Oh boy, this one sucked me in! Big time.
I loved the concept, the different sources like Netflix doc, interviews, Tweets, tabloid headlines and journal entries…it’s cool, honestly.
The story kept me engaged, I really wanted to know the truth but I was not ready for the ending… at all.
A true and solid 4 stars from me!
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
I loved the concept, the different sources like Netflix doc, interviews, Tweets, tabloid headlines and journal entries…it’s cool, honestly.
The story kept me engaged, I really wanted to know the truth but I was not ready for the ending… at all.
A true and solid 4 stars from me!
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
March 16, 2023
Melanie (Mellie) Lange has disappeared. A former model discovered at a young age, thirtysomething Mellie has been on the front covers of the British media for years & her fans are obsessed with hearing all about her life, but now, her father, Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic. Her best friend & ex-husband do not believe Sir Peter, & when they receive short videos & texts from Mellie from a phone smuggled into the 'clinic', their worst fears seem to be realised - it seems that Mellie has been kidnapped by her own father. Sir Peter maintains that she is merely recuperating following a breakdown after the end of her marriage to Finn & the media frenzy. Who is telling the truth?
I found it difficult to get into this at first. I think it was the way it was written in interview transcripts, online blogs, diary entries, etc - it's a different way to tell the narrative but I think it can put the reader at arm's length from the characters. I did find that this dissipated the more I read & as the plot progressed, by halfway through, I pretty much had to know what really happened. The reader hears from most of the prominent characters, Mellie (younger daughter of hotel chain owner, who is spotted at a hotel launch party & propelled into modelling & subsequent fame), Sir Peter (aforementioned hotel owner who gives his viewpoint via interviews for a book), Nell (Mellie's best friend & former model), Finn (Mellie's ex-husband & father of her two children). The only person we don't hear from directly until the very end is Mellie's older sister, Zara. In fact Zara is pretty much a blank as far as her character goes which is a shame as I would have liked to heard more from her view of things.
Basically everyone tells their viewpoint & some things don't add up, i.e. is Finn lying about not having an affair? It's left for the reader to make up their minds on that one. The book looks at the toxic role of the media & people on social media in Mellie's life, & indeed we see this in real life too. Celebrities are built up one minute to be ruthlessly torn down the next. Can you trust your friends or your family, or would they sell you out to make a quick buck? It became a little repetitive at points but after an initial slow start, it maintained my interest well. I rate this one 3.5 stars (rounded up).
TW: suicide attempts, drug use.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Random House UK/Transworld Publishers/Bantam Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I found it difficult to get into this at first. I think it was the way it was written in interview transcripts, online blogs, diary entries, etc - it's a different way to tell the narrative but I think it can put the reader at arm's length from the characters. I did find that this dissipated the more I read & as the plot progressed, by halfway through, I pretty much had to know what really happened. The reader hears from most of the prominent characters, Mellie (younger daughter of hotel chain owner, who is spotted at a hotel launch party & propelled into modelling & subsequent fame), Sir Peter (aforementioned hotel owner who gives his viewpoint via interviews for a book), Nell (Mellie's best friend & former model), Finn (Mellie's ex-husband & father of her two children). The only person we don't hear from directly until the very end is Mellie's older sister, Zara. In fact Zara is pretty much a blank as far as her character goes which is a shame as I would have liked to heard more from her view of things.
Basically everyone tells their viewpoint & some things don't add up, i.e. is Finn lying about not having an affair? It's left for the reader to make up their minds on that one. The book looks at the toxic role of the media & people on social media in Mellie's life, & indeed we see this in real life too. Celebrities are built up one minute to be ruthlessly torn down the next. Can you trust your friends or your family, or would they sell you out to make a quick buck? It became a little repetitive at points but after an initial slow start, it maintained my interest well. I rate this one 3.5 stars (rounded up).
TW: suicide attempts, drug use.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Random House UK/Transworld Publishers/Bantam Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
February 9, 2023
4.25⭑
Melanie Lange has disappeared and her father says she is a danger to herself and was admitted to a mental health facility whereas, her best friend and ex husband say she has been kidnapped - who do you believe?
This story was told in the most entertaining way - told in the form of a Netflix documentary, video transcripts, interviews, diary entries etc.
