A Fatal Affair by A.R. Torre
Rating: 4 stars
Pub Date: 6/20

As a fan of psychological thrillers, I thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace that this crime procedural offered. It was a refreshing read, perfect for anyone who enjoys a good detective novel. Add in the Hollywood element, and you have yourself an unputdownable read!

Hugh Iverson and Nora Kemp are Hollywood royalty. Wealthy, talented, and gorgeous, they are the envy of all. But behind the glitz and glamour is an ugly truth that nothing is what it seems. When Hugh’s twin brother Trent and an unidentified woman are found dead on their property, (apparently from a murder/suicide), everyone is about to find out what kind of secrets Nora and Hugh have been hiding.

This book was a wild ride! There are two deaths, a missing child, diary entries from the murdered woman, and a suspicious children’s charity. The story is told from multiple POVs, which, along with the short chapters, kept the story moving at a fast pace. This is my second book by this author, and her engaging writing style makes it easy to get swept up in her stories.

I loved the salacious Hollywood setting! The author masterfully incorporated the glamour and dark undercurrents of the entertainment industry, elevating the intrigue to a whole new level. It’s incredible what that much money can buy, and the story shows us just that.

Overall, this was fast-paced and engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. With its unreliable narrators, thrilling twists, and captivating atmosphere, this book is sure to be a hit. Thank you so much to Thomas Mercer and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.

Read if you like:
*short chapters
*multiple POV
*Hollywood
*unreliable narrators
*twisty endings

3.5
A. R. Torre has become an auto read for me. She does a great job with her mysteries in the sense that they are fast paced where the pages basically turn themselves, I typically don't know where it's going even though I think I do, and I am thoroughly entertained throughout, there's no drag.

A FATAL AFFAIR will be a fun summer read where you think you know what's happening, but come to find out you don't. A famous actor and an unknown woman are found together in what appears a murder and suicide, but there's a lot more to how they got here.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the advance e-copy of this book.

Two bodies have just been found at the residence of two very famous actors in Beverly Hills. The first body is the husband's twin brother. The second is the body of a woman who has been reported missing when she was supposed to go on a Make-A-Wish Disney trip with her son. And the son is missing also.
This is a soap opera-style mystery that is hard to summarize. Despite the fact that I guessed the biggest twist when I was only 3% in, I did not know all of the ramifications and the why and the how and the when to get there, and the ride was fun, and so was the final twist. The story is told in short chapters, with many interconnected POVs, which made for great pacing, always bringing something new and interesting.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This authors work is really hit and miss for me. The last two books of hers I have enjoyed. This was better than those. I love how the author is growing with every book.

A twisted, fast paced, fly through read.
The pacing of this book is so fast because each chapter bounces back and forth between different characters labeled The Detective, The Leading Lady, The Leading Man, The Husband, and a few other side players. I didn't want to stop reading at just one chapter. I was so pulled in by each person that I didn't want to put it down, dying to hear the next part from them. It was a "just one more chapter" kind of book.
It's like pieces of the puzzle start to click together but there always those few that look like they would perfectly fit but just never quite click. More pieces need to be found.
This was a great thriller that I couldn't put down, even when my jaw was dropping to the floor!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley)

This gripping thriller delves into the complex relationships and dark secrets of Hollywood's elite. The love triangle adds an intriguing layer to the suspenseful plot. The investigation of a murder-suicide uncovers a twisted motive and a web of deceit. The author skillfully keeps readers guessing until the very end. It's a thrilling page-turner that exposes the hidden truths lurking beneath the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.

Suprisingly I didnt love this.
It was an intriguing story of discovering who is lying and what really happened in a he said she said situation.
Two can keep a secret if 1 of them is dead right?
This book touches on some terrible childhood traumas, murders, secrets, lies and the flow of Hollywood.
I will say the twists are suprising and i did enjoy it.. i think i needed more from the ending.

A Fatal Affair is a captivating murder mystery that sucks you in and doesn’t really let go. Though it’s not super twisty, it does keep you engaged by making you think throughout. At times I felt a bit confused as I was trying to piece it all together but I knew that it was going to all make sense as it progressed and it did! This is not a great book for the distracted reader; you actually have to pay attention to the clues that are given to you.

This is the second book I’ve read by A.R. Torre. The first was Every Last Secret, which I really enjoyed. I think I liked that one a little more than A Fatal Affair but I gave both four stars. I will definitely check out her other backlist books! I’ve heard The Good Lie is also really good.

