Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for access to “Rumoured” by the Mancaruso Sisters. I read this book to be a part of the Camp NetGalley reading challenge, so I wasn’t expecting anything in particular. I am here to tell you that this turned out to be one of my favorite thrillers I have read this year! The psychological draw of a reporter losing their sister in a horrific tragedy and then finding links to an equally sinister crime involving many in the A-List/B-List elite was so juicy. I couldn’t put it down once I started! A brilliant debut using multimedia in the absolute best way to enhance a mystery. Includes a broken up timeline to only add to the tension and lack of clear information the characters are looking for. I loved it!

I was very excited to receive an ARC of this book.
Naomi Barnes is chosen by Celeb news to cover the Arrest of Global Sensation, Harlow Hayes who is accused of Killing her ex boyfriend and Hollywood Darling Colton who is found dead in his apartment. Naomi has to return to her old Stomping Grounds of New York which opens up old wound as her sister who was a struggling musician died there too an Naomi never found out why.
At first I was engaged into this book but with all of the bouncing around between characters and timelines it was not for me.
By the end of the book I no longer cared who committed the murder.. I know there has been mixed review on this title.
It had promise but just wasn't the book for me.

This was messy, dramatic, and full of twists, which I mostly enjoyed. The story follows a reporter investigating the murder of a pop star’s on-again off-again actor boyfriend (basically Taylor Swift and Chris Evans if Taylor Swift murdered Chris Evans... and Chris Evans was questionable?). I liked the way the story included article snippets and media coverage. It added a true-crime vibe that worked well with the plot.

What didn’t work for me was the reporter’s relationship with the cop. It felt like she was using him for access, and it made me uncomfortable, though I do suppose that is how it's like in real life.

Still, the mystery kept me engaged, and the ending genuinely surprised me. Not a favorite, but definitely fun.

(3.8 rounded up⭐️) Rumoured is a gripping ‘whodunnit’ format told through the lens of a determined journalist investigating the shocking death of a Hollywood A-list actor. As the media storm ensues, a popular music icon is arrested for the crime, setting off a frenzy of speculation and scandal.

What sets this book apart is its unique storytelling. It blends the traditional narrative along with news articles, social media posts, and insider reports. This approach gives it a fresh, real-time feel, making you feel like you're watching the mystery unfold across headlines and hashtags, and social media posts. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story delivers a twist that completely blindsides you.

My only complaint was that at some point in the. Idle, the story began to drag just a little before it picked back up again.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the chance to review this book

📚 E-ARC BOOK REVIEW 📚

Rumoured By The Mancaruso Sisters
Publication Date: October 7, 2025
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA | Head of Zeus

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A huge thank you to Bloomsbury USA, Head of Zeus, and NetGalley for this e-arc as a part of NetGalley Camp -- this is my honest review!

📚MY REVIEW:

Rumoured was offered as a selection through NetGalley Camp, and I really only knew it was a debut thriller written by two sisters I had never heard of, about a pop star accused of murder. That brief synopsis was enough to pique my interest, as I can't ever seem to say no to a pop culture psychological thriller. And this cover was EVERYTHING.

I'll be honest, I went into this one without really knowing what to expect from these new-to-me authors -- and that's exactly why I'm grateful to NetGalley and the opportunities they give me to read books that might otherwise never cross my path. Because WOW, did I freaking love this book!!

Seriously, once I started reading, this book was binge-worthy and unputdownable. This was my favorite kind of read! Multiple timelines and dual POVs kept this a fast-paced book. I loved the mixed media aspects with narratives, online news articles, interview transcripts, social media posts and comments, Reddit searches, internet trolls...all my favorite things. This was one twisty read and I did NOT see this ending coming at all. Not even a little clue. When these final twists hit, stunned is an understatement!

I was quickly completely immersed into Naomi's world of celebrity investigative journalism. My mind filled with her questioning, her sources, her online rabbit holes, and all her conspiracy theories. Then mix in her emotional and messy personal life, the loss of her sister to a drug overdose years ago, and her behavior that only seems to become more and more unhinged, the more I read? I'm hooked. Mancaruso sisters: sign me up, take my money, you've ensnared me.

Though this book doesn't publish until October 2025, it's available now on NetGalley through mid-August. Do yourself a favor and get this book ASAP, especially if you're a fan of twisty reads, seemingly unhinged main characters, and psychological thrillers laced with pop culture. Five bright stars for this read - and Mancaruso sisters, how soon can I read your next book?!

