Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
We follow Noami a reporter for Celebrity news. Noami goes to New York to investigate the murder of Colton Scott (golden boy actor) and Harlow Hayes (supposed murderer)
I really enjoyed all the Easter eggs and conspiracy theories. An overall fun read. I will say this book would be better as a physical copy to be able to go back and forth to find the “Easter eggs”. Congrats to the authors on a debut novel.

Wow, this is a seriously wild ride! Every time I thought I knew where it was going, there was another crazy twist I couldn’t have anticipated. I am appalled (and in slight disbelief, if we’re being honest) about how it all wrapped up.

If you enjoy puzzles, easter eggs, off the wall conspiracy theories, and - of course - celebrity drama, this one is for you! The main character, Harlow Hayes, is HEAVILY based on Taylor Swift, and she enjoys creating little games and secret messages for her “Hazies.” Turns out, the Mancaruso’s love leaving them for their readers as well. You’ll have a great time trying to locate all the little clues and easter eggs they’ve hidden throughout the story. I also really enjoyed learning about the real life conspiracies surrounding certain celebrities. I was unaware of some of them, and I am so intrigued to dig deeper on my own.

I thought the mixed media writing style was really fun. The authors included news articles, interviews, social media posts and comments, Naomi’s notes, Harlow’s song lyrics, etc. to make the readers feel as though they were in the midst of seeing a real scandal unfold. It was really engaging!

I did have a bit of trouble getting into the story at the beginning, and the first half was sort of slow going for me. I think that it’s a personal problem, because I’ve seen a lot of other reviewers saying that it grabbed their attention right away and they couldn’t put it down. For me, I think it came down to likability of the characters. I wasn’t initially a fan of Naomi, and felt a little icky about the TMZ style “investigative reporting” she was doing. However, the more she uncovered about the case, the more invested I became.

Overall, this is a fun read, and anyone who loves celebrity gossip, pop culture, conspiracy theories and easter egg hunting is going to have a good time with it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bloomsbury, and the Mancaruso sisters for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for my review!

Wow, this was a really fun read! The Mancaruso sisters should write more books for sure!
This thriller centers around Naomi a writer for a gossip magazine. She is mourning the death of her sister, Faye, an aspiring singer, from a drug overdose.
Some unbelievable news comes in that Harlow Hayes, a Taylor Swift type of superstar, has been arrested for murder! Naomi immediately begins investigating. The more she finds out the more questions she has. She gets deeper and deeper into the mystery and finds out that things are rarely as simple as they seem.
There are lots of hints (Easter Eggs) through out this book including in song lyrics and social media comments. There are also references to the “Paul is dead” conspiracy theory for Beatles fans! What a fun and quick summer mystery/thriller.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury and. NetGalley for the ARC!!

This isn't my typical type of story, but I quickly found myself sucked right in. Harlow Hayes is basically a Taylor Swift-type celebrity, adored by millions, with legions of superfans worldwide. Then seemingly out of nowhere, she's arrested. Not for a DUI or drugs, or the usual celebrity mistakes, but for murder. Naomi is a journalist in her mid-twenties who is mildly interested at first but finds herself drawn into the world of everything Harlow as she investigates the crime. She quickly becomes obsessed and finds more questions than answers as the case unfolds. Scandals and secrets abound as Naomi pushes on, determined to uncover how Harlow went from a sweet ingenue to a violent criminal.

The book is a perfect beach read that's fun and entertaining and doesn't make you think too hard. The authors are delighted with themselves and their inclusion of musical easter eggs, and make sure you know that the story is filled with them. Honestly, I didn't come across any, but I wasn't looking. That's not my thing, and I wasn't going to spend forever poring over each chapter for a possible reference to...what exactly? A real celebrity album? A fake one from the story? Maybe the author's generation just discovered the Beatles' Paul is Dead conspiracy, but older readers aren't surprised by any of that. The plot relied too much on buying into those theories and not in a satirical way.

You really have to suspend your disbelief on this one, especially with the ending. Naomi's character is quite selfish, keeping the secrets she learned after everything she went through emotionally when she met with the families of victims. Her loyalty should have been to the truth, not to herself.

If you love Gillian Flynn then read this book! I couldn't wait to find out what the world thought they knew but didn't!

The story unfolds through the POV of a journalist and mixed with news/tabloid articles—it felt so current and realistic, like how we’d actually dig for info today. The format was super fresh, fast-paced (which I loved!), and that twist? Wooow.

What I liked: A fast paced thriller about a gossip columnist who investigates and obsesses over a mega pop star who might be a serial killer, with a crazy plot twist.

What I disliked: The reader must suspend disbelief for the mountain of conspiracy elements.