The entire time I was reading it, i genuinely felt like I was watching the documentary. It was super fast paced and keeps you guessing the entire time you are reading it.
Melanie Lange has disappeared and her father says she is a danger to herself and was admitted to a mental health facility whereas, her best friend and ex husband say she has been kidnapped - who do you believe?
This story was told in the most entertaining way - told in the form of a Netflix documentary, video transcripts, interviews, diary entries etc.
The entire time I was reading it, i genuinely felt like I was watching the documentary. It was super fast paced and keeps you guessing the entire time you are reading it.
April 5, 2023
Told entirely way of way of Netflix documentary transcripts, interview extracts and blog/social media posts, The Ugly Truth is a truly gripping story of how someone’s life can be subject to scrutiny and distortion by the media and public and how the constant (so often cruel) attention can have a devastating effect on mental health. Peter Lange is the wealthy owner of Lange Hotels, his two daughters Zara and Melanie (Mellie) want for nothing financially, but they are completely different in personality and although there is only a few years difference in age, jealousy and resentments come between them. The eldest Zara, works with her father in the hotel business however Melanie, a former teen model, has a wild child image she has been unable to shake off despite the fact that she is now a successful Influencer/businesswoman and a mother of two, with her own Lange brands. Her life is subject to immense speculation and intrusion by the media. When she suddenly disappears, the entire family find themselves under the spotlight. With people close to Melanie and then Peter himself all giving ‘their side’ of the story, I found it almost impossible to know who to believe as my sympathies alternated between the two with each new revelation. You Tube narratives from Melanie herself further complicate the picture. I had so many questions. Was Melanie being held against her will and to what extent was her father involved – was he being protective or controlling. Or was the whole thing engineered by Melanie?
There are many background themes here including mental health and addiction. Through the various transcripts and interviews, the reader forms their own picture of the characters and their personalities and it is not always pretty. There were no limits to how far lives were dissected and the online trolls had a field day with their speculation and opinions. It’s not just Peter and Melanie that had me wondering. Some of the supporting characters, including family and friends may also have their own agenda and I was unsure about their reliability too.
Telling the story in this way has of course been done before and whilst it may be an unusual format, I found it so easy to follow. The structure is very clever and the story moves forward with pace and intrigue. I was completely absorbed by the unfolding events and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Will you #SaveMelanie or #HelpPeter?
There are many background themes here including mental health and addiction. Through the various transcripts and interviews, the reader forms their own picture of the characters and their personalities and it is not always pretty. There were no limits to how far lives were dissected and the online trolls had a field day with their speculation and opinions. It’s not just Peter and Melanie that had me wondering. Some of the supporting characters, including family and friends may also have their own agenda and I was unsure about their reliability too.
Telling the story in this way has of course been done before and whilst it may be an unusual format, I found it so easy to follow. The structure is very clever and the story moves forward with pace and intrigue. I was completely absorbed by the unfolding events and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Will you #SaveMelanie or #HelpPeter?
December 12, 2022
I’ve read a few of this authors previous books (published under Lauren North) and really enjoyed them and when I saw The Ugly Truth and read the blurb I knew it would be something I would like.
Told through transcripts, interviews, podcasts, twitter and a Netflix document The Ugly Truth introduces us to Melanie (Mellie) Lange. An ex-model, business woman, mother, entrepreneur and influencer who has spent most of her life under the scrutiny of the press and media. When a video is uploaded to her YouTube channel showing Melanie claiming to have been kidnapped by her father and held against her will for the past 6 months Social Media literally implodes.
No-one has seen or heard from her in months, her best friend is frantic, her ex-husband is concerned and her 2 young boys are devastated, however her father Sir Peter Lange says she is fine – she’s safe in a hospital after having a mental breakdown. Who is telling the truth?
WOW.. I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved how the story is slowly unwrapped and revealed to the reader through different sources, reading the differing versions from the best friend, the father, the ex-husband, the friends, the followers, the public.
