An enjoyable graphic novel. The mental health representation was excellent and the story was interesting. The best part was the illustrations.

Nothing Without Me by Helen Monks Takhar is a clever slow burn mystery!
A fantastic story, exhilarating plot with well developed characters.
This book is filled with mystery, suspense and shocking moments.

Thank You NetGalley and Random House for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I dislike pretty much every single character in this book. I don't think I'm supposed to like any of the characters but I really did not like them.

This book was okay it was a very slow burn and it took a little while for it to get interesting for me. (I also hated the app that I had to read this in but that's not the book's fault) I understand the author wanted to give us some backstory in the beginning but I kept wanting to get into the real story and Essies's body doesn't disappear until about a quarter way through the book. Then it still took a little while for me to get fully invested.

I did still enjoy the book overall though.

Essie’s body has vanished. Is this an elaborate hoax or publicity stunt gone wrong? Essie is an actress who is on again off again friends with April, a debut director. Their relationship is told in fragments from both the past and the present, and by both Essie and April's POV. This makes for a lot of jumping around in their complicated history and I admit I had a hard time connecting to the story until I hit the halfway point, at which point I couldn't put the book down. April comes across as both highly intelligent and incredibly gullible and I had a hard time believing she would not call 911 when she finds Essie's body in the pool. She exhibits more questionable behavior when it is discovered that Essie's dead body is nowhere to be found. Eventually the history between April and Essie is revealed, along with a plot twist I found even more unbelievable than April's behavior, that actually brings about an incredibly empowering end to the book that I rather enjoyed. Surprisingly. For this I'm giving the book 3 stars. Helen's writing style flows nicely and is easy to read and I would be interested in reading any future work of hers.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a very slow book to get into for me. I don’t know why, but I found it hard to follow at first. Maybe it was the characters having similar names, or just the different POVs and timelines.
Anyway, took me a second to get into but I feel like once I hit around page 200, I gained some traction and took off. I enjoyed it in the end. I felt like it was a slow burn, and then it ended rather abruptly though.
It was an interested and confusing ride.
April is a producer and has a new film that’s sure to win all of the awards stating, Essie Lay. Coming back from a hiatus due to being canceled, Essie is ready for her return to stardom. Or is she? When April finds Essie dead in her pool on premiere night what on earth will happen next?
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

An enjoyable read that delves into the dark side of celebrity. The plot was clever with realistic and flawed characters.
Many thanks to Random House and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story took me on an unexpected ride, because not only does the plot hold many twists, but it also made me think about the differences in how men and women are treated by society (especially celebrities), and how they treat/support each other. Told from the perspectives of director April Eden and the star of her debut film, Essie Lay. The two women knew each other years ago when they were both starting out in the industry, before Essie made a name for herself as TV host, but after an incident that is not revealed until later in the book, they never see each other again until April reaches out to recently disgraced and "cancelled" star, wanting to convince Essie to star in the film that April feels she wrote "for" her former friend. The story moves between multiple timelines in the distant and more recent past, as well as the present, which starts the night of the British film awards at which the two women have been nominated for best actress and best director. April and her boyfriend go to Essie's house to check on her before the ceremony after Essie sends April a message that she can't face the ceremony, only to find April floating in her pool. April is devastated, but her boyfriend convinces her to leave Essie for someone else to find and to continue to the awards ceremony --to not let this spoil the night. Thus begins a well-paced story full of surprises, which I won't give away by saying anything more!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this read. This was a good read. The cost of fame...just wow is what I say to this. This was told in present day and as well as several years prior and it was well done. The cost to get what you want was really shown in this book. Are you willing to risk it all??

This is a dark suspenseful story that is fast paced and well-written. The ending was good. I would recommend this! Special Thank you to Random House Publishing, Helen Monks Takhar and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.

April Eden, after years of struggling as a female director, is finally getting her due. Her debut movie The Vanished Woman is up for a major British film award, placing her firmly on Hollywood’s radar, and her leading lady, Essie Lay—a fragile but magnetic former TV host—is on the cusp of a stunning comeback as well. However, the night of award presentation, Essie messages April saying she can’t face the ceremony. April heads to Essie's house to try to convince her to go, but is shocked to discover Essie's body floating facedown in her pool, all signs pointing to suicide. April panics and leaves, planning to go to the ceremony and act as if Essie was just unable to attend, and then "find" the dead body the next day. However, when she goes back the next day, there is no body......Essie has disappeared. April doesn't know whether Essie was actually murdered, if this was a publicity stunt gone wrong, or what exactly is happening. And why is she receiving messages that are trying to make her look guilty?

