It is difficult for this reviewer not to give away too much of this story while at the same time trying to attract your interest like a spider to its web.

The major focus of the book is on Grace and Ramona. Grace and Ramona are thrilled at the opportunity of becoming members of the Dollhouse Academy fulfilling their lifelong dreams of performing as elite professionals singing, dancing, and acting. They talk about the Dollhouse making them “rich and famous.”

Ramona is especially giddy at the prospect of joining the Dollhouse. Her “uncles” familiar with the studio system employed by Hollywood in the 30’s and 40’s warn that “their careers-their whole lives-were restricted and controlled”. Grace doesn’t buy any of their concerns and thinks she will be just fine, but little does she know of what is to come.

The lives of Grace and Romana become closely entangled over the years as their careers rise and fall. Just when you think events are going to go a certain way for a character, something happens, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst. Characters seem to change their personalities, trustworthiness, friendships, and other connections often. Why do these changes occur, and what or who is responsible?

You may find yourself getting whiplash trying to keep abreast of all the goings on but hang in there. It gets very interesting toward the last 1/3 of the book. A great read.

Thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC for my unbiased review.