The Ugly Truth looks at the danger of social media, the downside of fame and how a pack mentality can make or break someone. Topical and relevant and thoroughly addictive I would definitely recommend this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Told through transcripts, interviews, podcasts, twitter and a Netflix document The Ugly Truth introduces us to Melanie (Mellie) Lange. An ex-model, business woman, mother, entrepreneur and influencer who has spent most of her life under the scrutiny of the press and media. When a video is uploaded to her YouTube channel showing Melanie claiming to have been kidnapped by her father and held against her will for the past 6 months Social Media literally implodes.
No-one has seen or heard from her in months, her best friend is frantic, her ex-husband is concerned and her 2 young boys are devastated, however her father Sir Peter Lange says she is fine – she’s safe in a hospital after having a mental breakdown. Who is telling the truth?
WOW.. I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved how the story is slowly unwrapped and revealed to the reader through different sources, reading the differing versions from the best friend, the father, the ex-husband, the friends, the followers, the public.
The Ugly Truth looks at the danger of social media, the downside of fame and how a pack mentality can make or break someone. Topical and relevant and thoroughly addictive I would definitely recommend this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 3, 2024
I’m so happy to start the year on a 5* read! I was OBSESSED with this, when I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it! It’s a celebrity thriller told in my fave mixed media style via interviews, Netflix documentary transcripts, social media posts and diary entries 😍. I’ve had the hardback for ages and can’t believe I hadn’t read it sooner!
I buddy read this with @paperbacksandpinot and we had such a great time. We thought it was such a clever commentary on the tabloids, social media and modern fame. It had so many elements of big celeb stories we’ve heard through the years and felt very #FreeBritney! @lauren_c_north really invokes the 00s toxic media culture around female celebrities and reminds you how shocking it was and how much these women were relentlessly hounded, bullied and attacked. It’s clear this is still happening now, especially with the rise of social media, as it also made me think a lot about Caroline Flack and how disgustingly she was treated by the public and media. Has anything really changed??
Overall, a razor sharp thriller that is so timely and spot on with its observations. I found it compulsively readable and addictive! It was brilliantly plotted and structured with twists and turns that had me reeling! The biggest compliment I can give is that it felt so REAL. 1000000% recommend!
I buddy read this with @paperbacksandpinot and we had such a great time. We thought it was such a clever commentary on the tabloids, social media and modern fame. It had so many elements of big celeb stories we’ve heard through the years and felt very #FreeBritney! @lauren_c_north really invokes the 00s toxic media culture around female celebrities and reminds you how shocking it was and how much these women were relentlessly hounded, bullied and attacked. It’s clear this is still happening now, especially with the rise of social media, as it also made me think a lot about Caroline Flack and how disgustingly she was treated by the public and media. Has anything really changed??
Overall, a razor sharp thriller that is so timely and spot on with its observations. I found it compulsively readable and addictive! It was brilliantly plotted and structured with twists and turns that had me reeling! The biggest compliment I can give is that it felt so REAL. 1000000% recommend!
February 16, 2025
I really liked this. The writing style takes a bit of getting used to, what with the different ways, like twitter, interviews, journals etc. However, the dirty itself was well written.
It wasn't a thriller as advertised, it was more contemporary. It was quite sad really as I could imagine what it was like for children with famous parents, being in the limelight without any choice.
It wasn't a thriller as advertised, it was more contemporary. It was quite sad really as I could imagine what it was like for children with famous parents, being in the limelight without any choice.
August 5, 2022
Exceptionally crafted and hugely thought-provoking page-turner that will take 2023 by storm!
Let me be one of the first to say that The Ugly Truth is going to be MASSIVE in 2023! Every now and again a novel comes along that is so timely it’s entirely on point, crafted so exceptionally that you can’t stop turning the pages and takes such firm a hold of its readers that it doesn’t let them surface for air. The Ugly Truth is that book and then some. It can be a cliche to comment on how gripping a read a book is, but I cannot stress how much I was glued to this. If I’d been able to read it in a single sitting, I would have. Many people will, because it’s THAT addictive. If you enjoyed The Appeal by Janice Hallett, you will love The Ugly Truth. Told through a host of mixed media, including interview transcripts, video transcripts, Netflix documentary transcripts, emails, Twitter threads and newspaper snippets, to reveal the dark reality of Melanie Lange’s life. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to piece together what was fact and what was fabricated whilst reading and deciding whether I was team #SaveMelanie or team #HelpPeter. North expertly weaves so many different opinions and viewpoints through the narrative, which really helps to layer the suspense and mystery perfectly.