#Rumoured #TheMancarusoSisters #KellyMancaruso #KristinaMancaruso #HeadOfZeus #BloomsburyUSA #NetGalley #NetGalleyCamp #ARCs #thrillerreads #thrillerlover #thrilleraddict #popculturethrillers #bookreviews #bookrecs #booklover #bookaddict

I received an ARC (advanced review copy) for free from Net Galley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Told from the perspective of Naomi, an investigative journalist, we get to watch the drama play out just like a real celebrity drama. Harlow Hayes is an international pop star who gets arrested on suspicion of murder and Naomi is tasked with covering the story. The drama that ensues provides many twists and turns to keep readers enthralled.

I really enjoyed the characters, even if Naomi did annoy me sometimes! I was able to figure out the ending before she was, so watching her figure it out was fun. The beginning was a bit slow, but the second half of the book really kept me invested.

All in all, I liked this book and would recommend it!

Rumored by Kelly Mancaruso & Kristina Mancaruso is a fascinating & unique mystery novel that will take you on a wild ride of a journalist looking into a pop superstar getting arrested for murder.

Rumoured is great for those looking to read…
🔍 Intriguing Mystery
🔍 Global Pop Star Arrested for Murder
🔍 Journalist on the Case
🔍 Easter Egg Hints

Rumored feels so relevant & perfect for the present times with the age of social media & the presence of the para-social relationships between fans & celebrities. This is such an intriguing mystery but I don’t want to give away spoilers so I will keep it brief. This was such a good mystery that I didn’t expect where it was going, which is my favorite type of mystery story.

If you are looking for an entertaining mystery full of twists & turns, I highly recommend Rumoured.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Bloomsbury USA for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

A pop star who's even bigger than Taylor Swift gets arrested on the suspicion of murdering her ex boyfriend?

I don't typically choose to read from the Mystery / Thriller genre unless it's with my book club, but I'm glad I picked this one up. I'm grateful to have read it through kindle edition, because there's so much to be said for the structure of the narrative vs. articles vs. comment sections. I really enjoyed that this is a time capsule for 2024 -- I know some authors avoid current events to keep their work from feeling dated. But there's something about the look into stan / anti culture that really worked for me.

The switch from 3rd to 1st person narrative really threw me off. I didn't catch that this was what was throwing me off for an embarrassingly long time.

My only criticism was that the resolution came too quickly. I wanted to be present for what happened with Sam. I wanted more time to enjoy where things landed with Colton. I needed Naomi to really find peace. But the party ended a little early.

Great book, great cover -- happy I got to read this one!

A pop star in the middle of a murder investigation. Oh my! This book is juicy and hard to put down. I recommend this book if you like conspiracies and gossip. Soo good.

3.5 stars for this pop-star turned alleged murderer?! Harlow Hayes is at the top of her game when she gets arrested for not one, but two murders. Journalist Naomi Barnes is put on the case by her gossip news rag and starts to uncover that all is not as it seems with this case.

It was a fun and easy read, but I felt like the build up was too long with a lot of unnecessary details and the reveal felt too rushed and not well thought-out. It reads more like a fluffy mystery vs a thriller. I do always enjoy a mixed media read and loved how there were articles from different magazines as well as reactions on socials throughout the book. Overall, a solid read.

Secrets, scandals and murder. A great combination for an entertainingly good read. The different POVs were a great addition to this story making it that more entertaining. The amount of drama these characters brought had me tickled. Reading this felt as if i were reading the tea on the latest industry icons. The characters were all entertaining. The pacing felt off. The story felt slow in the beginning but eventually picked up and flowed nicely. I loved the many Easter eggs (the ones I caught anyways). I do feel as if the ending could have been a bit more. It felt a bit rushed. Overall the writers did a good job for a debut novel.

I received this ARC from Netgalley and Bloomsbury and am voluntarily leaving this review. #CampNetgalley

This was so much fun! If you love theories, clues, and easter eggs, this book is definitely for you.

Rumoured follows Naomi, a celebrity news reporter, who is sent to New York to investigate Harlow Hayes, America’s sweetheart, and the alleged deaths she’s connected to.

Naomi expects to gather the latest gossip and return to LA to write her piece, but the more she uncovers about these deaths, the more she realizes that celebrities aren’t who they seem.

I had a blast theorizing about what might happen, piecing together clues hidden within songs and albums, and reading others’ theories. The book is divided into three parts; part one felt the slowest, but parts two and three had me hooked, devouring every new piece of information.

Though questionable actions were taken, I was invested in the determination of every character. The sacrifices and lies created the perfect drama for a toxic celebrity world. I also loved that it’s set in 2025 and touches on COVID, TikTok, and social media, while mentioning real artists. It made Naomi and Harlow feel like real people.

3.5 ⭐️ | If you enjoy a good murder mystery and the music industry, this one you’ll certainly enjoy. Imagine living your best life, your career is on 🔥, your music is at the top of the charts and then suddenly you’re thrown into a murder investigation.. Not as a witness, but as the prime suspect! This is exactly what happens to Harlow. And then there’s Naomi, an investigative journalist that soon realizes she has a personal connection with the case.

