It is real too bad that Alfred Hitchcock is no longer with us because he would have been all over making a movie based on this book! Even the main character Mia says, about halfway through the book, "This is fucking weird." And it is! Heartbroken and on the verge of winning a major acting award, Mia jets off to Hollywood to meet producers and audition for the upcoming tv season. There she immediately gets embroiled in the disappearance of a woman she meets at an audition. While most of us would have shrugged it off and moved on, in Mia's attempt to stop obsessing over her ex and his new girlfriend, Mia falls farther and farther down the rabbit hole. After several hours of compulsive reading and murmuring "what the heck?" to myself, all is revealed. And Mia was right: it was definitely weird! Great writing, great characters, and a great plot make this a great summer read!

Third book by this Author that I have read and this one ranks about third in contrast to the others.
I so wanted to root for and like the main protagonist Mia, but all I can do is admire her for her tenacity to not give up on her quests both personally and in the situation she found herself mixed up in.
All in all a great Psychological thriller that takes place in Hollywood and is for the most part fast paced and interesting and kept me reading for the big wow.
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House, Ballantine and the Author, Catherine Steadman for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I sat at read this in a few hours on my deck with a glass of wine and the summer sunset keeping me company...SUMMER BEACH READ ALERT!

This is a quick thriller about a British actress on the cusp of real stardom named Mia who goes to LA to further her career auditioning and meeting with industry executives. Things happen - people are met - strange things occur - and we are off to the races!

I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of LA as almost another character in the book as well as the process actors have to endure to audition.

This is a fun one - add it to your summer list!

Heartfelt thanks to Ballantine for an advanced copy. I’m grateful.

Decently suspenseful book, I was kept interested from the beginning really wanting to know what was going on and why.

The main premise is great: British actress Mia has made a name for herself in the UK and heads to LA to audition for some promising roles. While at an audition, she speaks with a fellow actor named Emily and circumstances occur where Emily goes in for her audition and Mia goes to feed Emily's meter for the car. When Mia returns, Emily is nowhere to be found, and no one seems to know who she is--leaving Mia with Emily's bag, wallet, and keys. She takes them home and a couple of days later finally gets in touch with Emily to come pick the items up. When the woman arrives, she says all the right things but she is NOT the woman Mia met at the audition.

Like I said, I was very intrigued with the premise and the author does a great job keeping the suspense going with twists revealed that make everything very mysterious. Where the book fell a bit short for me were some of Mia's choices and things she said and did that were absolutely unrealistic and bizarre. I'm not a fan of armchair detectives and Mia takes chances and does things to try to figure out who Emily really is that no sane person would ever do. At one point, she comes in possession of some critical evidence and instead of going to the police, she actually confronts the suspected bad guy and basically tells him that she knows what happened. Other than her curiosity at what happened to Emily, I could see no point in her getting involved with any of it because she had only met Emily for a few minutes. Even the culminating moment toward the end was totally unbelievable, so many things made me shake my head.

I'd still recommend reading this one because the premise is good. Just suspend your disbelief at Mia's actions and enjoy the mystery and the twists along the way.

This was my first book by Catherine Steadman and it won't be my last! I really want to read her other two books, and anything she comes out with in the future! I wasn't sure at first, as I found this to be a little slower at the beginning. But then it picked up and got interesting. And then it got a little weird. I just couldn't stop reading! I really enjoyed her writing style as well!

3.75 stars for me.
Well that escalated quickly. Mia is a British actress who Is well known for her role in "Eyre", a Jane Eyre retelling. After her boyfriend, George, leaves her unexpectedly for another actress (Naomi) she is very lost and confused at what the next step should be in her life. With the push of her manager Cynthia, she heads to the US to audition for the role of a lifetime, but she is not the only one after this part. During one of her auditions, she meets Emily, another actress trying for the same part. When Emily's turn is called, she hurriedly hands Mia her wallet and keys and goes into the audition. When Mia comes back out, Emily is no where to be found, her car is still in the parking lot and no one has seen her. Although Mia shouldn't be to concerned, she still has Emilys wallet and car keys and starts to worry about her after she doesn't turn up to retrieve them. Finally, "Emily" comes to get her things, but Mia knows 100% that this person is not the real Emily. This than starts her mission to find out who this person was and where Emily really is.