However, whilst the plot is certainly exceptional, it’s the themes in The Ugly Truth and the way they are explored that make it such an outstanding and memorable read. This is very much a story about the dark side of celebrity and the impact this has on Melanie’s life. This story is so astute and North tackles the toxicity of the gossip or outright lies that the British Press perpetuate, the villainy of online trolls who spout vitriol whilst hidden behind a screen and the devastating affect of those closest to you manipulating and hurting you. In a world obsessed with sharing its opinion - no matter how negative, unwarranted or unwanted - The Ugly Truth gets to the heart of how that impacts a human being in the public eye. Melanie flits between being idolised on a pedestal and being vilified for the slightest of things and the rollercoaster of emotions associated with living her life under the lens of the British media and general public is terrifying. In the wake of such real life tragedies as Caroline Flack’s death, this novel really packs a punch and there’s a poignancy that meanders throughout. North also explores many other themes that orbit around the central theme of 21st century celebrity and there’s so many layers to this book that are up for fierce discussion. Some of the highlights for me were: coercive control, deception, trust, modern motherhood, privilege and wealth, cancel culture and mental health stigma. All of these themes are richly threaded throughout the narrative and all lead to the overarching question of the plot: whose side of the story should we believe?
There’s so much I could say about this book, but I want you to experience the genius of it for yourself. Do 2023 you a favour and pre-order this now…you really won’t regret it. Also, if you’re a member of a book club, there’s so much to sink your teeth into here and The Ugly Truth should be very firmly on your booky radar!
Let me be one of the first to say that The Ugly Truth is going to be MASSIVE in 2023! Every now and again a novel comes along that is so timely it’s entirely on point, crafted so exceptionally that you can’t stop turning the pages and takes such firm a hold of its readers that it doesn’t let them surface for air. The Ugly Truth is that book and then some. It can be a cliche to comment on how gripping a read a book is, but I cannot stress how much I was glued to this. If I’d been able to read it in a single sitting, I would have. Many people will, because it’s THAT addictive. If you enjoyed The Appeal by Janice Hallett, you will love The Ugly Truth. Told through a host of mixed media, including interview transcripts, video transcripts, Netflix documentary transcripts, emails, Twitter threads and newspaper snippets, to reveal the dark reality of Melanie Lange’s life. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to piece together what was fact and what was fabricated whilst reading and deciding whether I was team #SaveMelanie or team #HelpPeter. North expertly weaves so many different opinions and viewpoints through the narrative, which really helps to layer the suspense and mystery perfectly.
However, whilst the plot is certainly exceptional, it’s the themes in The Ugly Truth and the way they are explored that make it such an outstanding and memorable read. This is very much a story about the dark side of celebrity and the impact this has on Melanie’s life. This story is so astute and North tackles the toxicity of the gossip or outright lies that the British Press perpetuate, the villainy of online trolls who spout vitriol whilst hidden behind a screen and the devastating affect of those closest to you manipulating and hurting you. In a world obsessed with sharing its opinion - no matter how negative, unwarranted or unwanted - The Ugly Truth gets to the heart of how that impacts a human being in the public eye. Melanie flits between being idolised on a pedestal and being vilified for the slightest of things and the rollercoaster of emotions associated with living her life under the lens of the British media and general public is terrifying. In the wake of such real life tragedies as Caroline Flack’s death, this novel really packs a punch and there’s a poignancy that meanders throughout. North also explores many other themes that orbit around the central theme of 21st century celebrity and there’s so many layers to this book that are up for fierce discussion. Some of the highlights for me were: coercive control, deception, trust, modern motherhood, privilege and wealth, cancel culture and mental health stigma. All of these themes are richly threaded throughout the narrative and all lead to the overarching question of the plot: whose side of the story should we believe?
There’s so much I could say about this book, but I want you to experience the genius of it for yourself. Do 2023 you a favour and pre-order this now…you really won’t regret it. Also, if you’re a member of a book club, there’s so much to sink your teeth into here and The Ugly Truth should be very firmly on your booky radar!
