Starlets took me a minute to get into. Initially, I found the characters a bit cartoonish and hard to believe—HOWEVER—then the action started and, cartoons be damned, we’ve got ourselves a full-on caper! Dashing about Europe, two steps ahead of the bad guys, this is a classic buddy movie, er book, featuring a couple of creative, naïve, ballsy women. This book is great edge-of-your seat fun, particularly in audio form, as the narrator sets the tone and the pace beautifully.

A historical novel set in Hollywood's golden age and centred around a movie being filmed in Italy in the summer of 1958, I absolutely adored this story!

A f ailing movie studio. A new wiz kid brought in to revive it. A woman smarting from the rejection of her movie star boyfriend. Her ex and his new squeeze showing up last minute as part of the cast in the film where she has been promised the role of Helen of Troy. What could possibly go wrong?

The answer is, way more than you think! A madcap romp across Europe, a criminal gang of smugglers, unexpected realisations about people you love (or hate), and a stopover in Princess Grace's palace in Monaco are just some of the highlights.

For me, this book was like revisiting my favourite comedies from the Cary Grant era, and I just loved it. Charming and high spirited. Highly recommended!

Set in the summer of 1958, *Starlets* follows two feuding actresses—Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence—whose on-set rivalry takes a dangerous turn on a remote Italian island during the filming of *A Thousand Ships*. As the production becomes a front for illegal activities, the women are forced to team up, fleeing mobsters and corrupt officials across glamorous European settings. While the high-stakes plot and star-studded escapades were intriguing, I had trouble following the characters, which made the story harder to fully connect with.

I really enjoyed this book! It was neat to have a look back at the early days of film and acting and I marvel at the easy camaraderie between notable people. I understand this is a work of fiction, but from my knowledge of the times that’s still very accurate. The story had a good plot line that kept me hooked and was never boring. All the characters were well developed and there’s someone there for everyone to connect with. I think my favorite part was the newspaper and tabloid clippings thrown into the mix to show a different angle to what was taking place and also to make the story more relevant to real life. We often forget that what the media feeds us isn’t necessarily what actually goes on behind the scenes. Personally I struggled with the dates being included as some of the chapters were a little long and I’d forgotten what day it said it was by the time I got to the next listed date but that wasn’t crucial to the story and is more likely a me problem. Definitely recommend and would read again!

Bitter rivals in both the box office and their romantic lives, Vivienne and Lottie have both been cast in “A Thousand Ships” a movie about Helen of Troy. Filming on an isolated Italian island, the tension they face as on-screen rivals takes a turn when they become embroiled in a deadly scandal and are forced to flee for their lives.

It’s trains, trucks, and boats for these two as they need to put their differences aside to work together and alert the authorities to the corruption on the island.

Why Kirsten loves it

What a fun romp through old Hollywood! I honestly pictured the entire plot of this book as an old black-and-white movie appropriate to the time this was set.

The leaders were perfectly bitchy in whip-smart dialogue reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hollywood flicks. I loved watching these rivals tear each other down before turning into allies and close friends. I was rooting for them and you will be too!

Vivian is Hollywood royalty. She lands her dream role, Helen of Troy but upon arrival she learns that she doesn’t have the lead. The lead belongs to her sworn enemy Lottie. Lottie is her ex’s new love interest. She is the complete opposite of Vivian. Vivian is ready to quit but the new studio head tells her she will have creative freedom and script approval. When Vivian and Lottie find themselves having to rely on each for survival after stumbling upon murder and other crimes, they must put their feelings aside. As they travel the countryside they learn to appreciate each other’s differences.

This book is part historical fiction, and part madcap mystery. It is fast paced. I loved that it was set in old Hollywood and the audio helped cement that. The narrator sounded like a character in a 1940s film noir. Although I didn’t initially love all the characters, I changed my mind when I learned more about them. I truly enjoyed it and would recommend this to friends.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

For me it is rather 3.5 stars.
First of all, I love everything that deals with vintage Hollywood, so this book was right in my alley.

I liked the character development: how the 2 arch-enemies were gradually becoming good friends. That said, I thought the passion and enthusiasm for each other were a bit too much in the end of the novel.

It is not a mystery at all, rather a gentle thriller - which was also fine with me. Was very fun and entertaining to meet familiar names of real stars (Gary Cooper, Billy Wilder, Charlton Heston, etc.) Some were just in the scenes (without any roles or dialogs) but some did have (insignificant) parts, mainly to add to the atmosphere.