I liked the concept of this book, however it took a little while to get into anything exciting (about 40%). The first half was background information about Mia's life and such. Once the story got rolling, I couldn't put it down. It was very exciting and made me nervous wondering what was going to happen next. I think the ending could have also ended with more of a punch for the intensity of the situation. The author really was able to show what females specially feel like they need to do to get ahead in the business.

Overall, the story and characters in the book were very interesting. I think it was a slow build thriller, which aren't my personal favorite. I liked to be hooked right from the beginning. Once you get to the thrilling part, it was definitely that...thrilling and exciting. The parts of the book around that weren't as thrilling as I would have hoped. I will definitely be trying another Catherine Steadman book in the future !!

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was an entertaining read. Although I had problems with some aspects of the story, I did like Steadman’s writing. She created a good feel for LA/Hollywood.

I don’t like female characters who do dumb (or maybe I could be kinder and say naive) things from leaving her bag unattended to not replacing a lost keycard, and worse. At times, the story got bogged down with Mia’s indecisiveness and ruminations. Despite that, I kept compulsively reading to find out what would happen next! Three and a half stars rounded up to four.

...what even was this book???

I had to DNF @ 33%. The premise was completely ridiculous and the protagonist was so naive. There was potential for something interesting here but the execution was very much lacking.

I read and enjoyed Steadman's previous two books so had high hopes for this one. I enjoyed it - but not as much as her first book.

I found the character of Mia to be rather unrealistic and definitely had to suspend disbelief. I felt like I was constantly screaming at the character - 'how can you be so STUPID?!?!', 'why are you leaving your purse unattended?', 'why on earth are you on this quest for someone you barely met?' It was hard to believe anyone could be THAT naive and trusting.

The story drags some but there's enough suspense to make me turning the pages to see what happens next. After the somewhat slow pace throughout, it was jarring to suddenly have the improbable ending rushed - - like someone said to the author, 'time's up - - let's wrap this up'.

So no, I didn't think the book was perfect; but I enjoyed it for what it was - a frothy beach read.

Mia Eliot is a British actress who finds herself in LA to pursue her dream in landing a major role. At one of her auditions, she meets Emily Bryant, who seems to be a kindred spirit, but a simple favor leads to more questions and concerns. When Mia tries to get back into contact with her new friend, a woman shows up claiming to be Emily but she is not the same person, albeit eerily similar...

I loved the premise of this book (Hollywood setting & a behind-the-scenes look at auditions) and thought it was a very entertaining & quick read; however, I have read so many thrillers this year and this one didn't shock me as much as some of the others. Mia also comes across as very naive and gullible so it was hard for me to love her character. This was the first time I've read a book by Catherine Steadman and it won't be the last!

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

In The Disappearing Act, British actress, Mia, has found another outsider in Emily during the Hollywood pilot season. But then Emily vanishes. When Mia tries to find her, she finds secrets and lies standing in her way. What happened to Emily? And what will happen to Mia in this shadowy and weird world of acting?

First of all, I adore first-person thrillers. They must be difficult to write because they are rare. But, nothing more clearly shoves the reader into the character’s mind and straight into the action.

The behind-the-scenes look into the Hollywood acting establishment feels real. It makes sense because the author is a British actor herself.

Overall, The Disappearing Act earns 4 stars especially for the great and original setting.

Thanks to Ballantine Books, Random House and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Catherine Steadman may be known to some because of her role in the ever popular Downton Abbey. But…surpise (!) she is also a talented author. This is Ms. Steadman’s third novel following on Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody. Those who enjoyed her earlier novels are sure to enjoy this one as well. New readers of the author may also want to give this title a look. It has summer read written all over it.

Actress Mia found success in a British film called Eyre. Based on this accomplishment, Mia’s agent encourages her to go to America for pilot season. The strange and mysterious events that then ensure form the basis for the novel.

Those who enjoy suspense titles should enjoy this one. What did happen to Emily? What will Mia’s role in the strange situation turn out to be?

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ {THRILLER} I mean who doesn’t love a psychological thriller with a plot revolving around the craziness of Hollywood?! Coupled with the fact that this novel is also written by Catherine Steadman, as a reader you are in for a treat!

Mia is an established actress that travels across the globe to LA in hopes of securing the role of a lifetime during pilot season. While auditioning, she meets another actress named Emily, who mysteriously disappears after asking Mia to hold her purse and car keys for her. Confused and alarmed, Mia sets out in search of Emily and stumbles upon a mystery that cannot be ignored.

