Hold me down by Cleo Simon.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover. This is a new author for me. I did like the writing style. Wasn't sure about the characters. I didn't hate them but I didn't like them either. It's full of suspense. It's gripping and dark. This was very powerfully written. It's different.

I felt like there was something missing throughout reading this and it just never really came together for me so it was hard to fully understand what was happening throughout the story. I feel like this concept was really good but something just wasting there for me.

This is a dark and complex story which will keep you absolutely riveted. The dual timeline takes you back and forth into scenarios which expose the dark side of a seedy industry. I loved the author’s writing style, which adds depth to the plot.

I have read a few of this author's books including her latest, Bad Boy Beat, so it was a no brainer that I would pounce on this, her latest offering.
Gal was once in a band, they were pretty successful but that was all in the past and, for various reasons, as you will soon find out, they split. Fast forward a few years and the remaining members reunite for one night only to play a memorial gig for former drummer Aimee. But during the gig, she is shocked to see a face in the crowd. One she recognises all too well, one she had never hoped to see again. After the gig, she sees him again, along with Aimee's estranged husband, Walter. The next morning she is even more shocked to find out that the "face in the crowd" she saw is now dead with Walter arrested.
The rest of the story plays out in the present with illustrative flashbacks to the past. We see how the ban was formed, both the performers and their roadies, how the drink and drugs took over, through lineup changes, and how the worst happened before, eventually, things all came to at head and they split for good.
One thing I would say is that you would to well to have your wits about you whilst reading this book as the segues into the past are not always initially obvious. It's definitely not a book of alternating chapters split into past and present. It's more of a daydream reminiscence, but once you get used to it, it soon becomes seamless.
The story itself is harrowing. I don't like trigger warnings but I will say that it does get rather dark in places. It has more of a rockumentary feel to it rather than a murder mystery, but you do get that explained to satisfaction eventually. But it's more the journey, the band's in the past and Gal's in the present that is concentrated on. Some of it is shocking, but there are enough lighter moments to keep the book on an even keel.
All in all, another winner from another author with a rather impressive back catalogue. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

'Hold Me Down' is more than a crime novel...much more. The narration by Gal Raver strikes a profoundly tragic note but has an epic story to tell.
This is a truly wonderful piece of writing. It transcends all the narrow confines of the genre and is tremendously powerful. I found the scenes of a rock group on the road particularly poignant; with all the tensions of performing live explored with genuine compassion; and the terrible price success and fame so often takes from those that find it was described with such gritty realism I found it painful to read in places. The occasional flourishes of hard boiled street wisdom enhanced an already larger than life cast.
Clea Simon is a literary genius.

TW: Drug use & abuse, addiction, rape & abuse.

Hold Me Down is a dark, fast paced, psychological suspense focused around our protagonist, Gal, a the retired former star of an all female rock/punk group who has returned to Boston to play a benefit concert resulting in a murder.

Clea’s writing took me right back to the many nights spent in dingy clubs and bars, stinking of sweat, beer and cigarette smoke whilst soaking up the vibes of the local music scene.

I’ve never been a fan of dual timelines, and unfortunately that dislike stood strong throughout this book, however, the short chapters & great character development helped to make things a little less confusing.

Would recommend to those who enjoy a glimpse into the dark side of the music industry accompanied by a side of psychological suspense.