Read if you like:
- short chapters
- Unique whodunnit plot lines
- Hollywood & celebrities
- Multiple POVs
- Lots of clues and puzzle pieces
- Complex mysteries that make you think

Thank you to author A.R. Torre and Thomas & Merced Publishing who allowed me access to this book via @NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Stars. Lovers. Liars. Killers. This is Hollywood, and everyone has a part to play in a shocking novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author A. R. Torre.

Actress Nora Kemp loves two men. One is Hugh Iverson, a philanthropic movie star who gives Nora security and respectability. The other is Hugh’s twin brother, Trent, a Hollywood bad boy who brings out Nora’s wild side. When Trent and an unidentified woman are found dead on the Iversons’ Beverly Hills property, more than Nora’s and Hugh’s reputations are at stake.

An investigation suggests murder-suicide. But there’s more to the crime than first meets the eye: suspicions of a serial killer with a bizarre motive, Hugh’s unnerved and cautious staff, and a missing mother and son. As two LA detectives sift through the deceptions of the innocent and the guilty—some living and some dead—solving the case becomes a cunning cat-and-mouse game.

Because in a city of illusions, the truth—no matter how dangerous—is so easy to hide.




I was hoping this one would be as good as some of the other thrillers I've been reading lately but it kind of fell flat for me. There were a lot of characters for me and some unnecessary drama.

Nora loves two very different men, except they are identical twins. When one dies in an apparent murder/suicide, two detectives begin to shift through Nora’s life.

Something about this one didn’t fully sync with me. I kept waiting for it to pick up but the pacing stayed the same. I never really understood the motives for some characters and some explanations were a little soapy for me. I did like the Hollywood aspect and how it played into the mystery and storyline.

“Hey, that’s the problem with Hollywood. We’re in a sea of professional liars and seducers.”

A Fatal Affair comes out 6/20.

At first glance, you might wonder why I would risk reading A Fatal Affair. Love triangles are one of my biggest pet peeves, and the blurb clearly states this story has a particularly sordid one involving twin brothers. BUT. Somehow, there is just something about A.R. Torre's writing that makes me forget all about my pet peeves and dislike for certain elements in stories. This has been true in the past with the psychological thrillers I've read so far, and it is definitely true with A Fatal Affair. WHAT a story!

There is a lot to unpack in A Fatal Affair, and this complexity is part of the reason this story works so well. The story uses a multiple POV structure, switching between quite a big cast of characters along the way. I was a bit annoyed the the chapter headers (the detective, the leading lady, the kid, the accomplice etc.), but I'm guessing it's becoming a trend as I've seen it quite a lot in thrillers lately. It's not something I will ever like, but somehow it did bother me less than usual in this book. I admit that it was a bit easier to keep the different characters apart this way, and with so many POV switches and short chapters you at least instantly knew who was in the spotlight.

This isn't just a story about a love triangle and the Hollywood actress Nora loving both Iverson twin brothers. In fact, the main focus itself is on something completely different (although no less shocking). There are the initial deaths, the missing child, a potential kidnapping, a potential serial killer link, the mysterious online messages, the whole police investigation, the secrets about Nora, Hugh and Trent's past... A lot of different elements, and somehow they were woven together in a way that made for an extremely engaging and exhilarating read.

With the short chapters and constant POV switches, it was not that easy to truly get to know the main characters, which might have worked in the story's advantage this time around because most of them aren't exactly likeable. The main focus is on the present and the investigation into the murder-suicide, the missing child and whatever some of the characters might be hiding. The pace is lightning fast as a result, and I simply couldn't stop turning those pages. The plot twists themselves are highly effective, and I definitely didn't guess the full truth behind it all. The writing itself is somehow very addictive as well, and this story wouldn't let me go until I finally reached the end.

There is no doubt that A.R. Torre has done it again, and she has written another fantastic thriller and a story that will stay with me for quite some time. If you like your stories fast-paced with morally grey characters, lots of secrets and a plot that will keep you on your toes, you should add A Fatal Affair to your wishlist!

Fast paced but over the top. This wasn't for me (it was too too) and I DNF but it might be a good distraction while traveling. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Over to others.

I love this author’s books and A Fatal Affair did not disappoint. When I see a novel by A.R. Torre, I know I need to read it! This was a riveting novel that held my attention from start to finish. I cannot wait to read A.R. Torre’s next book.

Synopsis:

Actress Nora Kemp loves two men. One is Hugh Iverson, a philanthropic movie star who gives Nora security and respectability. The other is Hugh’s twin brother, Trent, a Hollywood bad boy who brings out Nora’s wild side. When Trent and an unidentified woman are found dead on the Iversons’ Beverly Hills property, more than Nora’s and Hugh’s reputations are at stake.

