I found this to be an interesting, dark and complex murder mystery involving a famous Hollywood family, the murder of a housewife and the disappearance of her son, a make a wish charity, and the two detectives who have to sort it all out.

I feel like Torre is always a solid read. Her books are not the most twisty or shocking but tend to always have a solid pace and this was another in that category. I enjoyed the short chapters from various POV and while somewhat predictable, didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. I will definitely continue to read Torre's books.

3 twin Hollywood stars

A Hollywood power couple wakes up to discover two dead people in their guest house. Hugh and Trent Iverson started as childhood TV stars. Hugh has gone on to adult movie fame and even an Academy award. Trent struggles with addiction and is in and out of rehab.

Nora Kemp is a Hollywood sweetheart and is engaged to Hugh. Their world is turned upside down when Trent and a mystery woman are discovered dead in the guest house.

This is more of a police procedural with two Beverly Hills detectives determined to get to the bottom of the story. There’s an interesting sub-plot about all of the officers who are involved in the technology side of crime solving.

There’s also a mom and her son who are missing. How do all these stories connect?

This one had an interesting premise, but I was not spellbound which is unusual for me with this author. There were a few twists, but I didn’t really resonate with the characters or grow to root for anyone in particular.

Leading Lady Nora Kemp loves TWO men, Actors Hugh and Trent Iverson, who just happen to be TWIN brothers.

But, Trent has just been found dead in his brother’s guest house, with an unidentified woman, and a Murder-Suicide is suspected.

How does this tie in with a missing mother and her son?

A.R. Torre writes psychological thrillers that are moved straight to the top of my TBR when they get released-I don’t even read the synopsis. I LOVED “The Ghostwriter”, “Every Last Secret” and “The Good Lie”.

I wasn’t as enamored with “A Familiar Stranger” (her last book) but was hoping for a return to form with this one, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me.

It seems like she is trying her hand at something different, this time, a police procedural.

Although it started out strong with short, snappy chapters from MANY alternating POVs-I lost interest at about the halfway point.

Of course, it didn’t help that the story featured TWINS, because this plot device is a HARD sell for me.

But, I will still be watching for whatever is next, and hoping it’s a five star psychological thriller the next time around.

2.5 stars ⭐️ rounded up for this one

AVAILABLE June 20, 2023

Thank You to Thomas and Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review.

Nora Kemp and Hugh Iverson are the Hollywood it-couple, until secrets come to light when Hugh's twin brother, Trent, and an unknown woman are found dead in their home. A murder-suicide or so it seems, but as the layers are methodically peeled away, things don't add up. A kidnapped child, strange family connections and no other suspects, the investigation leads detectives to gruesome evidence of a serial killer. Will anything stay secret in Hollywood?
Hugh is the ideal man and a dream of any woman. He also has a twin brother, Trent, who is the troublemaker of the two. And Nora, well, she has a secret as she is sleeping with both of them. Things get really messy when Trent's body is found in Hugh and Nora's guesthouse, along with a body of an unidentified woman. It looks like murder-suicide and the police have questions. Soon more evidence is found, including a missing child and a possible work of a serial killer.

This was a very quick read. The chapters are told in many POVs, we get to hear from pretty much everyone. I never felt lost or bored with the story because the pacing was fast and the story always kept moving forward. The mystery was interesting and engaging. The characters, for the most part, are unlikable, as they are the people who will do anything to keep their status in life. I read this novel in one sitting. It was very fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seating wanting to know what happens next. Very well written & captured my attention immediately!
I would definitely recommend this when it debuts in June! Perfect beach read!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Hollywood glamour couple Nora and Hugh are at the height of their profession. But when Hugh’s twin brother Trent and an unknown woman is found dead inside their mansion, their fairy tale world may come crashing down. A Fatal Affair has many elements - a police procedural, a twisted love story, serious mommy issues, and a serial killer. Add to that a complex plot told with a parallel storyline, and you have a completely engrossing novel with the layers deftly peeled back in one juicy story. As you can imagine, there’s a lot to digest here, but the fast clip will keep you glued to the pages as you unravel the mystery when all the threads come together. Well done! I received an arc of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Actress Nora Kemp; her philanthropic movie star fiancé Hugh Iverson; and Hugh's identical twin, Hollywood bad boy, Trent Iverson have secrets. When Trent and an unidentified woman are found dead on the Iverson's Beverly Hills property it appears to be a murder suicide. The high profile case quickly escalates into a nightmare for two LA detectives as clues reveal a missing child, a potential serial killer, and a deception so twisted they may never figure it out.