It was apparent that Steadman used her real life experiences as an actress to showcase the competitive nature of Hollywood industries. I found it particularly interesting when our heroin, Mia, channeled the courageous personality of her character Jane during stressful situations. As a reader it makes you ponder if actors tend to channel their characters or are completely different in daily life.

A huge congratulations to Steadman and thank you to NetGalley, random house, and Ballantine books for the advanced reader’s copy of this book!!

*Trigger Warning*- This book includes elements of sexual assault and rape.

Mia Eliot is a star on the rise. After conquering her native England, she takes a trip across the pond to audition for bigger and better roles. When she meets fellow actress Emily, a simple favor turns into much more. Can Mia find the missing Emily, and will she find herself in danger?

Hollywood is a great setting for a thriller, so I was really excited for this book! I enjoyed seeing Mia on the precipice of fame - with all the possibilities open to her, still innocent but quickly learning that Hollywood is full of sharks. Some of her actions seemed completely nonsensical - come on girl, get a clue! It was fun to follow her misadventures and see her get herself into lots of scrapes.

I enjoyed the mystery of Emily's disappearance, and I didn't guess the big reveal at the end. I think Steadman did a good job building up suspense - this is not a mile a minute thriller, but rather a puzzle that slowly increases in complexity before divulging its secrets. I think this is a good fit for readers who like Hollywood and the lifestyles of the rich and famous - it's a good book to read in one sitting on vacation!

Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for ah honest review.

Review posted to Goodreads and Instagram on 6/9/21.

Definitely my favorite book by Catherine Steadman. This one grabbed me from page one while the others didn't.

The Disappearing Act is good thriller if you want to get your mind off of things. It was bit too predictable for me as most of the clues were presented to you at the beginning of the story; you just wait until they resurface. I was hoping to find that plot twist, that a-ha moment, but it never came. More than being a thriller, I think it more served for the purpose of "Hollywood is a trap and it's one of the ugliest industries in the world".

Don't get me wrong! I finished it in one sitting, but i wanted something bit more. I wanted to know why Mia would get involved in the situation because you cannot be this nice or this reckless to possibly throw away everything you have dreamt of. I wanted to know why we had that story of stalker at the beginning of the story because I didn't get the purpose. I wanted to know how someone beloved can disappear and no would really know what's up when her name is floating around everywhere. I wanted to know what it takes to be heard.

If you are interested in fast-paced Hollywood dream story turned bad (or maybe not so bad after all), you'd like this book. Especially if true crime is your favorite pastime, you'll find a lot instances where you scream "nooooo girl!"

Mia Eliot's life is a mess. Her career is taking off, but her personal life is another story.

Taking a risk, she hops on a plane and heads for Los Angeles for pilot season. She wants to try her hand in Hollywood and see if her career will continue to take off. Day after day, read after read, Mia stays overwhelmed, She's amazed at the differences in the world of American and British acting.

At one audition, Mia meets a woman named Emily, who is also from out of town and is just too kind. The woman hit it off and Mia offers to do her a simple favor. Now the real Emily is missing... and the woman who shows up claiming to be her is not what she seems. How far will Mia's quest to find the real Emily take her? Will she survive?

I loved the author's debut novel.. Did not care for the followup. With this one the author is back in the groove. I am a sucker for the movie industry so that certainly helped. Interesting story with a denouement I did not see coming.

I thought the beginning of this book was a bit slow, but I’m glad I kept reading. I needed to find out if Mia was going to thrive in LA after her breakup with George. The middle was filled with twists and turns and the mystery of Emily Bryant was creative and made me question Mia even meeting her in the first place. The ending was a bit predictable. Very enjoyable and fast read!
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!

Actress Mia Eliot has been working in London for years, and things are about to break open for her. Her latest role in the film Eyre (she played Jane) has put her on the map. There is even talk of a BAFTA nomination. So her agent tells her that this is a good time to take her act on the road, to spend some time in Hollywood for the big pilot season, which is when producers film television pilots to try to sell to the studios.

Mia’s agent in England has been in touch with an agent in the states, and they already have several auditions lined up for her, as well as an apartment and a car. All she has to do it pack her bags and fly across the ocean to California.