An investigation suggests murder-suicide. But there’s more to the crime than first meets the eye: suspicions of a serial killer with a bizarre motive, Hugh’s unnerved and cautious staff, and a missing mother and son. As two LA detectives sift through the deceptions of the innocent and the guilty—some living and some dead—solving the case becomes a cunning cat-and-mouse game.

Because in a city of illusions, the truth—no matter how dangerous—is so easy to hide.

Coming out on June 20.

A Fatal Affair is a book is chalked up with many characters and twists and turns that will hold your attention.

Two dead bodies and multiple POV's with a Hollywood setting kept me reading to try and solve the case.

Who would kill the victims and why.

Who is lying and who is telling the truth. Two are actors, are they acting?

A Fatal Affair is more mystery with police procedure (which I like) than thriller.

Twists and turns keep you reading .

The plot for me was a bit far fetched but I certainly recommend that you pick up your copy and settle in for an intriguing read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer & #38 Mercer for an interesting read.

Dark Side Of Hollywood. This book is perfect for those types that love the darker stories of Hollywood, and particularly the stories about how demented and depraved some "wholesome" childhood stars become as adults. At under 300 pages, it is a fairly quick read, but with every chapter coming from a different character's perspectives - and several of them, to boot - this may be one that is too complex for some to follow. And yet, that storytelling mechanic actually works well for this particular tale, particularly the deeper into the tale we get. In the end, it even becomes a bit of a mindbender trying to determine who is actually responsible - so again, people that like their endings all tied up in a bow... probably not your thing either. Overall an interesting tale that keeps the reader engaged, and one that will work well for those darker summer moods. Very much recommended.

Two bodies end up at a famous couples mansion. One is the twin of the house owner and one is unknown. What has happened here? Who would kill these two and how are they connected? And will anyone find the little boy who was supposed to be at Disney world ?

You will turn the pages to see how it all unfolds. This story is admittedly far fetched but I still enjoyed it and I will be checking out other books by this author in the future. There were aspects about this book I didn't like personally which will reflect my lower rating but all
In all it was a solid read.

This thriller is a wild ride. I kept thinking what is happening? I couldn't figure it out. ! The ending is a twist I didn't see coming.

Thank you to net galley and publisher for this arc

Two bodies are found in a guest house. One is a woman and the other is a Hollywood star. In the main house lives the man’s twin and the twin’s fiancée. Elsewhere, another man is looking for his wife and son, who are now missing in California. Two Hollywood detectives are trying to put all of the clues together and as they do, they unravel a deadly mystery.

Every chapter of this book changed POV and new information was revealed. The mystery was enjoyable, but I must say that I figured out a lot of the twists.

This book is not for me, I realised this once I started I made it to around 20% and just couldn’t get into it. It is a me thing and not the writing the writing is actually very good I really like this author. But this trope is not for me and the twist seems very easy to guess… so instead of reading and not enjoying it I will be rating this 5 stars for fairness!!

A Fatal Affair by A.R. Torre

I like police procedurals and the two detectives in this story were my favorite characters along with the little boy, who is done dirty in the worst of ways. We have famous twin brothers Hugh and Trent, although Trent is related to the past because he's dead. We have Nora who is famous, too, with her being one part of Hollywood's elite. There are the parents of the little boy, far from the status and wealth of Hugh in every way. We have lots of POVs, too many POVs if you ask me, and some extremely short chapters that don't even deserve to be called chapters.

If you like short chapters than this book is for you but I do not like barely there chapters. The story already felt disjointed enough to me, with so many character being thrown at us without much chance to get to know them. Then we have some chapters that wouldn't even fill one page of a print book, only to be off again to another POV. I was frustrated and when I put down the book I didn't really want to pick it up again. But that's just me and this might appeal to others, especially if you are short on time and like to read your books in tiny bites at a time.

So many rotten people here! So many liars, cheaters, and worse! Even the little boy has his rotten moment but that had to do with diapers and I'm not very good with diapers since I've never had a kid. I've loved some of Torre's books and I'll be back for more even though this was not my favorite Torre story.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC.

When Hollywood bad boy Trent Iverson is found dead with an unidentified (and equally dead) woman at his side, it looks like a textbook murder-suicide. But scratch the surface and oh what a tangled web lies just beneath: twin brothers, a beautiful and cunning actress who loves them both, a missing mother and her sick little boy, a children’s charity, and a fishy Facebook group.

Put it all together and you’ve got one heck of a police procedural with a Hollywood twist. This might be the highest number of perspectives I’ve ever seen in a multiple POV thriller, but it was a breeze to keep them all straight. A tight, propulsive plot and short chapters make this book totally bingeworthy; I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” and next thing you know, I’d finished the book in two sittings! Very entertaining and enjoyable!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an advance copy of this book.