A Fatal Affair is a new twisty thriller by A.R. Torre. Torre has quickly become a must read author for me as I enjoy her writing style, characters, and plots which turn into reads I can't put down. This twisty tale involves identical twins and the woman who loves them both. The novel gets more complex as the suspects are all big name actors who are more than capable of deception and lies. A must read for 2023!

’m going to divide the rating for this book into three parts: beginning, middle and end.

The beginning was a little confusing for me. The chapters are short and there are a lot of characters. Each character has a different chapter. I actually like multiple pov’s but in the beginning it was hard to remember who was who. Once I figured out all the characters, I started enjoying the book.

The middle was great. You’re given lots of pieces to a giant puzzle and your trying to figure it out. You begin to learn more about the characters. Some I liked more some I liked less. I really liked the middle of the book and where it was headed.

The end of this book was a little underwhelming. I did end up figuring out the twists and I was hoping there would be another twist or something but there wasn’t. It just felt predictable. There’s also one part that I wanted to know more about but it was never discussed. I guess I was just a little disappointed how it all ended.

Overall I enjoyed most of the book but is wish the ending was different. I’m still excited to read more from this author because I liked another book by her.

Part police procedural, part Hollywood gossip? Sign me up!

I flew through this in two days. The perfect amount of twists and turns, and a little bit of WTF craziness thrown in for fun. While I had to suspend belief for parts, it held my attention and I couldn’t wait for everything to be woven together.

Would recommend if you like a rich people behaving badly book with a side of murder.

Thanks to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

So, when I saw this on @netgalley I RAN. I absolutely adore A.R. Torre's writing. It's always a fun, quick, bingable read.

This book was no different than what I expected of her! The chapters were short, which kept me blowing through the pages. As well as this kept me guessing the whole time!

If you love Hollywood centered shenanigans, this is for you! Highly recommend!!

I have been walking on cloud nine since I received the approval for A Fatal Affair.

I was first introduced to A.R. Torre by the Bookstagram group. Everyone was obsessing over A Familiar Stranger. There was no way I was going to miss out on what everyone else was swooning about so I hit request.

The book gods were working in my favor and my request was granted.

My eyes got big and I devoured the book in just a few hours.

HOLY SMOKE! Bookstagram got it right, this book was absolutely fantastic!

That was the day I fell in love with A.R. Torre's talent. I have since read Every Last Secret (Editors Pick), The Good Lie, The Ghost Writer (GoodReads Choice Award) and now, A Fatal Affair!!!!

How do I pick a favorite when I have loved them all so much? I cant do it. Instead I will leave it at that each one transported me into a different realm where I was left breathless with a pulse that could probably call for an ER visit.

If you have read a book by Torre, you know exactly what I am describing, if you havent, what are you waiting for? A Fatal Affair was narrated with perfection, the plot was executed without being boring or dragged out and the characters were multi-dimensional and came alive before your eyes. The twist? Oh, well I cant tell you that without giving away the book!

A Fatal Affair, needs to be on everyone's pre-order list. You do not want to miss this one! Due out June 20, 2023!

Teaser :

Stars. Lovers. Liars. Killers. This is Hollywood, and everyone has a part to play in a shocking novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author A. R. Torre.

Actress Nora Kemp loves two men. One is Hugh Iverson, a philanthropic movie star who gives Nora security and respectability. The other is Hugh’s twin brother, Trent, a Hollywood bad boy who brings out Nora’s wild side. When Trent and an unidentified woman are found dead on the Iversons’ Beverly Hills property, more than Nora’s and Hugh’s reputations are at stake.

An investigation suggests murder-suicide. But there’s more to the crime than first meets the eye: suspicions of a serial killer with a bizarre motive, Hugh’s unnerved and cautious staff, and a missing mother and son. As two LA detectives sift through the deceptions of the innocent and the guilty—some living and some dead—solving the case becomes a cunning cat-and-mouse game.

Because in a city of illusions, the truth—no matter how dangerous—is so easy to hide.

