Member Reviews
Never a dull moment in books by this author! Unexpected twist was a shock. Recommended read for people who like twisty tales.
The protagonist Zoe Ann Weiss and I share a surname! They use her last name a lot in this book. That was a bit of thrill for me. For most of the book, it might have been the most thrilling thing. Zoe is meant to be writing her second book, but she is blocked. Then the plot gets all meta, with someone stalking Zoe using the plot of her first book, and then Zoe using this to write her second book. The middle of the book is just Zoe endlessly staring at a 'blinking cursor' driving around in her work van, and recapping what happened before. Others have called this a 'slow burn' but I just found it slow. Then it ramps up with some unlikely action, before taking an unexpected turn.
I felt the whole time like I was reading a book, always at a remove from the characters and the action. This was fine - if you find it at a Little Library or on the bookshelf of a hostel it's definitely a way to spend a few hours, but it's not compelling.
Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC.
This one started off quite gripping and had me turning the pages, but by the end it left me with very mixed feelings.
Zoe is a writer struggling to produce her second book. Zach is a famous actor who she met prior to his fame. When they reconnect by chance her creativity returns and she starts to write her second book. Soon enough she is being stalked by a suspected crazed fan of Zach’s as well as struggling to submit her new book due to the NDA she has signed.
I liked how the book depicted the darker side of fame and fortune and delved into that world a little.
Unfortunately this one started to drag for me. I struggled to connect with any of their characters, they were all just a little bland. Zoe was pretty frustrating at times and became so repetitive. It started to just go round in circles of not being able to write, worrying about her relationship with Zach, when was the next stalker move going to come, which was already spoilt as it was straight from her book. I didn’t really get the suspense that I was hoping for.
I found it lacked intensity and lost my interest pretty quickly. The epilogue was a little bit out of left field, but in the same token didn’t really surprise me. I think as it was a real slow burn it didn’t really hit the same way compared to if it was fast paced with lots of twists and turns.
Thank you to Harper Collin’s and NetGalley for the ARC
Buckle up and get comfortable for a wild ride.
Zoe Ann Weiss is an author and florist. But her first novel "fractured" didn't do to well and she is now having trouble getting a second book written. But fate calls and brings her the best story yet. She bumps in to Zach Hamilton a former lover now movie star and this is when everything starts to get out of hand. She is in the press, her name everywhere, her phone number and press know where she lives.
All the stars for this one. An absolute fast paced book with short chapters and an LA setting. The twists and turns in this book had me wanting to keep turning the pages late in to the night and I even found the audiobook so I could finish it. I just had to know how this was going to end. Pip will continue being an auto read author for me and I can't wait to see what the author will bring out next.
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for my gifted copy for my honest book review.
What an absolute brilliant premise! 😍
I will read anything by Pip and I went into this one blind because there's nothing better than going in blind and being absolutely blown away by a book that yanks you in hard and fast, leaves you gasping for breath with every turn of the pages, has you so far on the edge of your seat, you nearly fall off and leaves you stunned with all its twists and turns and guys, guess what?! That's exactly what The Close-Up did for me!
Life changes for struggling writer Zoe Ann Weiss on her 30th birthday when she runs into an old flame, now a famous actor, Zach Hamilton. Sparks re-ignite and they begin to date casually. Sounds like a dream come true right?!
Her writers block has suddenly disappeared so that's a good thing but then photos of Zoe and Zach are leaked in the press. Zoe's flop of a first novel suddenly goes viral and everyone knows who Zoe Ann Weiss is! Including a stalker obsessed with Zach who starts stalking Zoe and re-enacting the scenes from her first book. Scenes that I would certainly be scared if they were happening to me!
The Close-Up is out now! A must read to add to your shelf!
In The Close-Up, Pip Drysdale crafts an electrifying psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from the first page to the last. The story follows Harper, a talented young photographer who specializes in spotting "red flags" in relationships—until she becomes entangled with a man who tests her limits and challenges her every instinct. Harper’s journey is both thrilling and unsettling as she navigates a game of cat-and-mouse that turns her life upside down.
Drysdale’s writing is sharp and immersive, pulling readers into Harper’s world and mind. The twists are cleverly executed, making this a true page-turner, and the underlying themes of obsession, power, and self-discovery add depth to the suspense. With each revelation, Harper’s reliability as a narrator is questioned, blurring the lines between art and obsession, trust and deception.