This book takes on the conspiracy theories and Easter eggs that surround the music of TS and the Beatles. It is a delightful romp down a rabbit hole of coincidences( or are they?). It is a great read for the beach. I did appreciate all the research about the Beatles and Paul is Dead conspiracy. It was a run ride.

The Mancaruso sisters capitalizes on the world of conspiracy theories and creates an intriguing mystery. I would have liked a stronger structure to the alternating narratives. It seems like a fix to wiggle out of a difficult plot situation.

Naomi, the protagonist is well-developed, and as she goes down her conspiracy paths, the audience follows her willingly. I appreciated the self-awareness they gave the character that no one would believe the connections she was envisioning through the various events in the novel.

The alternating narrative comes in later in the plot. Personally, I didn’t like how it just showed up. I would have liked to see some investment of writing to make it fit better, even an earlier introduction. This character falls flat at times, but that resolves itself as much as it can at the end of the story.

I really enjoyed this one! I actually stayed up late to finish it because the ending was so fast paced and I just had to know how it all was going to end. The concept of this was such an interesting one and the twist was unexpected to say the least. There were times where I got a little bored with Naomi's character but it wasn't anything I couldn't push through and it did make sense once it all wrapped up. There are easter eggs thrown in for the reader as well, but I was so engrossed in the story, I did not even stop to look or try to figure it out. It gave major Taylor Swift vibes mixed in with wild conspiracy stories and the world of rumors with social media. Overall, this was a fun one and I'm glad I picked it up thanks to Camp NetGalley!

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first official read through NetGalley, and it didn't disappoint! Rumoured by the Mancaruso sisters follows celeb gossip reporter Naomi Barnes as she investigates superstar Harlow Hayes after Hayes is arrested for murder. What seems to be a pretty straightforward case turns into a crazy chase to get to the truth of what really happened. The story is full of twists and turns, and it kept me engaged from start to finish.

There were a few things I really enjoyed about this book. First, I loved the puzzle aspect. As the reader, I was piecing together clues alongside Naomi, and the authors' use of easter eggs throughout was fun. I also loved the inclusion of music and lyrics as part of the plot as well as the pop culture references. However, there were a few aspects of the story I didn't find to be especially appealing to me personally. Most of the "twists" throughout the story were somewhat predictable if a bit far-fetched. I still found it entertaining, but there weren't any moments I found to be truly shocking. There were also pieces of the story that felt a bit abrupt or disjointed to me, such as the development of Naomi's relationships with other characters like Leo and her aunt. They seemed to be thrown in only to make it convenient to get Naomi something she needed in a specific moment. I think either further developing these connections or just omitting them might have made more sense in my mind. All in all, though, I found the book to be entertaining!

Wow, this book is pure drama and secrets wrapped in a family saga! Rumoured by The Mancaruso Sisters gives you everything—whispers, betrayal, and those jaw-dropping moments that make you text your best friend at 2 a.m. The tension between loyalty and truth is so real, and every chapter feels like peeling back another layer of lies. If you love family secrets, messy relationships, and the kind of twists that leave you staring at the wall in shock, this one’s for you. Total page-turner!

A book about an iconic popstar who gets caught up in a messy murder accusation, lots of drama to follow 😂

This book was fun, I’d call it a popcorn thriller, there is a lot happening and some of it is arguably far fetched and unrealistic however we don’t need our fictional books to be an accurate representation of real life all the time so I thought it was entertaining and personally loved the drama.

The main character definitely makes some questionable choices so even though she has likeable qualities it’s hard to know whether to root for her and have her back or not 😆

I liked the use of lyrics to sprinkle clues and subtle messages throughout the book.

Id recommend the read, its quick and entertaining.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for the gifted copy! #campnetgalley

Publishes : October 7th

Y’all!! Pop star Harlow Hayes has it all—fame, fans, flawless image. Until she’s arrested for murder. Cue record scratch.

Told through the sharp lens of investigative journalist Naomi Barnes (who’s got a few secrets of her own), Rumoured is a deliciously twisty ride through glitz, lies, and the dark side of celebrity. Think perfume-soaked dressing rooms, flashing cameras, and enough tension to make your shoulders stay permanently hunched.

The writing? Smart and punchy with just enough glam. I could feel the pop culture pulse and taste the scandal. The Mancaruso sisters know how to deliver drama with brains—and a body count.

Bottom line:
Juicy, fast-paced, and layered with secrets—this one’s for fans of true crime vibes and morally gray women.

Thanks to Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book for this advance copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review. #Rumoured #NetGalley

3.75 ⭐️

WOW! This kept me on my toes with the twists and turns. This was a fun thriller/mystery mixed with pop culture. While the format threw me off, I still enjoyed the book.