I was happy to find a bit heavier topics in the book too, although these weren't quite deeply presented (which of course wasn't expected from this novel, but still.) There was one tiny glitch (maybe there were others but I hadn't noticed more): during shooting Ben Hur's chariot scene in Cinecittà, it was described as 'shooting the FAMOUS chariot scene...'. At the shooting time they could not have possibly known that this scene would become so famous and iconic in time :D But this is just hairsplitting.

I listened to the audiobook; the narration was OK, although the narrator used one single voice variation for almost all 'manly' men which was not necessarily confusing, rather a bit annoying.

Overall I enjoyed and had fun time with the novel.

The audiobook of 'The Starlets' by Lee Kelly was a courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to all for this opportunity.

I was thrilled to receive an advanced listening copy of The Starlets! Stories centered on Old Hollywood are always a hit with me, and the narrator absolutely nailed it, bringing the characters to life with an accent that matched the vibe I envisioned for the two main leads.

While it leaned on familiar tropes reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, the story didn’t fully deliver for me. Following the characters’ whirlwind adventures across various locations started off fun but quickly became repetitive. It felt like no matter what they did, things never seemed to go their way, which turned into a bit of a drag. By the end, I was just exhausted.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thome, and HarperCollins Focus for this audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed listening to this book.

Forget the "enemies to lovers" trope; I'm a huge fan of the "enemies to sisters" trope. The Starlets is told from two POVs of two actresses who don't like each other based on the media pitting them against each other. I love the way Vivienne and Lottie are written. They are both strong and capable while in a perilous situation. They must work together to solve the mystery and save their, and others, lives.

I loved listening to this book because Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thome wrote such a detailed story that I could picture the set of Troy back in the height of the golden age of film.

Gail Shalan is a fantastic narrator for this book. I was genuinely surprised when I found out that there was only one narrator. She gives life to both Vivienne and Lottie, making you think a different woman voices them. I will definitely be listening to more books narrated by Gail!

Overall, The Starlets is a wild ride perfect for someone who enjoys historical fiction with a splash of adventure and mystery. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Rating: 3 ⭐️
Pub Date: November 12, 2024
How I Read It: 🎧 📱

Synopsis
Vivienne Rhodes thinks she’s finally landed her big break playing Helen of Troy in Apex Pictures A Thousand Ships, but, she’s devastated when she arrives to Italy and finds out she was cast as the secondary character. To make matters worse, Lottie Lawrence, who stole Vivienne’s finance, is playing the lead role.

My Thoughts
The opening of this book has you thinking you’re going to be reading a book about two fame-hungry jealous Hollywood actresses, but the tides quickly turn when one of them is in the middle of a murder, while the other one watches from afar. You then go on a cross countries journey with these two women who need to figure out how to work together to escape a killer, even with all of the competitiveness between the two women.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat at times with its action packed scenes, laughing at other times, and pull on your heartstrings. It’s got a little bit of everything mixed in, which makes for a really interesting story. I also loved the location the book was set in, Italy and other parts of Europe, with a fun and crazy casino scene mixed in. There was a lot going on in this book, but it was nice to see how the women’s friendship unfolded as they ran from villains.

❗️Of Note
I switched back and forth and read this book in both digital form and on audio, and if you love audio books, I highly suggest the audio version. The narrator was amazing!

Themes
Movies
Murder
Europe

Ratings
Characters: 4 ⭐️
Pace: 3 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Two rival actresses in 1958 have been cast in what is promised to be a huge blockbuster film about Helen of Troy. But they soon discover that the movie set is actually a front for criminal activity. The pair must put aside differences and work together to expose what's happening, and to survive.

This international thrill ride has it all. Action, humor, romance, and screwball hijinks. It really does feel like it could be a story set on film. Vivienne and Lottie are characters the reader will instantly like, and their contentious relationship makes for compelling conflict throughout the story even as they become better friends.

The audio narration was OK. This is the second one in a row that I've listened to that's narrated by Gail Shalan. If I'm being perfectly honest, the way she voices male characters is tiresome. They all sound a bit nasal and goofy. But the female characters were done well, with that transatlantic affectation that movie stars were always aiming for back in the mid 20th century.

Trigger warning for a description of SA of a minor.

The Starlets is a joyous, snarky, funny thrill ride through old Hollywood. Vivienne and Lottie are vying for the same part in a Helen of Troy blockbuster, the same leading man, and the same limelight in the cutthroat world of fame and fortune in 1958 Hollywood.

