REVIEW: She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin @kmrutkin
She Died Famous
by Kyle Rutkin
Publisher: Greater Path LLC
Publish Date: July 30, 2019
Paperback
328 Pages
Standalone
Genre: Thriller
A gripping psychological thriller about iconic superstar, Kelly Trozzo, and her suspected killer, the author she commissioned to pen her shocking Hollywood memoir.
A Star is Born meets Gone Girl, in this dark and twisted love story with an unforgettable conclusion.
The headline read: “Hollywood Superstar Kelly Trozzo Found Dead.”
With no suspect in custody, authorities turn their attention to best-selling author Kaleb Reed, whose obsessive relationship with the star has been followed by social media and tabloids alike.
In his online confession, Reed claims that his relationship with Trozzo began with a tweet, an unexpected endorsement from the pop star herself. Almost overnight, Reed’s novel garners national attention, and the reclusive writer is thrust into the spotlight. But according to Reed, the endorsement came with a price.
In the days that follow, Reed is invited to Trozzo’s Los Angeles mansion, where he is solicited to write her memoir. Lured by her physical appeal and charisma, Reed delves further and further into Trozzo’s fantasy world, ensnared by a twisted story of betrayal and vengeance.
On the night of Trozzo’s death, Reed finally discovers his true role in this story, as well as the pop star’s alternative ending to his famous novel—one that leads to his arrest.
Set in Hollywood, She Died Famous is an innovative thriller that exposes the dark side of fame and obsession in today’s digital landscape. The story’s shocking twists and unreliable narrator will have every reader asking: Who killed Kelly Trozzo?
My Review:
I am legitimately torn in what I think on this read. I liked the unique format in which this book was written. We have Kaleb, the author, number one suspect in Kelly's murder, telling his side through blog posts. Interviews and press releases for the rest. Is Kaleb insane? Because the drugs are DEFINITELY getting the best of him so as a reader I was utterly confused on what was happening with him throughout the entire ride. Kelly manipulates, but as a young star - who really are her friends and when she can get away with anything, why not GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING.
There seemed to be a bit of repetition throughout the read and I felt I was going through the highs and lows of all the drug abuse along with these vapid characters. I will say that the repetitive nature did escalate showing how little by little they were getting in deeper - trying to find whatever it is that they were *really* focused on, while wearing their masks. I'm also a bit confused with the ending. And maybe that's the whole point. A crazy journey culminating in a less than crystal clear finish?
I'm left wondering if I somehow got a contact buzz from Kaleb, Kelly and all her friends. Something definitely seeped into my skin. I'm equally impressed with this debut but also thinking maybe this might not be *quite* the read for me... yet, I can't exactly pinpoint exactly why.
Suspense lovers should definitely give this book a whirl and fans of books like Night Film I think will appreciate the format.
★★★
There seemed to be a bit of repetition throughout the read and I felt I was going through the highs and lows of all the drug abuse along with these vapid characters. I will say that the repetitive nature did escalate showing how little by little they were getting in deeper - trying to find whatever it is that they were *really* focused on, while wearing their masks. I'm also a bit confused with the ending. And maybe that's the whole point. A crazy journey culminating in a less than crystal clear finish?
I'm left wondering if I somehow got a contact buzz from Kaleb, Kelly and all her friends. Something definitely seeped into my skin. I'm equally impressed with this debut but also thinking maybe this might not be *quite* the read for me... yet, I can't exactly pinpoint exactly why.
Suspense lovers should definitely give this book a whirl and fans of books like Night Film I think will appreciate the format.
★★★
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