Kyle Rutkin | SHE DIED FAMOUS

Plot (via Goodreads):

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? 

Review:

She Died Famous is a psychological thriller and murder mystery for those who love pop culture and chilling characters. Told in different timelines and sprinkled throughout with blog posts, articles, interviews, and police interviews; this is the story that will creep you out with its seductive prose, a storyline that is addictive and propulsive, and two characters that will take the reader on a journey of love, loss, and mystery.

I’m so meticulous with my reading schedule. I usually cover about two books in a weekend and one read that I can spread out throughout the week. Well, this was supposed to be my “week” read due to the short chapters and plenty of easy places to sneak in a few pages and still be able to stop. Well, yeah it’s split up perfectly - that is, if you can even put it down. I started this one Sunday night just to “dip my toes” into the story and I became feverishly obsessed. I couldn’t stop. I didn’t eat dinner until 9pm that night, I was eager for some down-time at work, I was praying for any moment I could get my fix with this story.

I loved the contrast between the blog of Kaleb Reed, the interviews with Kelly about her big comeback, and the police interrogating her friends and then what was really going on. There’s a backstory that I can’t say much about without spoilers that was propelled this story from great to damn right brilliant. Acting as almost a documentary or Wikipedia page over the death of a pop star, this is definitely a read that pop culture and true crime addicts will gobble up in a few short hours. I can’t wait to see what Kyle Rutkin comes up with next!

Special thanks to Kyle Rutkin for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 5/5