I was not captivated by this debut novel as much as I had wished to. There are definitely aspects that I liked, such as the story within a story and the characters' intervention written in parenthesis (giving the book the quality of written to be spoken out loud). I also liked the multiple POVs, which really helped the reader see the events from different perspectives. Together with the Cate's footnotes, it made me question the reliability of the narrators. But as the story unfolded, I realised there was no question of unreliability here, though I think I would have made the novel overall more suspenseful.

What I was not a fan of was the character building. I felt that they lacked a certain complexity which would have made me understand their actions better or at least accept their decision-making process. I mostly had this issue with Annie since she is the center of the story and the other characters only tend to gravitate around her.

Moreover, the characters had a feel of superficiality about them and so I could not really get attached to any of them or their stories. They felt really shallow. I especially did not get the seriousness of Cate's problems throughout the story. I wish certain topics were explored more (such as the relationship between Annie and her mother or Ryan's interest in Cate Kay).
Overall, this sapphic story with thriller elements was a fast-paced read, but it was not a page-turner for me.

A page turner from beginning to end, with lies twisting the fates of two women while tearing them apart. When does love become obsession, how does that obsession become manipulation, and what is the cost of ambition in the face of longing? Fagan's years in journalism shine through with each voice in this story so distinct, so nuanced in their use of language, it is as though we are sitting and questioning across the table. With each character the plot twists tighter till escape from the life of Cate Kay seems impossible. When you've never had the chance to be yourself, how do you know who's telling you the truth?

I am definitely suspicious of any book compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but I absolutely adored this. I found the memoir style so easy to read and the multiple POVs seemed to really flowed together. I couldn’t put it down.

It follows a mysterious bestselling author who after years of hiding her identity comes out with a memoir detailing how she came to be the elusive ‘Cate Kay’. As the book progresses you learn more and more about the three women she’s been in her life and what caused her to run from who she is in the first place.

There’s so many elements of this that I loved—the blurring of platonic and romantic love, the experience of a woman with a disability, the importance of privacy and autonomy, the ability to reflect on your past mistakes etc. It felt like a love letter to young queer women worried about what lies ahead.

My only real criticism is that some elements introduced along the way couldn’t be properly wrapped up by Cate herself. This, perhaps, being the single downside to the multiple viewpoints introduced. I also found the ending a tad rushed initially but upon reflection can understand why certain events weren’t explained in detail—some things Cate wanted to keep just for herself. If this book teaches readers anything it should be the importance of just that.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is such a unique book with such a distinct writing style. Normally I can find multiple POV books a little jarring but in this case they worked very well to weave the story together. Unlike some other books, the integration of multiple perspectives felt very purposeful and designed to drive the narrative. Each character also has their own distinct voice with different nuances in their character even if they only acted as a very small part of the plot.

The story is a touching, and sometimes infuriating (but in a good way), story exploring the relationship between an author and their work, growing up and learning about how you fit into the world, and an exploration of queer sapphic love and friendship in a very non stereotypical not tokenistic way which I thought enhanced the story. For me, it was such a page-turner but the pacing was also great in that at no point did the story feel rushed.


Note: Thank you to the published Atria Books who provided the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was hooked from the first page. I loved all the different perspectives in this novel, it really added another layer to the story. I would definitely recommend this.

This book uses a lot (too many?) literary devices so it was a bit tricky to follow and get into it. But as the story older I enjoyed it more. It was nice to read an honest and gay love story and the character development was strong.

The Three Lives Of Cate Kay focuses on grief and the non-linear healing journey. We meet the main character as a teen on the cusp of adulthood and follow her through life as she does her best to survive in anonymity. While this book is being compared to Evelyn Hugo, I think that sentiment paints with too broad of a brush, and while it does have the similarity of a celebrity revealing her private life, it stands alone as a tale of learning who you are amidst pain and manipulation.

While reading, I found the various voices slightly challenging because at times it would take me out of a curated moment or catalyst and I'd struggle to fit back in -I would also advise that as an ecopy the footnotes don't necessarily line up and you miss the asterisk and then find the thoughts a little too late - i didn't feel each character that was highlighted necessarily elevated the plot but the voices I enjoyed were finessed and felt like spun silk.