I was really excited about the premise of this book but unfortunately, it fell flat. I usually enjoy the use of different types of media but in this case, it just didn't work for me. The articles and social media posts and all of that just made it hard for me to actually get into the story. I do appreciate the advanced copy from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinions.

Rumoured is the story of Naomi, a celebrity reporter who has a conflicted viewpoint of fame and the story that she takes on about the pop star Harlow Hayes, her sister's idol. Naomi grew up with a mother and sister who both strived to become famous musicians and never were able to achieve their dreams; meanwhile, she sees the ugliness that is often hidden from the public in her daily work.

Harlow Hayes is seen as America's Sweetheart so when she is arrested for murder, everyone has a strong opinion on what happened. In covering the story, Naomi moves from reporting the story to investigation as things just don't seem to add up.

This book slowly builds, gradually pulling you in with surprising connections and misdirection. The third party POV is the predominant voice with social media and articles to expand the background throughout the book. While you may have your own theories as you make your way through the book, they are bound to change and evolve along with Naomi's as more information is revealed.

If you are a fan of books like The Coworker Book by Freida McFadden, you are sure to enjoy this one.

Thank you Head of Zeus for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The thriller had me intrigued from the start. If you pay attention to celebrities in real life, you know that there are conspiracy theories and Easter eggs based on fan theories and the celebrities themselves. Rumored is full of twists and turns as well as Easter eggs throughout the novel surrounding a famous pop star, Harlow Hayes, which will keep you guessing until the end to find out what really happened. Most of the novel is told through third person through Naomi, a journalist, who finds herself entrenched in the case. Themes includes the consequences of fame (publicity and backlash), sexism of the industry, and the morally grey area of women's rights vs wrongs.

Thank you Netgallery for allowing me to read this in exchange for a review— #Rumoured #NetGalley

The Mancaruso Sisters are sister goals. The writing in this book was great. I really thought I was going to be disappointed because I figured out the twist right in the beginning… at least I had convinced myself I did. I like the “conspiracy” vibes in this book and the fact that it shows you how some rumors we see could possibly be true. The ending was great and I really enjoyed the mental back and forth the main character goes through because I felt like it was expressed well. We were figuring out this mystery together and although I didn’t LOVE her character because she was a journalist for a gossip site. I love the transformation that concluded this story! Read it this BOOK is OUT NOW!

Book Review: Rumoured by The Mancaruso Sisters

Rumoured: A Thriller for the Gossip Column Era!
You know that moment when a book looks like it could’ve been pulled straight from a gossip blog—and then it actually reads like one? That’s Rumoured. Between the paparazzi snapshots, secret messages, and social media sleuthing, this book blends tabloid energy with thriller structure in a way that feels almost too real. The cover caught my eye, the concept kept me reading, and the story? Let’s just say it earned its place in my “get hyped” category. Now, let’s talk aesthetic, execution, and why I think you’ll binge this one like your favorite scandal podcast.

HYPE REPORT
Get Hyped!!! This upcoming release is one to get excited about.

Aesthetic

THE COVER
Loving the vibes on the cover of Rumoured by The Mancaruso Sisters! Black and white photography with pops of vivid color is so apt for a story about a pop icon. The concert with raving fans reflected in the figures sunglasses kicks the whole design up a notch. Fantastic idea, but there could have been more attention paid to integrating the illustrative and photographic elements to make the graphic more seamless. The sunglasses in particular look laid on top of the image, whereas the selective coloring of the woman’s lips is more believable; however, there is even a bit of a mess with the outline there. Awesome idea, mid execution.

INTERIOR
The interior of the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) was messy, but since this is a pre-release galley copy, I assume that formatting and typographic errors will be fixed before this is released to the public. There are lots of little formatting items that will be important to the effective delivery of this novel as an ebook, because so much is meant to replicate online news articles, social media posts, texts, and handwritten notes.

Did the design affect whether I bought the book?
Yes. The cover for Rumoured stood out among the choices while perusing NetGalley for my next potential ARC read. I’m so glad that it did, because it knocked my socks off!

Summary
IN SHORT
Sent to cover the story of a pop icon arrested on murder charges, celeb news columnist Naomi starts pulling at threads and finds herself deeply embroiled in cracking the case that she’s clearly more invested in than the authorities.

Character Analysis
The Mancaruso Sisters, Kelly & Kristina, develop characters without the reader even realizing it’s happening. The plot is built on the people in the story, but information about who they are comes at the reader from so many different directions that you feel like you are piecing together the who right alongside the what, why, and how. Without needing a whole lot of description, it’s easy to feel like you know the characters. That is, there is a great deal of complexity introduced without having to go too deeply into any given person’s backstory.