March 15, 2023
1.75
This failed as a mystery/thriller for me. I went it to this hoping I would switch back and forth between which side I was on every other chapter. Instead this played out the way I expected from the beginning. This felt more like a dull recap of a successful woman's life in the limelight.
I found Melanie to kind of an uninteresting unsympathetic character. Melanie is prefect in almost every single way. She succeeds are everything she does and is nice and liked by almost everyone. The worst thing she does is drink underage. This is partially why the mystery/thriller elements flopped.
I found the social commentary to be very surface level . I think most people are aware of the flaws in journalism and celebrity culture. This could have talked about the history of women being locked away for mental illness or societies consumption of celebrities personal lives. Instead it was " journalists bad" every 50 pages.
This failed as a mystery/thriller for me. I went it to this hoping I would switch back and forth between which side I was on every other chapter. Instead this played out the way I expected from the beginning. This felt more like a dull recap of a successful woman's life in the limelight.
I found Melanie to kind of an uninteresting unsympathetic character. Melanie is prefect in almost every single way. She succeeds are everything she does and is nice and liked by almost everyone. The worst thing she does is drink underage. This is partially why the mystery/thriller elements flopped.
I found the social commentary to be very surface level . I think most people are aware of the flaws in journalism and celebrity culture. This could have talked about the history of women being locked away for mental illness or societies consumption of celebrities personal lives. Instead it was " journalists bad" every 50 pages.
November 27, 2022
The Ugly Truth is certainly an interesting idea for a story – particularly after the Free Britney movement – but it just fell a little flat for me.
Told through interviews, transcripts and tweets, the format of the story was unexpected and difficult to build an attention-grabbing narrative in a reader’s mind. Jumping from interview to interview felt disjointed and like you never really got to know any of the cast of characters in much detail.
The main character, Melanie (gratingly called Mellie throughout), was a bit of a combination of Britney Spears (the mental health and family financial control element) and Paris Hilton (hotel heiress) but transplanted to the UK.
The author balances both sides of the story, the father ‘looking to protect his daughter’ with the daughter ‘held captive by her controlling father’, and highlights the fakeness of celebrity and the dangers of social media.
I just didn’t enjoy it though – it felt a lot like poorly written fan fiction and was almost a DNF.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told through interviews, transcripts and tweets, the format of the story was unexpected and difficult to build an attention-grabbing narrative in a reader’s mind. Jumping from interview to interview felt disjointed and like you never really got to know any of the cast of characters in much detail.
The main character, Melanie (gratingly called Mellie throughout), was a bit of a combination of Britney Spears (the mental health and family financial control element) and Paris Hilton (hotel heiress) but transplanted to the UK.
The author balances both sides of the story, the father ‘looking to protect his daughter’ with the daughter ‘held captive by her controlling father’, and highlights the fakeness of celebrity and the dangers of social media.
I just didn’t enjoy it though – it felt a lot like poorly written fan fiction and was almost a DNF.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2022
The story follows Melanie, a beautiful and intelligent girl that was catapulted to fame at 15 years old and the ups and downs of the 2o years that followed.
A slightly similar concept to the movie “Searching”, the story is told through a series of interviews, tweets, transcript from a documentary and media reports. An interesting concept that, for me, just didn’t land (unlike the movie referenced, which I thoroughly recommend!). I’m not sure if it is because it was an advanced copy but the formatting was haphazard and it felt like a first revision. I hope this is proof read and addressed before release. There were some silly mistakes and headings missing that caused confusion. Take out the repetitive headings about the documentary transcripts and such and this is a relatively quick read.
Whilst this book failed to impress me, I think the message sent to readers about the power of their words on social media is an important one.
A slightly similar concept to the movie “Searching”, the story is told through a series of interviews, tweets, transcript from a documentary and media reports. An interesting concept that, for me, just didn’t land (unlike the movie referenced, which I thoroughly recommend!). I’m not sure if it is because it was an advanced copy but the formatting was haphazard and it felt like a first revision. I hope this is proof read and addressed before release. There were some silly mistakes and headings missing that caused confusion. Take out the repetitive headings about the documentary transcripts and such and this is a relatively quick read.