The Close-Up is an enthralling read for anyone who loves dark, character-driven thrillers. It explores the fine line between attraction and danger in a way that’s as thought-provoking as it is addictive. Fans of Drysdale won’t be disappointed, and newcomers will find it hard to put down.
The Close Up is a gripping thriller about the lengths people will go to achieve fame and fortune…and to stay there.
Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewel and Lucy Foley, this was a very bingeable and immersive read. The twists kept coming throughout, and it was so hard to know who to like or trust. It was darker than the cover suggests, and I’m still trying to process the ending-the twists really don’t let up! A thrilling ride built on the sordid underbelly of celebrity and power in LA.
Thank you HarperCollins Publishers Australia for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
The Close-up was an adrenaline packed, fast-paced, and at times creepy thriller, full of suspense, drama, betrayal, and crazy twists.
It grabbed my attention immediately. I read it in one sitting, I honestly couldn't put it down.
I loved the storyline, it was unique and intriguing, the characters were interesting and complex, and the writing was excellent as always.
The final few twists threw me for a loop, I definitely didn't see them coming.
I wasn't entirely happy with the ending though, which is why it's not getting 5 stars. It would have otherwise.
Pip Drysdale is definitely one of my favourite thriller authors. I've loved all her books so far, and The Close-up is no exception. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
I highly recommend.
4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins Australia, and Pip Drysdale for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When a stalker starts to reenact scenes from her thriller novel, Zoe is on edge. She knows how her book ends and she is determined not to suffer the same way.
Wow, what a fantastic book! I have loved all of Pip Drysdale's books and she has delivered again with The Close-Up. The writing was superb, the twists aplenty and I managed to practically read the book in almost one full sitting - it was so hard to put down! If you've loved the author's previous work, be sure not to miss this one. If you've not read this author before - what are you waiting for?
When Zoe Ann Weiss is in a book slump after her debut novel was a flop, she reignites with an old flame and things really escalate from there….
The action, the suspense, the twists and turns, this one had me on the edge of my seat and I really couldn’t see how it was going to end!
The epilogue had my jaw on the floor and summed up the ending so well.
I really enjoyed Pip’s writing style and the characters in the story. I could really relate to Zoe and her best friend - feeling like failures and not where they’d like to be in life despite their best efforts. I feel a good novel is so much more enjoyable when the characters are likeable!
The Close-up is full of twists and keeps you guessing, which is fun, but I found Zoe's endless anxiety a bit overwhelming. However, if you enjoy psychological thrillers, then you will probably enjoy this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the review copy.
Because here in my silver sequined dress beneath that sliver of moon, it occurs to me that there's a dark side to everything that sparkles: sequins, the moon, love, ambition, the Hollywood sign. Every Hollywood day turns into Hollywood night, eventually.
WOW! I did not expect this book to pull me in as much as it did. There were so many aspects to Pip's writing that just made you constantly question all the motives, and goals of all the people in play.
This story is told in the POV of our main character Zoe, who has moved from London to LA to pursue and save her writing career, after being given the opportunity of a lifetime, but then watch her treasured first novel flop on its release. She is now desperately trying to salvage her career by thinking of another bestseller. In her journey to find out what that is she re-kindles with an old flame who just happens to be a movie action star and almost seems untouchable. Though as they rekindle what was their relationship, more skeletons come out of the closest... and Zoe has to choose to pursue her career or her crush.
During the story there were elements that just kept you on your toes, and I found the almost chaotic energy of Zoe a massive draw card. She has absolutely everything riding on this story, but has also become her own story. The narration also, breaking the fourth wall at points was brilliant. I was second guessing Zoe's actions as well as the other characters in her story. Even Zoe, was second guessing Zoe.
I admit, I didn't know anything about this book before I started reading it, and I am glad I didn't because it made everything that much more intense.
The twists, turns and misdirection were fantastic and I would definitely recommend this book!
Zoe is a young author living in LA who is struggling to write her second thriller novel. She becomes involved with Zach a famous actor who has previously broken her heart but was also the catalyst to her finishing her first book, so she decides she needs to be with him to write this second book. But Zach has a stalker who starts reenacting the events from Zoe’s first book in an attempt to scare Zoe into ending things with Zach.
