This book was trying to do too much, and the twists and turns ended up getting convoluted rather than clever. I also found the MC to be frustrating to follow along with. This thriller unfortunately did not work for me.

Let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of Sarah Vaughan's writing.

Her latest novel, Reputation, explores the darker side of politics and what it is like for a woman to be in the public eye. She explores some tough themes in her latest book, which include trolling on social media and what you would do to protect someone you love. What it also highlights well is how someone's reputation can take a lifetime to build and days to destroy, which is why the title of the novel is so perfect. It's a novel which feels very current.
There are some very powerful scenes in the book. We are introduced to MP Emma Webster who has recently appeared in a Guardian article, which has prompted some individuals online, to send her nasty and threatening messages on social media. What Sarah Vaughan highlights here is how scary it must be for people who are in the public eye. Particularly, on social media, people feel they can say anything about that person, without consequences.
The author also explores the relationship between Emma and her daughter which becomes an important part of this book. We see just how having a mother in the public eye affects her daughter and how scared she is about her mother becoming a target for trolls online and potentially, more dangerous people. The emotion comes across very strongly and Sarah Vaughan delves into Emma's daughter's feelings and fears.

A wonderfully written book that I recommend.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my third book by the author, I loved Anatomy of a Scandal. I felt that there was so much to that story and the trial was captivating. This book not so much.

The plot features a strong, successful woman. Emma a new MP faces an ethical predicament with her daughter Flora. Emma, a longtime proponent of women's rights wants to go hardcore on internet stalking and abuse. She appears to be a rising star in politics. However,. her career as an MP gets derailed when a unconscious tabloid reporter is found in her apartment. In the blink of an eye, Emma's reputation and indeed her freedom is at stake. Add to the a foolish, impulsive act by her teenage daughter and her rising star hits rock bottom very quickly.
None of the numerous characters were appealing. . Unlike the previous book mentioned, this trial was a snore. I had to force myself to get through that part. I did enjoy how things ended up, although the twist was somewhat obvious, I thought
Thanks of NetGalley for the ARC

I believe there are instances where the right time and the right book have to align. And I think this happened to be a case of the right book at the wrong time. I’ve tried, a couple of times, to get into this one and I just cannot get into it or stay focused. I just don’t think this is the one for me at this time. I will revisit it, though, when I’m the mood for a mystery/thriller.

I was expecting to enjoy this as much as I did Anatomy of a Murder. This fell short for me and took me months to finish. I kept putting it down which is never a good sign for a thriller mystery novel.

The timeline ranges from September 2021 to December 2022 with POV from Emma. Simon and Flora.

It begins in 2021 with Emma Webster and her desire for success. Becoming a politician not only ruined her marriage but nearly got her and her daughter killed. I didn’t like Emma very much as she is selfish and frankly naïve or just plain stupid. Okay, I said it. I usually try to be less blunt in my reviews but given the length of time it took me to finish I am compelled to share my opinion. I almost always finish a book I’ve started and in particular when I enjoyed a previous novel.

Emma’s teenage daughter, Flora, lives with her father, David and his new wife Caroline. Emma lives nearby with some housemates where Flora spends time with her mother. Perhaps Flora could’ve avoided some of the bullying at school and resulting scandal if her mother had been more available.

It was careless for Emma to disregard or be oblivious to the threats from a stalker. Emma is a hypocrite for the most part, claiming to represent justice yet becomes the target of scandals herself. There are several controversial stories swirling around and hungry reporters. Ultimately, it became a thorn in my side wondering if Emma could redeem herself.

I loved "the Anatomy of a Scandal", so I was expecting more from this book. It was good but I got bored with it and felt like I was reading a work conversation. The book was not as engaging as I had hoped.

The court scene was long and drawn out. The same information kept being repeated.

Some of the story is told through texting. I felt there were too many text abbreviations. I didn't know what all of them meant and it detracted from the content.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

A great read by this author. I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is listed as a thriller, but it’s more of a drama and a large portion of the second half is a courtroom drama. It gets a bit repetitive as the story moves forward. I did not feel emotionally invested in Emma or the events of the book so it was hard to stick with it. I usually like multiple timelines, but this was a little too much for me to keep track of.