What Fagan does supremely is dissect the layers and depths of pain completely coating the audience's organs in the turmoil of grief yet still leaving a thin shadow of hope in corners and darkest parts of self-loathing.

This was my first Kate Fagan fiction experience and my first NetGalley complimentary arc. All thoughts in this review are my own and left with kindness and enthusiasm. Kate Fagan has set the bar high for future arc reading, and I will closely follow for any future works she writes.

I can confidently say this book has taken over top spot as my #1 read of this year!

First of all, thank you so much to Kate Fagan, the publishers, and @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! I feel so incredibly lucky to have gotten to read this gem early, and all I want is for all my book friends to get to read it too!

From the very first page I was captivated. Kate weaved this story together so perfectly and in a way that I never had any difficulty placing myself in the world she created. The various points of view she utilized was done in a way that helped to paint the full picture of Annie’s story rather than feeling too much. Every loose end felt tied by the end of the story and nothing felt rushed or forgotten. The characters have so many dimensions to them and she was able to capture Annie and Ry’s sexuality in a way that I wish more authors did; authentically and relatable. I was blown away with how seemingly effortless Kate was able to tell this story and I highly encourage everyone to check it out upon its release!

I will absolutely be picking up the physical copy as soon as it’s released!

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is such a unique book with such a distinct writing style. Normally I can find multiple POV books a little jarring but in this case they worked very well to weave the story together. Unlike some other books, the integration of multiple perspectives felt very purposeful and designed to drive the narrative. Each character also has their own distinct voice with different nuances in their character even if they only acted as a very small part of the plot.

The story is a touching, and sometimes infuriating (but in a good way), story exploring the relationship between an author and their work, growing up and learning about how you fit into the world, and an exploration of queer sapphic love and friendship in a very non stereotypical not tokenistic way which I thought enhanced the story. For me, it was such a page-turner but the pacing was also great in that at no point did the story feel rushed.


Note: Thank you to the published Atria Books who provided the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Honest Review
The Three Lives of Cate Kay
By Kate Fagan

I’ll admit I was a bit hesitant starting this one as it was marketed as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins. However, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by Fagan’s craftsmanship, character developments, and multi-layering story. Really enjoyed this and recommend.

📚Expected Release January 7, 2025📚
Thank you Atria Books, NetGalley, & the brilliant author Kate Fagan. I’m super appreciative for the opportunity.📚

There’s something about this book that’s both lovely and disorienting. Is it because of the numerous POVs? Is it because it feels more like of a memoir than your typical novel? Or is it because our protagonist still seems an enigmatic person even until the very end? As someone who prefers SFFs and RomCom stories, the Three Lives of Cate Kay felt so new to me that reading the first few chapters felt weird. At some point, I did ask myself whether I downloaded the correct file because I expected something typical only to be handed with a story centering around theC life of this queer individual who is as lost as the legend of yore. But as I plowed through the story and finally getting the hang of the multiple POVs, a certain hunger has awoken in me. I could not read the book fast enough; there are questions that I need to be answered as soon as possible so I devoured the book in one sitting. Just like our mysterious Cate Kay, this book has a certain charm that you cannot just resist.

The events and the setting may be different but every one of us has an inner Cate Kay that’s why this book hits differently in a personal level. At some point in our lives, we’ve all been there; trying to demand something from the world but not getting what we seek, making the wrong decisions, pushing everyone away, and all that. And amidst all that, we still fight, we still dream, and cling even to the smallest motivation there is. Out of the three personas of Cate Kay, I could probably relate more to the enthusiastic and uncertain Annie who secretly longs for her bestfriend, who dreams big, and desires to please her best friend. For her succeeding lives, however, I find them painful to read because she’s just lost despite reaching the pinnacle of success. It also did not help that she surrounded herself with the wrong person and shunned away the world, living in her own safety bubble. As I read through this slice-of-life novel, I was both emphatic and angry at Cate Kay while my heart bled for the other characters who got entangled with the chaos that is Cate. Like did they deserve such treatment from Cate? This is probably the reason why I had to knock off a star from my rating because the ending was some sort of anti-climactic. Our protagonist’s redemption arc was not thoroughly explored and I was not convinced that after all the hullabaloo that had happened, Cate can just waltz in easily into the lives of Ryan and Amanda.

