People Pleaser by Catriona Stewart book review

Book: People Pleaser
Author: Catriona Stewart
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Publisher: Century
Publication Date (UK): 14th May 2025

My Review

I was one of ten people chosen to receive the travelling ARC of People Pleaser! Before me it was Loz’s turn and we got to meet up at Bay Tales for a snap with the book!

When I had the book it came with me on a camping trip to the Lake District and after my time was up it was on its way to Keira.

People Pleaser is the debut murder mystery thriller from Catriona Stewart. Described as Love Island meets White Locus. Emma is devastated after the murder of her reality TV star-turned-influencer sister, Maggie. With no leads, it is written off as a cold-case just three and a half months into the investigation. Together with her housemate, Jill, and Jill’s TV boss Amanda – the three launch their own investigation into Maggie’s death.

The book fluctuates between passages from the three – mixed in with a timeline of events from Maggie’s point of view as she appeared on Loveshack, the reality show she starred in.

This was a compelling story that will make you think about true crime and influencer culture. “HBO is already slated to make a documentary about the murder, even though we know almost nothing about its circumstances. It will continue to be fictionalized and retold in TV shows and movies.”

Thank you to Catriona for sending me me the travelling ARC. I also received a digital copy via NetGalley.