Whilst this book failed to impress me, I think the message sent to readers about the power of their words on social media is an important one.
March 23, 2023
4.5 stars
With my name being Melanie and my dad being Peter this was a book I was always going to read. Luckily for me my dad, unlike the Peter in the book, isn’t an over protective, controlling megalomaniac.
There aren’t many books that have made my blood boil as much as this one, the author instantly had me invested and shocked at the treatment of Melanie. I really related to her as I was a bit of a wayward teen myself, but I still believe you have to give your children the freedom to make mistakes. Not lock them away and wrap them in cotton wool. Or in this case it may as well have been a straight jacket. I mean would this even happen if she was male!
However and this is where it is really clever, as a parent how far do you go to keep your child safe? We all saw the Britney Spears drama play out and when the media plays a huge part and it is affecting their mental health to the point of breakdown what else can you do?
I loved the inclusion of social media and the public’s perception of what is going on. How mass thought can influence and sway opinions. The formatting showing interviews for a documentary means you get to hear from both sides and everyone involved.
Let me just add the one character I despised all the way through was her sister Zara, sibling jealousy to the extreme. All the characters are questionable and cleverly given two sides so you don’t quite know what is the truth and are they with Melanie for the right reason. Be that as a husband or a friend. It is all dependent on which side you believe.
Then I was hit by that ending and a big bravo as I did not see that coming at all. No spoilers here but it has to be read to be believed.
So am I #SaveMelanie or #HelpPeter ? Let me know which side you think I am on.
With my name being Melanie and my dad being Peter this was a book I was always going to read. Luckily for me my dad, unlike the Peter in the book, isn’t an over protective, controlling megalomaniac.
There aren’t many books that have made my blood boil as much as this one, the author instantly had me invested and shocked at the treatment of Melanie. I really related to her as I was a bit of a wayward teen myself, but I still believe you have to give your children the freedom to make mistakes. Not lock them away and wrap them in cotton wool. Or in this case it may as well have been a straight jacket. I mean would this even happen if she was male!
However and this is where it is really clever, as a parent how far do you go to keep your child safe? We all saw the Britney Spears drama play out and when the media plays a huge part and it is affecting their mental health to the point of breakdown what else can you do?
I loved the inclusion of social media and the public’s perception of what is going on. How mass thought can influence and sway opinions. The formatting showing interviews for a documentary means you get to hear from both sides and everyone involved.
Let me just add the one character I despised all the way through was her sister Zara, sibling jealousy to the extreme. All the characters are questionable and cleverly given two sides so you don’t quite know what is the truth and are they with Melanie for the right reason. Be that as a husband or a friend. It is all dependent on which side you believe.
Then I was hit by that ending and a big bravo as I did not see that coming at all. No spoilers here but it has to be read to be believed.
So am I #SaveMelanie or #HelpPeter ? Let me know which side you think I am on.
January 21, 2023
An Intriguing Take on Celebrity of Today!😃📸😔🍸🍾💥
A 3.5 Star Read (For Me)
The Ugly Truth
This captured my interest relatively quickly. I found the storyline and characters rather interesting. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, I began to get more and more annoyed with the format of the book. It really removed me from the tale itself, which was so frustrating as I had been thoroughly enjoying it!😔
This brought, of course, Ms Spears case to the forefront of my mind, but also one of our beloved tv presenters, she, to our press and country's shame, came to a tragic end!😭💔 I'd love to believe that this could change people's voracious appetite for gossip and intrusion,but I don't know there's anything that will help anymore.😔
This is an insightful, twisty and gripping read, in its own way. I would definitely recommend everyone reads this book, (I would change its formatting first, though.👍),
(I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for this advanced copy of the e-book.)
Debbie, 1970, UK
A 3.5 Star Read (For Me)
The Ugly Truth
This captured my interest relatively quickly. I found the storyline and characters rather interesting. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, I began to get more and more annoyed with the format of the book. It really removed me from the tale itself, which was so frustrating as I had been thoroughly enjoying it!😔
This brought, of course, Ms Spears case to the forefront of my mind, but also one of our beloved tv presenters, she, to our press and country's shame, came to a tragic end!😭💔 I'd love to believe that this could change people's voracious appetite for gossip and intrusion,but I don't know there's anything that will help anymore.😔
This is an insightful, twisty and gripping read, in its own way. I would definitely recommend everyone reads this book, (I would change its formatting first, though.👍),
(I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for this advanced copy of the e-book.)