Of course, I love how the story was wrapped up. It’s just the conflict resolution was too easy, and it makes Cate Kay look like this entitled goddess who cannot be denied with what she wants to happen. Like everyone is at her beck and call, like everyone needs to beg for her attention.

But all in all, there are no other words for this book but it’s a superb and nuanced tale about picking up the pieces and ultimately, embracing everything life has to offer.

thank you to netgalley, atria books, and kate fagan for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. all of the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

i really liked this book. it was incredibly well-written and formulated, and i can see how much thought the author put into writing and developing this story. although the characters had their flaws and quirks, i couldn't help but fall and feel for them. i loved getting diverse povs throughout the novel, in this sort of memoir that cate kay herself is writing (which i thought was so clever. i particularly enjoyed the footnotes added throughout. they were a joy to read). it added so much volume to the story to know what the lives of our other characters looked like, even if cass herself didn't.

something that stood out to me is the author's use of OCD as a synonym for tidiness when cass is describing amanda, claiming her tidiness is/was her "lone streak of OCD." as someone diagnosed with the disorder, it never sits right with me to see it used in this context. it is a life-altering, life-consuming disorder that encapsulates so much more than just cleanliness (and in many cases, it is not even related to that). it was a small detail in the book, but clearly grabbed my attention, as i am still thinking about it now. however, that did not decrease my enjoyment, nor does it take away from the wonderful things this book has to offer. i just needed to point it out.

this is the first kate fagan wrote i've ever read, and after this experience, i can guarantee it won't be my last. it succeeded my expectations in so many ways, and i consider myself lucky to have had the chance to read it before the publishing date. i will be on the lookout for its release in 2025, and will notify friends and family about it! this is a book worth your time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Spoilers below!

This book is billed as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins and I think that maybe not having read either of these books might have hindered my enjoyment of this novel. I think I’m in the miniority when I say I *liked* this book, overall, but wasn’t in love with it or its characters.

I have to say, upfront, that I did not like any iteration of our main character. I struggled to see her as this enigmatic, mind-blowing, mysterious, captivating woman that everyone else seemed to find her as. The Annie/Cass/Cate in my head as I read the opening (her initial POV) was so far from any of those characteristics, that I felt flung out of space (anyone know the Cate Blanchett reference??) when the next person Annie (for the sake of picking one name and sticking with it) met was immediately enamored with her. There was a lot of insta-love in this book and I’m sorry, I just didn’t buy it.

Another thing about the characters is that I just struggled to like them. I appreciated their motivations and their struggles, but I couldn’t connect. They felt very single-trait to me in some places, reduced down to parts of themselves whose faces I really didn’t vibe with.

The ‘mystery’ of the story, the horror that plagues Annie, also felt like it was this big, big, thing that didn’t quite pan out. It was disappointing that Annie didn’t just Google what happened and saw the results for herself. Trauma is trauma, of course, but to take the word of a person you just met and not look into it further? That feels like cheap writing to me.

What I did like was Fagan’s cleverness for almost the entire rest of the book. She has a mind for writing and enjoys doing it. The story is certainly unique to me (do I read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo??) and I thought she balanced the pacing well. The writing did feel a little smart in some places, but again, Fagan has great control over what she’s doing. I felt compelled to keep going, if that matters.

Overall, I was disappointed I didn’t seem to have the same experience as other readers. I wish I could have connected with the characters more, cared more about what they were doing, and found them more believable. Fagan is a talented writer and I hope that this isn’t her last foray into fiction. She has a talent and I am looking at her nonfic work right now, to see if anything catches my interest.

Look for this book on January 7, 2025!

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is the first book I have read by Kate Fagan, and it has made me want to go back and read her others. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book was predictable but not in a bad way. The story flowed well and made this a super-fast paced read. It is a multiple viewpoint story but is easy to follow and really aided in the overall story itself. I would highly recommend this book. Thanks so much NetGalley for the ARC.

