The Starlets

By: Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne

Narrated by: Gail Shalan

One perfect island. Two rivals. A star-studded cast.

But underneath the glitter, disaster is brewing.

Summer, 1958. Vivienne Rhodes thinks she’s finally landed her break playing Helen of Troy in Apex Pictures’ big-budget epic, A Thousand Ships, an anticipated blockbuster meant to resurrect the failing studio. Naturally, she’s devastated when she arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli and finds herself cast as the secondary character, Cassandra—while her nemesis, the fiancé-stealing Lottie Lawrence, America’s supposed “sweetheart,” is playing the lead role instead.

The tension on set, though, turns deadly when the ladies discover that members of the crew are using the production as a front for something decidedly illegal—and that they are willing to kill to keep their dealings under wraps. When the two women find themselves on the run and holding key evidence, Vivienne and Lottie frantically agree to work together to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.

Staying one step ahead of corrupt cops and looming mobsters, the archrivals flee across the seas. Their journey leads them into Monaco’s casinos, Grace Kelly’s palace, on a road trip through the Alps—even onto another film set, before a final showdown back on Tavalli, where the lives of the entire cast and crew hang in the balance. Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines—to save the day, the film, maybe even each other—but only if they can first figure out how to share the spotlight.

• “A spry and suspenseful crime novel set just after Hollywood’s golden age” (starred Publishers Weekly review)
• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: 84,000 words
• “A sheer delight! This fast-paced caper is fresh, fun, and exactly the escape readers need right now.” —Marie Bostwick, New York Times bestselling author of Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly
• Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Clive Cussler
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

©2024 Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (P)2024 Harper Muse

Glitz, Adventure, and Depth: The Starlets Shines

The Starlets is a delightful blend of fun, adventure, and thought-provoking themes. From the very beginning, the story captivates with its lively pace and dynamic characters, making it an easy and engaging listen. While the plot is full of exciting twists and a sense of cinematic glamour, it also delves into deeper themes that add richness and depth to the narrative.

The audiobook’s performance further enhances the experience, bringing the characters and atmosphere to life in a way that feels immersive and vibrant. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that The Starlets strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted fun and meaningful storytelling.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventurous and memorable listen. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the final chapter. Perfect for fans of adventurous drama with a touch of intrigue.

This is historical fiction that is fun!

Loved the story, performance, and characters. If you don't listen to any other historical fiction, listen to this!