This whirlwind story took quite a few turns before the big reveal. And if anyone says that ending was predictable, I would be very surprised. I absolutely did not see that coming! Overall a super fun, quick & entertaining read. It was cool to see all the references to real celebrities & real incidents that have occurred. This sister duo did a great job on their debut novel, and I’m looking forward to following their writing career.

Thank you Bloomsbury USA and Camp NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Publication 🗓️ : 10.07.25

Naomi is an investigative reporter for a gossip column when Harlow Hayes a top pop singer is charged with murder. Naomi is sent to the scene to write about it. Naomi quickly gets way in over her head with trying to sort out the crime and starts to question things that have happened in her own life, including her sister’s untimely death.

Naomi thinks she has it all figured out and publishes a story that has quite a bit of blowback. But is Naomi close to the answer, and wonders if she knows too much and if this put her in danger.

This book looked like a really good thriller, and while I did enjoy the book, the storyline did not go in any direction that I thought it was going to go. I would definitely check out more works by these authors in the future

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, and the authors for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

This book is about a pop star (Harlow) who is accused of murder and the celebrity journalist (Naomi) who is writing about that. What Naomi doesn’t expect is how this story will turn into something that she never expected.

While trying to uncover more information about the alleged murders and finding clues in her music, Naomi finds more than bargained for.

I was in a heavy reading slump before reading this and it took me out of that immediately! I read this book in one day. It’s a quick, but fun read. Personally, I find the first 50% stronger than the last 50%, but it hits all the things you want a typically “popcorn” thriller to hit.

I love pop culture references and this was full of them. The pop star character, Harlow Hayes, is a “Taylor Swift” type and the movie star, Colton Scott is a mix of Chris Evans (the good side) and Armie Hammer (if you know, you know).

I loved the articles, messages, blog posts, song lyrics, and more that were added to the story. It felt exactly how the internet would react if a pop star was arrested. These pieces elevated the story.

I found Naomi’s character choices in the second half of the book to be so infuriating! I wanted her to have a friend to tell her to get back to reality, but it all turned out great.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for an advanced copy of Rumoured.

Naomi works for Celeb news and the biggest story of her career has just broke. Harlow Hayes the world famous pop star has been arrested for murder. She starts investigating but something just does not sit right with her about this case.

This was okay up until the twist then it just got way too unbelievable and ridiculous for me.

This was very different and I loved it. All the twists and turns, everything that I wasn’t expecting because I was so caught up in the thrill of it all. I’m not a huge thriller fan but this was a really good read and it had me second guessing everything which is what I love in a thriller.

This was a fast-paced whodunnit full of Easter eggs, smart dialogue, and believable characters. I enjoyed Naomi’s sarcastic and independent nature, and felt like I got a glimpse of how tabloid sites are behind the scenes. If you like books about celebrity drama with twists and turns, this book’s for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing, and Head of Zeus for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit it started off a little slow for me and I had a hard time liking Naomi, but overall an excellent book.
There were twists and turns and every time I thought I had it somewhat figured out, I was thrown another curve.
I’m glad I stuck with it.

When global pop star Harlow Hayes is arrested for the murder of her actor ex-boyfriend and an unidentified woman, the world erupts in speculation. Headlines blaze, fan theories multiple, and an entire online ecosystem begins decoding lyrics, tracking clues, and dissecting the crime. But for entertainment journalist Naomi Barnes, the case is personal. Her sister's recent overdose doesn't seem unrelated - and Naomi's instincts tell her the truth about Harlow is more complicated than the tabloids want it to be.

Told primarily through Naomi's perspective, 'Rumoured' weaves grief, obsession, and ambition into a story that's as much about mourning as it is about myth-making. The inclusion of multimedia elements - Reddit threads, gossip site posts, and lyrical riddles - adds texture to the narrative without feeling gimmicky. It immerses the reader in a world where nothing is sacred and everything is up for public consumption.

The pacing is deliberate, especially in the first half, but it allows space for Naomi's emotional arc to develop. Her voice is sharp and self-aware, but always grounded in pain. When Harlow's own perspective finally emerges, it arrives like a gut punch - quiet, eerie, and devastating in its restraint.

What makes 'Rumoured' stand out isn't just the twisty plot or the buzzy premise - it's the way the novel critiques the machinery of fame, the commodification of trauma, and the razor-thin line between fan worship and voyeurism. This is a thriller for readers who love their suspense layered and literary, with a strong emotional core beneath the spectacle. Recommend for fans of 'The Bling Ring' meets 'Sharp Objects'; music thrillers like 'Daisy Jones & The Six', but darker; stories that interrogate media, grief, and the cult of celebrity.