The Starlets

A Novel

By: Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne

Narrated by: Gail Shalan

One perfect island. Two rivals. A star-studded cast.

But underneath the glitter, disaster is brewing.

Summer, 1958. Vivienne Rhodes thinks she’s finally landed her break playing Helen of Troy in Apex Pictures’ big-budget epic, A Thousand Ships, an anticipated blockbuster meant to resurrect the failing studio. Naturally, she’s devastated when she arrives on the remote Italian island of Tavalli and finds herself cast as the secondary character, Cassandra—while her nemesis, the fiancé-stealing Lottie Lawrence, America’s supposed “sweetheart,” is playing the lead role instead.

The tension on set, though, turns deadly when the ladies discover that members of the crew are using the production as a front for something decidedly illegal—and that they are willing to kill to keep their dealings under wraps. When the two women find themselves on the run and holding key evidence, Vivienne and Lottie frantically agree to work together to deliver the proof to Interpol, hoping to protect both their lives and their careers.

Staying one step ahead of corrupt cops and looming mobsters, the archrivals flee across the seas. Their journey leads them into Monaco’s casinos, Grace Kelly’s palace, on a road trip through the Alps—even onto another film set, before a final showdown back on Tavalli, where the lives of the entire cast and crew hang in the balance. Vivienne and Lottie finally have the chance to be real heroines—to save the day, the film, maybe even each other—but only if they can first figure out how to share the spotlight.

• “A spry and suspenseful crime novel set just after Hollywood’s golden age” (starred Publishers Weekly review)
• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: 84,000 words
• “A sheer delight! This fast-paced caper is fresh, fun, and exactly the escape readers need right now.” —Marie Bostwick, New York Times bestselling author of Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly
• Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Clive Cussler
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Critic reviews

'Author duo Kelly and Thorne (THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR, 2023) return with a new historical thriller set in 1950s Hollywood . . . A fun, madcap romp through old Hollywood with an 'enemies to besties' twist, this book will be a hit with fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid's THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO (2019) and Ally Carter's THE BLONDE IDENTITY (2023).'

'Glamour. Danger. Adventure. Enemies to besties. Yes, please! This book has just the right touches of killer (pun intended) locations that our heroines get to zip around Europe like an exploded champagne cork. Throw in some Hollywood touches, Esther Williams vibes, and this story is served like the perfect cocktail.'

'In their second collaboration (after THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR), Kelly and Thorne brilliantly capture both the glamour and grit of Golden Age Hollywood and then deftly fold this into an entertaining plot imbued with just the right measure of danger . . . Pass the popcorn and settle in for a terrific time with this seamlessly crafted blend of historical fiction and old-school suspense.'

'Kelly and Thorne are a phenomenal duo . . . two brilliant authors with boundless talent and a singularly remarkable voice.'

'Kelly and Thorne follow up THE ANTIQUITY AFFAIR with a spry and suspenseful crime novel set just after Hollywood's golden age . . . Kelly and Thorne make a clichand eacute;d setup entirely their own, wringing surprising depth from Vivienne and Lottie's mutual thawing without skimping on action or sumptuous descriptions of France and Italy. For movie buffs, this will be as welcome as a cool breeze on a hot day.'

'Lights! Camera! Action! Once again, Kelly and Thorne have created a heart-pounding story of non-stop adventure and irrepressible fun . . . I enjoyed every moment of this 1950s glamorous adventure that whisked me from Hollywood to Italy, with a delightful stop in Monaco to visit America's favorite Princess Grace, and back to Hollywood again with two leading ladies who know who they are and have the courage to chase what they want. A must read!'

'The glam of old Hollywood meets the empowerment vibe of BARBIE in this fast-paced European adventure that turns on-screen rivals into off-screen allies. Energetic, funny, and loads of fun.'

'THE STARLETS captivates from the first sentence. Brimming with Old Hollywood glamour, a twisty plot, and feuding film stars navigating increasingly sticky situations, this atmospheric, engrossing caper is your next must-read!'

'THE STARLETS is the most fun I've had inside the pages of a book in a long time. The novel flips 'friends to foe' on its head, putting two competing actresses in the spotlight, transforming the starlets from adversaries to allies as they race across Europe to take down a kingpin. Shenanigans, quick thinking, and a cat-and-mouse game ensue. A propulsive, page-turning romp perfect for book clubs.'

Great story

exciting story, wonderfully narrated, no foul language, this is the first book i've listened to by this author and narrator and I will look for more things both of them have done.

This is historical fiction that is fun!

Loved the story, performance, and characters. If you don't listen to any other historical fiction, listen to this!

Glitz, Adventure, and Depth: The Starlets Shines

The Starlets is a delightful blend of fun, adventure, and thought-provoking themes. From the very beginning, the story captivates with its lively pace and dynamic characters, making it an easy and engaging listen. While the plot is full of exciting twists and a sense of cinematic glamour, it also delves into deeper themes that add richness and depth to the narrative.

The audiobook’s performance further enhances the experience, bringing the characters and atmosphere to life in a way that feels immersive and vibrant. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that The Starlets strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted fun and meaningful storytelling.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventurous and memorable listen. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the final chapter. Perfect for fans of adventurous drama with a touch of intrigue.

just LOVED it

Awww this book made me so happy. I.love these ladies! And it kept me guessing from start to finish. Absolutely enthralling, endearing and completely compelling. could not recommend The Starlets more♥️♥️♥️

Good flow to the story

I like how Lee Kelly books have touchstones in history and twist just enough to keep me hanging on.