"The Three Lives of Cate Kay" is an absolute pleasure to read. With its uniquely intriguing premise and deeply complex characters, this novel is sure to resonate with a wide range of readers. Kate Fagan masterfully blends elements of mystery and romance, crafting a narrative that delves into the intricacies of identity and the art of storytelling.

Fans of character-driven tales will find themselves captivated by Cate's journey. The book is crafted to deliver a measured dose of emotion throughout the saga, and by the end, it’s definitely a story you’ve immersed yourself in—one that you'll likely want to revisit as soon as you put it down. This debut is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh and engaging literary experience.

What a delightful, fictional memoir! I loved the multiple points of view leading to each discovery, character development, and beautiful storyline. I also enjoyed the snippets of the fictional book included, which gave further depth into the story and were simply fun to read. I really enjoyed the ride and don’t want to give too much away, but very grateful to NetGalley for arc.

Whenever I see a book claim to be like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I'm sceptical because it's a tall order and few books measure up. Honestly, I think it's safe to say this claim is right on the money in this instance.

This is a memoir-style book that skillfully rounds out the story of one woman who has had multiple names over her life and lives in complete anonymity due to a traumatic event in her past. Cate Kay is the pen name of a woman who grew up in love with her best friend Amanda dreaming of being actors in Hollywood and chasing their dreams together. Through chapters from the points of view of various people in the story, some with larger roles and others with minor appearances, we fill in the details of Cate Kay's elusive and mysterious past and current loner lifestyle and it's a story worth hearing.

I especially appreciate the little touches in this book that lend authenticity to it being a memoir within a book, such as the little "Note from Cate Kay" at the end of many chapters where Cate wants to correct something said by another POV character, muse on the nature of memory, or just add some commentary of her own to the subject. This gives the whole "memoir" an authentic touch that's difficult to achieve through just the first-person narration of events we get in each chapter.

If I had anything negative to say about this book, it would be the very minor niggle that the ending wraps up very quickly, to the point of seeming abrupt, rather than fleshing out the payoff we have been slowly building towards for the rest of the book. Aside from this, I was deeply engaged in this book and loved the characters and their interactions, as well as how fallible they all are.

Honestly, this is going to be one of the best books I've read this year and is well worth waiting for in 2025.

Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books, and Kate Fagan for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I think I have an unpopular opinion on this book compared with other reviews I’ve seen because while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my favorite. Something about it wasn’t for me and I think it was a mixture of the writing and my not caring about some of the characters. I felt like a lot of the characters acted strangely at times too, which brought me out of the story. I think others will probably enjoy it more though! I’m glad that I had the chance to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book! 4.25⭐️

Oh my, I just put this down and had to write my review immediately (while I still had tears in my eyes😭). This was truly such a beautiful story. The author seamlessly weaved together so many timelines and POVS that I couldn’t get myself to put it down!

I haven’t felt this way about a main character in a long time. She was both relatable and also so human that when she made certain questionable decisions I was like “off I might have done that at that point in life.” I loved that I didn’t get just one main character - but technically 3 as she moves through different points in her life. It was honestly brilliant.

Kate Fagan definitely has a gift when it comes to pulling out human emotions in her characters. The good, bad and the ugly!

“we’re all so much more, and less, than our best, or worst, moment”

cate kay
cate with a kay
cate with a k

annie callahan, cass ford, and cate kay—three names, each carrying the weight of its own story.

it delves into the intricacies of girlhood, friendship, love, and female relations—how one person’s influence can profoundly shape another’s life. and how one decision can alter your life; in many ways.

there’s something profoundly interesting about reading complex characters, making me feel morally captivated to understand their decisions. like they were made coherently to reflect our own struggles and desires in their intricate, imperfect lives.

the story is written with such perceptiveness that every detail feels deliberate—poignant. however, the frequent shifts in perspective occasionally felt disorienting and distracting from the main narrative at times.

to sum it up, this story stands for those who have always felt second and are always seeking for more. for those who feel tethered to others but want change, and for those who crave validation and importance. if you’re interested in slightly more intricate workings with interesting plots then this one’s for you!

a big thank you to netgalley and atria books for allowing me to receive an early copy of this book!