I really enjoyed this author's previous book "Such a Good Mother", so I was excited for this newest book. Unfortunately this one was not for me. It was a slow burn for the entire book, and I just could not relate to any of the characters. None of the characters were likeable, and that is always a deal breaker for me....I always need someone to root for. Overall, I give this a 2.5 rounded up to a 3.

Wow. So much happens in this book. I guess I would have to say the overwhelming theme is women empowerment. A lot of twists/reveals. Some I sort of guessed but not completely. I enjoyed this book a lot more than her last one.

Confusing. Chaotic. Convoluted. I think this was supposed to be some kind of revenge fantasy novel or an expose on how women are treated in Hollywood or by the media, but it was such a mess, I'm not even sure what I read. Lots of internal dialogue, lots of loose ends, and lots of unrealistic actions by the characters. It was ridiculous that one of the "mysteries" was an anonymous note to Essie signed by "J" and literally every single person in her life other than April had a name that started with J. And then, in the end, it didn't even matter. It was also never explained why either Essie's or April's families treated them the way that they did. I think April's family cut her off simply because she was a girl instead of a boy?? I thought there would be some big reveal about why, but no, another loose end. Also, in three or four instances, the author describes a man's lips as "muscular"? Ew. And then the ending was completely over the top and unbelievable.

This was my first from this author and it was a pretty fun read. The story is set in the glitz and glamorous world of the movie industry. April is a struggling director who has FINALLY gotten her big break with The Vanished Woman. The movie is up for both Best Director and Best Actress. The actress being Essie Lay, a former TV star who was cancelled due to a scandal of some sort. She is on the verge of her big comeback if April can keep her in line. April's work is cut out for her when she arrives at Essie's mansion and finds her floating in her pool. What the heck happened? Suicide? Accident? Murder? Publicity Stunt? Sort of hard to figure out because the body disappears! Soon April becomes a suspect, and the craziness begins. This is a dark, crazy sort of thriller where it can get pretty unbelievable, but just ignore that. I had fun and that's what reading should be for me. I would read more from this author, Helen Monks Takhar

Thank you to #NetGalley, Helen Monks Takhar and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC. All Opinions are my own.

I will post my review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication.

Nothing Without Me
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Helen Monks Takhar

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Random House Publishing and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: April Eden is about to have the night of her life. Her debut movie, The Vanished Woman, is up for a major British film award, placing her firmly on Hollywood’s radar. Her leading lady, Essie Lay—a fragile but magnetic former TV host—is on the cusp of a stunning comeback after being canceled for a disturbing scandal.

When Essie texts April saying she can’t face the ceremony, April heads to Essie’s palatial London mansion, Lotus Lodge, to persuade her to enjoy their big night together. But upon arrival, April is faced with tragedy: The woman's body is floating in the swimming pool, all signs pointing to suicide. Panicked, April activates Essie’s team expecting them to do damage control while she heads to the awards ceremony. She’s devastated yet determined to do what she can to protect Essie’s legacy.

But by the time April returns to Lotus Lodge to face the fallout, Essie’s body has vanished. Was she actually murdered? Is this an elaborate hoax or a publicity stunt gone wrong? Why does April start receiving unsettling messages trying to pin the blame on her?

My Thoughts: This story was not like one I have read recently. It discusses some ugly truths in today’s society. Women writing movies in a man dominated field with the rules dictated by men. Social bullying that can ruin life’s, or at a minimum, severely impact a person’s life. Lastly, how ugly and out of mind fame truly is. The author delves into this topics with a no holds barred approach, in a realistic and authentic approach with a dark and disturbing twist. Essie comes from a wealthy family with all of the support, where April is estranged from her family. April is envious of Essie and wiggles her way into her life until an incident places a wedge between them. Fast forward two decades and a viral video has destroyed Essie’s reputation and April asks her to star in her debut movie. Movie is finished and it is opening night. April receives a cryptic text that Essie will not be at the award ceremony. Upon arriving at her mansion, she finds Essie floating in pool with signs of a suicide. April panics contacting Essie’s team and expecting they would do damage control while she is at the opening. Yet, when April returns, the body has disappeared. Here is where the mystery starts, what happened to Essie?

The story is narrated in the present time and backtracks to the past, when our MCs originally met. The relationship between the two main characters is toxic, definitely unusual, which kept me intrigued, and interested. The author’s writing style was suspenseful, thought provoking, and provided an intriguing account of an industry that is male dominated and absolutely takes women for granted. There was some stretching of the characters and the ending that I could not get invested in. However, overall, an enjoyable read. Our characters endure far more than they should, the price women pay to be in the film industry is extraordinary. The lies, betrayal, gaslighting, and being exploited at a high cost to a personal mental stability is beyond measure. When the truth emerges, it made me both sad and angry at the same time.

This is definitely a slow burn thriller that is captivating and gripping. I would recommend picking up or borrowing from your library today.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an advance e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review. Look for it in your local and online bookstores and libraries on April 2, 2024.