I found it hard to connect to or like any of the characters in this book but at the same time couldn’t put it down.
Lots of unpredictable twists and turns until the very end. If you’ve liked Pip Drysdale’s previous books I think you’ll enjoy this.
Well this was a totally insane story!! A frenzy attack of reading! A debut novel Fractured by Zoe Ann Weiss becomes a reality for her as she struggles to write her second novel. She becomes her next novel…..
It is frantic but also brutal. The world of LA seeps out of the characters, the location and the storyline. The ending took me totally by surprise, almost to the point of being shocked!
Recommended read if you can handle the pace!
This review is based on a complimentary copy from HarperCollins Publishers Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheClose-Up #NetGalley
Another excellent thriller from Pip Drysdale. Lots of tension, page turning and plenty of twists and turns that kept my interest from start to finish. Always a fun read.
I’m a huge fan of Pip Drysdale's books, so you can imagine my excitement when I got the golden ticket to read this one before its big debut!
From the very first page of The Close-up, I was practically glued to my seat, unable to tear myself away! If you're a thrill-seeker craving suspense, this book is your ticket to ride! Set against the dazzling backdrop of LA, we meet Zoe Ann Weiss, a novelist battling the dreaded writer's block. Cue the drama when her old flame, Zac Hamilton, re-enters her life—only to bring along a stalker who’s got Zoe in their crosshairs. Talk about a plot twist!
A massive shoutout to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for letting me dive into this gem for an honest review.
I’m giving this page-turner a sparkling 5 stars out of 5!
Mark your calendars, folks! The Next Girl by Pip Drysdale hits the shelves on 30 October 2024!
A dark and disturbing plot filled with twists and romance. A novelist with writers block is dreaming about her heartthrob but he may not be good for her. I couldn't bring myself to like the characters at all but I did enjoy the many mysterious twists!
I have read a few of Pip Drysdales books and I have really enjoyed them... and this book did not disappoint!
Oh gosh - the twists, the creepiness, it was all amazing and left me saying WTF at the end.
Zoe is an 'author' who lives in LA - she moved there to pursue her writing career - which of late has been non existent. She has already released one thriller, and was signed on for a second.... that is two years past its due date. She is currently making ends meet by working a day job at a florist, which is how she bumps into an old flame, Zach Hamilton. Zach Hamilton has gone up in the ranks, when she first met him three years ago he was an aspiring actor (who ghosted her after their amazing 3 day rendezvous), but now.... he is actually a famous actor... And he wants to spend time with her again. Zoe starts to think spending time with Zach will help her writers block. But I don't think Zoe knew what she was in for.
This book had me guessing all these different outcomes for the ending, but did I pick it? NO! This was an amazing book that had everything - stalkers, lost love flames, private investigators, shady people and much more!
If you love fast paced thrillers that keeps you turning those pages - this one is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the opportunity to read and review this fantastic new novel from Pip Drysdale.
I have loved all of Pip’s books and I’m always conflicted as to whether I should devour it or savour it -the temptation won out and I flew through this in less than a day.
Zoe is a struggling writer, also working as a florist, when she crosses paths with an ex who is now a movie star.
What happens from there is a fast paced thrilling ride - Zoe is a likeable main character who makes some questionable choices but also seems to come into situations not of her doing.
I loved the book - in -a- book theme, the glimpses into what happens behind the glitz and glamour of celebrity life, creepy stalker vibes and the LA backdrop.
Highly recommend this and all of Pip’s books!
Pip Drysdale has always been an auto buy author for me, so I was very excited to tuck into her latest release The Close Up. I was not prepared for just how fantastic it would be, it literally took over my life for 24 hours until I turned the last page.
The suspense and sense of intrigue drew me down a rabbit hole filled with celebrities, authors, stalkers and so much more. Flailing author come florist Zoe reconnects with an old flame bartender Zach who has since become a famous actor, and that is where the wild ride begins. Strap yourself in and set aside time to read this book in one sitting, you will not be able to put it down. It is a nonstop thrill ride that had me gasping and the ending literally blew my mind.
Fame and floristry combine to produce one hell of a thriller. A very cleverly written story, a fantastic LA setting and just enough spice to heat things up. With plenty of unreliable characters your mind will spin as the story is revealed. A must read!
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this early reading copy, it is my book of the year. All the stars for this one, I know everyone who picks it up will love it as much as I did!