I have enjoyed all of the A.R. Torre books I have read. A Fatal Affair is no exception. The roller coaster ride she takes you on in this thriller kept me reading well into the night. Hugh and Trent are identical twin brothers who were raised by parents who were famous television evangelists. They went on to become famous actors. One extremely successful and the other who became dependent on drugs and alcohol. They both loved the same woman who successfully played both of them to her advantage. The story begins with a woman found murdered and one twin with a self inflicted gunshot lying beside her. So, strap in and pull the bar down tight as you begin this thrilling ride.

I usually enjoy Torre’s books but sadly this one I felt was a little boring and slow. I had a heard to get into and complete. I was surprised since I usually enjoy her books.

4.5 absolute stars. I always enjoy an A.R. Torres read but this one had it all!! Don’t we all read for a bit of escapism?? I sure do. Regardless of how bad my Monday was, it wasn’t as bad as poor Kerry’s. Kyle’s either, for that matter. Then Hollywood glamour & that same character with Munchausen by Proxy?? Fabulous read!!

A.R. Torre has become an auto read author for me- I have yet to dislike anything she has written. After reading this, I can say the sentiment still remains true. I think this book was a bit different from others as it’s more of a police procedural novel, but I thought it was done well. I enjoyed all the different viewpoints and, unlike some books, it wasn’t difficult for me to keep up with the different characters. Definitely check this out in June if you’re looking for a good thriller!

Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!

It's official, I have given every one of A.R. Torre's books 4 stars. This one was so good from start to finish. From the first page I was hooked and every chapter left you needing to read just one more chapter. I couldn't read it fast enough. This one starts out with a murder/suicide and doesn't stop until the very end. I highly recommend this fast paced psychological thriller. I love the short chapters and the different narratives. Another 4 stars for A.R. Torre's from me.

Ohhhkayyy! This book was so good. I was hooked from the 1st chapter, also love the way the chapters are set up and written. SO. MANY. TWISTS. It is so good. I could not figure it out and still at the end, I'm questioning what part is true or false. Highly recommend!! Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

BEEP BEEP! HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE 3 STARS

Writing: 3/5 | Plot: predictable but well-executed | Ending: solid

SYNOPSIS

Twin brothers. One lover. Two dead people. What's going on????

MY OPINION

Shoutout to @mytobereadstash for the buddy read even though I'm notoriously terrible at them and finished the book in a day😂 Follow her on Goodreads and Instagram to see what she thinks (whenever she finishes LOL)

Anyways, this is my first from A.R. Torre. This book was everything Freida McFadden tries to be. Yeah, I said it. While McFadden throws a lot in the pot, she always burns it. This had several moving parts, but Torre kept it toit (tight) and brought it all together at the end. There was no annoying inner monologues (McFadden special), limited closed caption writing, and no gaping plot holes. Yeah, yeetage of disbelief is required, but when is it not? At least there's a police procedural element so it's not silly season citizens gone rogue vibes. This is like a Criminal Minds episode but not as cheesy, if that makes sense.

I don't really have any rich homie qualms. I think if you're new to thrillers, you'll really enjoy this. It has twins, so yes, it's highly predictable (not a spoiler lol). There's tons of POVs, not all of them necessary, but the chapters are short so you don't waste too much time. All in all, if you like Alafair Burke, or Freida but you wish she'd just calm tf down sometimes, I think you'll enjoy this. An easy breezy read for the weekend, daily commute, or when you wanna tune your kiddies out 😂

Short and sweet! That's when you know I'm unbothered 🫣

PROS AND CONS

Pros: well-paced, juicy plot, multiple povs, short chapters, police procedural element, writing flows

Cons: nothing to note, just wasn't mind-blowing and the twin twist is hella predictable

I really enjoyed this book, I haven’t read a murder mystery in so long so it was a great change of pace. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives that helped piece the case together. While this wasn’t a book I lost myself in, I really enjoyed it and only guessed one part of the ending!
It is 3rd person but I still felt like I was able to connect really well with the characters and the story.
Very few parts moved too slow which was an added bonus. Out of 5 stars I would give this book a 4 star rating. I would (and have) recommend this book!

Such a sexy fun read! Kept me on the edge of my seat and had dark mysterious vibes. Such a page turner! This author is a 1 click author for me and this one did NOT disappoint!! Thanks Ron netgalley and the publisher!!!