“The truth is, I have only one regret. And it’s not what you think.”

Writing Style
In Rumoured, there was an interesting juxtaposition of show and tell happening within the writing style. At first, I was critical of the approach, but as the story went along, I started to believe that the voice of the narrator (most of the book is written in third person) was giving information much in the same way as the information coming from articles– the facts with little exposition. I think this added to the experience of following Naomi’s story because it mirrored her writing. 
Midway through Rumoured, a first-person point of view was introduced out of sync with the main narrative timeline. This was very effective in building suspense on two fronts while providing both needed perspective to create empathy, and to showcase a connection between the pop star and the journalist characters while unveiling various plot-driving clues.

Themes
Murder, obviously.
The dirty underbelly of celebrity and how that intersects with those tangential to it. Professional ethics. The secrets that are kept, information suppressed.
Obsession. Rumoured shines a light on the way that the public often gets very involved with the celebrities that they love or hate. But also looks at how easily a person can get sucked into the social media black hole and lose some perspective. Conspiracy theories. The inability to separate the public persona from the real person.
Family. Rumoured looks at family through multiple lenses but dives deeply into how families feel bonded together and how they show that bond. How are they there for each other? Is it in small ways – loaning a car, making you take home leftovers– or in large ways – using money and influence to cover up your misdeeds? Where is the line? Would you cross it? How can circumstances alter your moral and ethical code? Fairly deep stuff for a thriller.

“She should’ve been walking in the sunshine, carrying a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers, not clinging to a can of pepper spray as crows squawk in the distance.”

Critical Evaluation
The storyline in Rumoured is expertly plotted. The inclusion of easter eggs within the story but also woven into the fabric of the book itself pulled me in in a way that I started to feel a little like Naomi as she pulled at threads to uncover even more delicious intrigue.
The faux social media posts and articles rang true to life.
I am amazed at the length that The Mancaruso Sisters went to in creating all of the song lyrics, album art, media, and social that play into this storyline. Everything felt like it was plucked out of some alternate reality. There was a great mix of faux material and real-world references that made the experience immersive.

Personal Opinion
I read Rumoured in one sitting. At one point, I stopped and took note of myself. Heart pounding, starting to sweat, yes, I was, in fact, thrilled by this thriller. I rarely re-read books, but as I finished this one, I was nearly instantly thinking about reading it again to see if the author left more clues that I didn’t pick up on.
Of note, I suspected one of the major plot reveals as early as chapter 3, and confirmed it in my notes as early as chapter 11. However, this did not deter my reading experience at all. In fact, I was left with enough doubt that I continued to try to find foreshadowing to support my theory (as one does.)
The Mancasruso Sisters sprinkled easter eggs throughout the book. Each time I noticed one I was so delighted. So, when you read Rumoured, pay attention.

Recommendation
If you ever doom scroll, get caught up in a social media frenzy, follow celebrity gossip, or entertain conspiracy theories, this book should be on your TBR. Hankering for Gossip Girl Vibes with a Jack Ryan heartbeat? Run, don’t walk, to get your copy of Rumoured. 
*Release Date: Oct 07 2025*
Dislike social media black holes? Murder mysteries not your bag? Steer clear.

“To love someone unconditionally can be a dangerous thing. For yourself. And for others.”

NOTES
Rumoured is not a spicy book, but there are some potentially triggering mentions of sexual assault, drug overdose, murder, and some threatening situations.
Would you protect a loved one if they were guilty of a serious crime? Let’s talk in the comments.

Buy This Book
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MAY YOUR LIFE BE AS FULL AS YOUR BOOKSHELF AND AS LONG AS YOUR TBR LIST.
HAPPY READING!
Lacey

Review will be published on my blog on August 17.

I picked up Rumoured by Kelly and Kristina Mancaruso as part of Camp NetGalley, not expecting the fun ride it turned out to be. The premise—that something more sinister might be hidden within a pop star’s Easter eggs—is clever and intriguing, and the mystery ultimately wraps up in a neat (if slightly unbelievable) way.

You definitely have to suspend a fair amount of disbelief to enjoy this one. It would’ve helped if the story existed in a world without Taylor Swift because Harlow Hayes is so clearly modeled after Taylor that it’s hard to buy her as an equally massive star in the same universe. That said, the authors do a great job using fake news articles and forum posts to keep the story grounded and moving forward.

Overall, Rumoured is a fun, fast-paced summer read with a unique concept and plenty of twists. Perfect for fans of pop culture mysteries who don’t mind a little implausibility in their page-turners.