But when they each realize that there may be another purpose for the Italian production and different motives of the rakish producer, the starlets must join forces to save themselves and their careers,

Vivienne and Lottie are wonderful characters, with great back stories and delicious tension as they smilingly snipe and snarl at each other. Maybe their slim escapes are too easy, and the ending is neat as a pin, but it is engaging and uplifting and exciting and warm-hearted and a simply delicious escape into a time that was literally created for the rapt, lascivious attention of the outsiders looking in.

Thank you for the opportunity to read The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne. Set against the dazzling yet dangerous backdrop of 1950s Hollywood, this novel follows two rival actresses, Vivienne Rhodes and Lottie Lawrence, as they navigate ambition, betrayal, and an unexpected bond.
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What stood out to me was how the story played with the “enemies to friends” trope so well. Vivienne and Lottie’s initial rivalry felt authentic, rooted in their personal struggles and industry pressures. But as they’re thrown into a whirlwind of danger and conspiracy, their relationship transforms into a heartfelt and believable friendship.
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The plot is fast-paced, with twists that kept me hooked. From witty banter to thrilling moments of suspense, the book masterfully balances humour and tension. It was a wild ride, entirely different from what I expected—and all the better for it.
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If you enjoy stories about friendship, Hollywood glamour, and a touch of danger, I think you’ll love this one.

Lottie and Vivian- most iconic duo!
I love how these ladies interacted with each other. Vivian was a stuffed shirt, but she grew on me by the end.
Lottie was my favorite! Don't underestimate someone based on what you hear about them.
The narrators were pleasant and kept the story moving along nicely.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsFocus and #HarperMuse for a copy of the audiobook.

💭 MY THOUGHTS: Wow! This was such a fun one. I loved the 1950s old Hollywood movie set and the dueling starlets, Vivienne and Lottie. The authors did an amazing job setting the scene and bringing you back in time to the golden age of Hollywood. Following Vivienne and Lottie on their epic adventure across Italy was entertaining and I enjoyed watching their unlikely friendship unfold.

Read for:
💄Old Hollywood Film Stars
🎥 Big Picture Movie Set
👯‍♀️Enemies to Friends
🚂 On The Run Dangerous Adventure
🇮🇹 Italian Setting
⭐️ Off Page Iconic 1950s Celebrity Cameos
🪄 High Jinx Ensues

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Level: 🧼 Squeaky Clean

I really liked the plot of this book. The old Hollywood glamour and European setting was very fun for me. It felt different than other historical fiction / mystery books. I received the audiobook as an arc for review. I had a lot of trouble with differentiating the two main female characters. I also could not stand the child narration done in this. I had a lot of trouble getting through the audio, but would recommend reading the book.

I enjoyed this as it was a fun listen. The only thing that bothered me for timeline was Lottie casually mentioning going to a party or gathering at Humphrey and Lauren's, yet the book starts with an press article in Oct of 1957. Humphrey Bogart died in January of that same year after a losing battle with cancer. Maybe I misheard when this gathering took place in the book, but it pulled me out of the story knowing how his last days we spent. A simple fact check would have gotten 4 stars from me.

I wanted to love this audiobook because I love stories of old Hollywood or that golden era. This one though just didn’t keep me interested. I finished it and although I finished it nothing really stood out to me as something that I could hold onto and really pass on the information to my friends and family about it. I am sure there are other people who would truly enjoy this, it just missed the mark for me.

This book is a lot of fun. The cattiness between the two main characters is delicious, and the plot moves along well. In this novel, two Hollywood stars want the same part and the same guy (or at least one of them thinks so). But only one actress can have the leading role, and romances are not always what they seem.

The two actresses find themselves caught up in a huge criminal operation, thrown in the Mediterranean, and end up far from the movie set where they are supposed to be making a film. Along the way, they get to truly get to know each other and gain sympathy for the other.

This was a delightful audio book to listen to on a long drive.

Over all I found this a fun read, but I also felt like the characters were just a bit over much. How quickly the ladies became fast friends, how everything has a pat answer as to not only the crimes but as to why things happened. I thought maybe there would be more about how women fought against the men who were trying to take advantage of them, but it was more like - yes it happens, we try to protect each other, but we are not going to do anything to try to change it.
I did find the story line with how the drug dealer used the making of a movie as a cover for his dealing.