A gripping mystery/thriller that hooks you right from the beginning! Politician Emma is struggling to maintain her reputation when a series of untimely events starts to undo everything she has worked so hard for. From her marriage, her relationship with her daughter and the possibility of a murder conviction Emma is at her wits end. Innocent or guilt, good or bad, what is real story??? Does reputation matter?
For anyone that loves thrillers….this one is a must READ! Well written with a great cast of characters this will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. Well done Sarah Vaughan… can’t wait for your next one!!!
Thank you to #NetGalley, Atria Books & Sarah Vaughn for the ARC. My review is strictly voluntary. Available now.

I had previously read Anatomy of a Scandal, which ended up being a struggle to finish and to be honest kind of boring. I though I was interested in reading this book but was then reminded of the previous one and I’m willing to subject myself to the possibility of getting in a reading slump again.

Sarah Vaughan is a must-read for any thriller fan. Vaughan creates such complex and realistic worlds that it's easy to step inside and completely lose yourself in the twists and turns of the story. Reputation has family drama, real-world issues, and a shocking mystery. Mostly, I enjoy Vaughan's messy, unique, and carefully created women characters who feel so real.

Emma has given up everything for her political career and will do anything to protect her reputation. Every aspect of her life is carefully calculated but all of that is thrown into chaos when a body is found at Emma's house. Her life is torn apart piece by piece and her reputation is dragged through the ringer. Vaughan wrote with a practiced hand creating a suspense that had me flipping the pages feeling stressed out! I look forward to what she writes next.

Thank you #atria and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Could. Not. Put. This. Down!!! WOW!

This is my 1st story by Sarah Vaughn, but she has my attention! I have already searched for everything else she is a part of because I loved this book so much!

Being a woman in a place of power, it truly is an unfortunate truth that we (women) have such a delicate place in the public eye. Our reputations can be tarnished with the smallest thing and everything can be jeopardized in an instant. I enjoyed the fact that this story was about a politician. I don't feel like politics is a subject I really look for when looking for a new read, but this was a great change of scenery for me as a reader. I guess I just haven't come across many political thrillers that caught my interest enough to read. This one however, did.

Emma - fighting for her reputation, fighting for women, fighting for her daughter...
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This story is so well-written and a must read for women everywhere!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review!

Reputation by Sarah Vaughan is a psychological thriller about a politician who has to fight for her reputation to be restored when a man is found dead in her home. Emma is trying to protect her daughter as well as her constituents, but this backfires spectacularly. Is Emma guilty of murdering this man or was it an unfortunate accident? This was a very interesting story, but I thought it was a little slow at times. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are mine.

This is a new to me author and I have to say I am looking forward to reading more by this author! I loved this book

I was in from the beginning. It was interesting hearing about some of the problems with being a public figure. The characters felt real and honest, with all their problems. The ending definitely surprised me.

This book is so focused in on today's issues. Emma is a politician who needs her life to be squeaky clean. Her 14 year old daughter, Flora is being bullied at school. When Flora's friend commits suicide Emma tries to pass legislation to protect women from online abuse. Emma encounters major problems and a dead body in her house is just the tip of the iceberg. A good story with some likable characters.

The same author as Anatomy of a Scandal & Little Disasters so I had big expectations for this one! And Sarah Vaughan delivered! I was instantly drawn to the story - it's starts with a bang! The next chapter then rewinds a bit and gives the back story that lead up to that point.

I was completely sucked in! I was guessing all the ways it could happen and what was going on. I found the on-line threats, the physical threat of the public, and the invasive feeling of the press all very realistic. I thought Emma's story was so sad - that she dealt with such a low simmer or terror every day just for doing her job and being a woman.

I liked the twist of the roommates, the daughter's drama and romance subplot. I think all of them drew out the character to give a fuller story as well as the additional POV giving us the full story from all sides. It was such a compelling way to tell the story and it was hard to stop! I never guessed what all happened and I enjoyed how it all played out and wrapped up. The note from author saddened me.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

I didn’t feel like the boom description was exactly accurate, about half of this book was a trial told in a courtroom. I’m not sure how these legal procedural books normally are but it was pretty repetitive. I was intrigued by the story but I heard parts of it 2-4 times between the main characters thinking about it, the prosecutors, the defense and then often a different main character going over the event from their point of view.

I loved Anatomy of a Scandal and this one truly was a great follow up. Thank you Atria for the ARC for my honest review.