Mia finds the idea of that easier than she expected when she realizes that her longtime boyfriend has a new acting job that’s about to start in New York City. He hadn’t even told her that he’d been cast in anything new, but Mia realizes that he didn’t say anything about it because it also stars his new girlfriend, a younger actress who is also a social media star. Mia loves the idea of getting out of town for a while, to get away from everyone who knows George and who would want to talk about the breakup.

When she lands in Los Angeles, her drab London life is whisked away. She is given an Audi to drive for the time she’s there. She’s given an apartment to stay in with a parking valet and 24/7 security. The apartment has a view of the whole city, including the iconic Hollywood sign, where an actress once jumped to her death after being rejected for a film role she had wanted.

Mia prepares for her auditions, swims in the rooftop pool, and tires to stop Instagram stalking her ex and his new girlfriend. She nails the first audition and feels confident. She goes to her second audition, and she strikes up an easy conversation with another actor up for the same role, Emily. Emily is worried about her parking meter, thinking it’s about to run out of time, so she tells Mia that she can head in to the audition first. But Mia wants a few more minutes to prepare, so she offers to add money to Emily’s meter while Emily goes in to audition. Emily agrees to this and hands Mia the keys to her rental car and her wallet.

Mia uses Emily’s credit card to feed the meter, and then gest ready to head in to the audition room. She doesn’t see Emily before she goes in. But the audition goes well, in part because she took those extra minutes to prepare. And when she walks out of the room, she still doesn’t see Emily. She looks around, she goes to the car (still in the same parking spot), asks the receptionist—still no Emily. Mia leaves a note at reception with her cell number so Emily can contact her to get her wallet and keys back, and heads to her own car. On the way, she stops by Emily’s car one more time, and that’s where she meets the handsome American who asks her if everything is okay.

He says his name is Nick and that he’d seen her acting strangely from the office he’d been in. Mia explains that Emily had disappeared earlier from the audition and she was wondering what to do with her things. She finally decides to add more time to the meter and head home for the night, hoping to hear from her soon.

Emily spends the next couple of days getting ready for more auditions and meeting up with a couple of friends who were in L.A. She talks to Nick about the situation and he ends up asking her out for dinner. And then finally, Emily contacts her. She apologizes for disappearing and sets up a time to come pick up her keys and wallet. Mia is so relieved, and can’t wait for her to come and gather her things. There’s just one problem with the young brunette actress who comes to pick up Emily’s car keys and wallet.

The woman isn’t Emily.

She looks a little like her. She definitely acts like her. But it’s not the same woman that Mia had met days ago at that audition.

Mia hands over the keys and wallet anyway, not at all certain what to do.

Mia tries to focus on her career, especially for the very important meeting with a producer who wants to talk to her about a movie that could change her life. But she’s distracted. She tries to call the police, and they do a welfare check on Emily, and they report back that they talked to her and she’s okay. But then Mia realizes that she doesn’t know if they talked to the Emily she had met at the audition or the woman pretending to be Emily who picked up the keys from her.

Then her emails start disappearing. Things in her apartment are moved from where she put them. She can’t tell if this is really happening to her, or if she’s somehow losing her mind. Just how far will she have to go to put her mind to ease about an actress she met for just a few minutes one day?

The Disappearing Act is the third novel from Catherine Steadman, and the first one where she relies so heavily on her own experiences as an actor. The Hollywood scenes in this novel feel authentic, like someone really in the know about show business is offering us a peek at the experience of auditioning and preparing and dealing with the drama of the town.

I absolutely loved this novel. I loved that inside look at the life of an actor, but even more than that I was so impressed by Steadman’s ability to create a sense of tension throughout this story, a sense of possible danger at every turn, the anxiety of possible danger from one chapter to the next. There is really not all that much violence in most of this story, but that sense of suspense was so prescient that I had trouble putting the book down. I needed to find out what happened. And I was not disappointed by the ending.

The Disappearing Act is a classy psychological thriller, cashmere and luxury and constant disquiet, and I am all in. Get yourself a big bowl of popcorn and some wine and take a trip to Los Angeles, to find out what it’s really like inside show business, how dangerous it can be just to show up for an audition in a roomful of actors who look remarkably similar to you.

Egalleys for The Disappearing Act were provided by Random House Publishing Group—Ballentine Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.