Debbie, 1970, UK
April 25, 2023
Wonderful
November 16, 2023
I LOVED the way the book was written through mixed media (tweets, Netflix documentary scripts, interviews etc.)
The fictional book is very similar to the #FreeBritney movement.
The fictional book is very similar to the #FreeBritney movement.
September 4, 2024
This isn't a thriller, but it was similar to the Free Britney moment! Loved the mixed media, just dragged on a little bit at the end for me
August 14, 2024
This broke my heart💔
As a girl growing up around social media & the vile British tabloids I found this relatable! Constant media bashing, falsified news, gossip columns, censorship etc. A massive reminder that the British press have a lot to answer for when it comes to blood on their hands…
To me this book screamed FreeBritney, Gossip Girl & finally Caroline Flack.
However - this is not a thriller or mystery so I’d say wrongly marketed.
As a girl growing up around social media & the vile British tabloids I found this relatable! Constant media bashing, falsified news, gossip columns, censorship etc. A massive reminder that the British press have a lot to answer for when it comes to blood on their hands…
To me this book screamed FreeBritney, Gossip Girl & finally Caroline Flack.
However - this is not a thriller or mystery so I’d say wrongly marketed.
March 19, 2023
This isn’t really a thriller as much as it is a social commentary regarding the way that the British press - but press in general - and social media, deal with ‘celebrity’, particularly when the focus of their gaze is on women. The format, familiar to readers of Janice Hallett’s books, keeps interest and pace by switching style and viewpoints via a mixture of entries from interviews, Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, etc.
There is much here that is recognisable. Britney Spears is the most obvious parallel but sadly there are many more, from Princess Diana to Amy Winehouse and Caroline Flack. We all know that the media helps to create celebrities in order to sell copy and on some level many also know that there is something at least slightly grubby in buying the newspapers, magazines and websites that encourage that behaviour. But the truth is a certain level of prurience is part of the human condition and social media and the paparazzi have fed this unattractive trait until it has become the money spinner that we know today.
This book reminds us of something that social media encourages us to forget - these are real people with real feelings and emotions. Whether they have fame or money doesn’t make a difference to that basic fact. It’s too easy to imagine that writing some comment on Twitter has no consequences and imagine that writing something you wouldn’t say to someone’s face is acceptable.
The other main theme is that of coercive control. None of us really know other people’s motivations and we often don’t even understand our own. When money and business are thrown into the mix, then reasons for certain types of behaviour can become even more suspect. We never fully understand Sir Peter’s motivation - not are we meant to - but at some point it becomes irrelevant. We have seen with Britney and with any number of child stars, what a sad and lethal cocktail this can become.
An interesting and engaging read which deals with difficult subject matter in a highly accessible way.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House UK, Transworld Publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
There is much here that is recognisable. Britney Spears is the most obvious parallel but sadly there are many more, from Princess Diana to Amy Winehouse and Caroline Flack. We all know that the media helps to create celebrities in order to sell copy and on some level many also know that there is something at least slightly grubby in buying the newspapers, magazines and websites that encourage that behaviour. But the truth is a certain level of prurience is part of the human condition and social media and the paparazzi have fed this unattractive trait until it has become the money spinner that we know today.
This book reminds us of something that social media encourages us to forget - these are real people with real feelings and emotions. Whether they have fame or money doesn’t make a difference to that basic fact. It’s too easy to imagine that writing some comment on Twitter has no consequences and imagine that writing something you wouldn’t say to someone’s face is acceptable.
The other main theme is that of coercive control. None of us really know other people’s motivations and we often don’t even understand our own. When money and business are thrown into the mix, then reasons for certain types of behaviour can become even more suspect. We never fully understand Sir Peter’s motivation - not are we meant to - but at some point it becomes irrelevant. We have seen with Britney and with any number of child stars, what a sad and lethal cocktail this can become.
An interesting and engaging read which deals with difficult subject matter in a highly accessible way.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House UK, Transworld Publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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