In NOTHING WITHOUT ME Helen Monks Takhar has apparently done it again! While this is my first Helen Monks Takhar novel, it will certainly not be my last as she has the ability to put me there in any room and situation.

Director April Eden has finally done it! She is up for a film award up for as Best Director, And she brings old friend, Essie Lay on board as lead actress after a scandal had her canceled out years ago. Now, it looks as if Essie is ready for a comeback and The Vanished Woman may just start her return ticket to stardom.On the night of the ceremony April arrives at Lotus Lodge to gather Essie only to find her facedown in her pool. April goes into overdrive trying to hide the fact that Essie is dead, even sending her sister/manager to be the one to find her in the pool. When sister Janine doesn’t find Essie anywhere, April and her beau return after the ceremony only to find that she is gone. What happened? Where is the body? And what is an accident? A suicide? When April starts receiving strange messages and threats, she decides to find out if Essie is the one behind them. Alternating between what happened 20 years ago when they met and what is happening now we find the full story of The Vanished Woman”.

I really enjoyed this book about the dark side of fame and to what lengths people will go to keep it. The author can paint a serious picture as you feel that you were in the room or involved in the conversation. She has a smooth and easy writing style which leads to an enjoyable read. As I said, this is my first Helen Monks Takhar novel. I will be delving into some of her other works, which are already on my TBR pile. (It’s getting out of control.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

April has finally had one of her biggest dreams come true- she is up for a major film award for best director. Although she should be enjoying the accolades, April can’t help but think about her leading lady, Essie Lay, and the fact that she found her body in the pool just hours before the ceremony.
No one knows Essie is dead except April and her partner, Jag, and the secret is almost too much for April to bear. But when she returns to Lotus Lodge, where Essie lives, to deal with the aftermath, Essie’s body has disappeared. Was Essie really dead or has she just pulled a disappearing act? If Essie was dead, who moved her body and why? April’s guilt sets her on a path to get justice for her former friend and employee, but at what cost?
Helen Monks Takhar is the author of “Precious You” and “Such a Good Mother” and her newest novel, “Nothing Without Me” is a disturbing glimpse at life behind the Silver Screen.
Esther Laycock, stage name Essie Lay, is a woman forced into stardom due to her father’s depleting bank account, who is managed by her jealous and heartless sister. Esther and April shared a toxic friendship back in their early days in the business, but have drifted apart as a result of a devastating event. Immediately, the reader feels for both women, who have suffered greatly at the hands of others and have had control over their own lives ripped away. Desperate to reclaim their lives, the women turn to (and on) each other. Takhar has created a realistic depiction of female friendships torn apart by trauma and immediately, she creates an emotional bond between the characters and the reader.
The novel is narrated by both women, and takes place across multiple time periods, jumping back and forth between them. The chapters begin with naming both the character narrating and the time period, so it is easy to follow the chain of events. “Without Me” has multiple twists and turns that leave you guessing throughout and what happened to Essie is just the start. The ending was surprising but comforting, with each plot line perfectly wrapped up in a succinct and complete way.
“Without Me” shows the dark side of fame and the extra pressures that it places on females in the industry. Not only was the novel creative and entertaining, it was thought-provoking and emotional, and Takhar has provided a novel that everyone will be talking about.

April Eden is about to have the night of her life. After years struggling uphill as a female director, her debut movie The Vanished Woman is up for a major British film award, placing her firmly on Hollywood’s radar. Her leading lady, Essie Lay—a fragile but magnetic former TV host—is on the cusp of a stunning comeback after being canceled for a disturbing scandal. When Essie messages April saying she can’t face the ceremony, April heads to Essie’s palatial London mansion, Lotus Lodge, to convince her to enjoy their big night together. But upon arriving, April is faced with tragedy: Essie’s body is floating in her swimming pool, all signs pointing to suicide. Panicked, April activates Essie’s team—her put-upon sister/manager, Janine, and her wily agent, Jonathan—expecting them to do damage control while she heads to the awards ceremony; she’s devastated yet determined to do what she can to protect Essie’s legacy.But by the time April returns to Lotus Lodge to face the fallout, Essie’s body has vanished. Was Essie actually murdered? Is this an elaborate hoax or publicity stunt gone wrong? And why does April start receiving unsettling messages, trying to pin the blame on her?
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for giving me an advance copy.

I wanted to love this book. The cost of fame and influencers and society climbers is always entertaining but I felt like it was such slow burn, it was scarcely a burn at all. I really had a difficult time getting into the book and felt like I was forcing myself to read it. I did appreciate that it was character-driven but the plot was fairly convoluted for no real reason. The characters were very flawed which is fine but it was hard to stay invested in what happened to any of them.