The Star Society by Gabriella Saab
4.25 stars
Publisher: Harper Muse

Plot: In 1946, Ada Worthington-Fox has successfully shed her previous name, but not the memories nor scars from her previous life as a Dutch resistance fighter who escaped war-torn Arnhem after Gestapo imprisonment. She has made a name for herself as a Hollywood star on the big screen. But as questions and investigations hone in on Hollywood and its underground Communist allegiances amid the Red Scare, her sister Ingrid (whom she believed dead) shows up at her doorstep and brings back all that she escaped from.
Ingrid escaped the Nazi invasion of Arnhem years before the horror that Ada had to endure and has been working as a private investigator to smoke out communist influences in Hollywood, when she’s assigned her sister to investigate.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and found it to be similar in writing style to Beatriz Williams and Kate Quinn and those that loved The Goddess Warsaw would love this book. Personally, I would have loved the past timeline to go further in depth and to hear more about what transpired after Ada was forced to give up her fellow resistance fighters as well as how she ended up in Hollywood. However, I still enjoyed this book and am intrigued enough to read more of Gabriella Saab’s backlist and future novels.

Thank you to Harper Muse for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Renowned author Gabriella Saab, celebrated for her mesmerizing historical fiction, unveils her latest dazzling masterpiece, THE STAR SOCIETY.

Drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of Audrey Hepburn, this enthralling narrative unfolds the poignant tale of twin sisters who find themselves reunited in the vibrant yet turbulent landscape of post-World War II Hollywood.

As they navigate a world of glittering allure of fame and the shadowy depths of past traumas, their gripping journey is one of survival, buried secrets, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Each sister embarks on her own intertwining mission, challenging the darkness of their history while contending with the pervasive paranoia of the Red Scare.

In this richly woven saga, the sisters must confront not only their personal demons but also the societal upheavals of their time, making for a riveting exploration of resilience, identity, sisterhood, and the unwavering bonds of family.

About...

THE STAR SOCIETY follows the dual timelines and converging missions of two Dutch sisters, Ada and Ingrid, in the aftermath of WWII.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's life with a focus on themes of survival, justice, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood amid the Red Scare in Hollywood.

Characters:

Ada Worthington-Fox: A former Dutch Resistance member who, after imprisonment by the Gestapo, assumes a new identity and becomes a rising actress in post-war Hollywood.

Ingrid: Ada's politically-minded twin sister, who flees to Washington, D.C. during the war and becomes a private investigator.

The twins reunite in 1946 Hollywood after years of separation, each having believed the other dead.

Ada has reinvented herself as a rising Hollywood star to escape her past as a member of the Dutch Resistance in Arnhem, which included a traumatic Gestapo imprisonment.

Ingrid, who fled to Washington, D.C. and became a private investigator, arrives in Hollywood with a secret assignment to root out communist influences, and her primary target is her own sister, Ada, who has become a rising actress under the name Ada Worthington-Fox.

Ada becomes a part of a secret group of friends called "The Star Society," which is named by a gossip columnist who covers their exclusive parties. Both sisters share a dark secret from their time in the war that, if exposed, could destroy their new lives.

As the plot unfolds, the two sisters must navigate the political and social pressures of the Red Scare era while trying to uncover the truth and trust one another, while also fighting corruption.

My Thoughts...

THE STAR SOCIETY is a masterfully crafted work of historical novel that immerses readers in a meticulously researched world, emotionally gripping, brimming with intricately layered characters and vibrant settings. Heartbreaking, an utterly riveting tale of courage, loss, and overcoming impossible odds,

Gabriella Saab cleverly spins a creative retelling that is not only filled with rich historical detail but also interspersed with glamour, danger, intrigue, and sheer courage. The narrative glimmers with entertaining Easter eggs to discover and subtle nods to the iconic Audrey Hepburn and the myriad characters she brought to life on screen.

As the plot progresses, the tension mounts, drawing readers into a suspenseful dance as the sisters hone in on Ada's elusive target. Ingrid's investigation intensifies the stakes, forcing them into a poignant struggle between the pursuit of justice, the desire to safeguard their own lives, the option of remaining silent, or the heartbreaking decision to jeopardize everything for the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.

With its dual timelines, this compelling novel eloquently navigates themes of survival, reinvention, the haunting legacy of war, unwavering loyalty, and the sacrifices made in love—set against the backdrop of post-war Hollywood during the turbulent Red Scare. Each page reveals a world rife with suspicion, where shadows of past secrets linger, creating an atmosphere thick with tension, intrigue, and fear.

The title ultimately functions as a powerful metaphor for the duality of the era: the sparkling veneer of post-war Hollywood contrasted with the dangerous, shadowy world of secrets, survival, and espionage that lies just beneath the surface.

Inspired by the extraordinary life of Audrey Hepburn—whose journey you can delve deeper into within the fascinating Author's Notes—this work elegantly intertwines elements of Hollywood glamour, espionage, and deeply buried family secrets.

The Audiobook...

I had the immense pleasure of not only reading this gripping tale but also listening to the audiobook version narrated by the exceptionally talented, acclaimed Saskia Maarleveld (a favorite). Her performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, as she deftly captures the essence of this dual-timeline historical thriller. Through her voice, the story comes alive, painting a vivid picture of the time, place, and characters while echoing the lingering shadows of war that loom over the glittering expanse of 1940s Hollywood.

I highly recommend the audiobook, as it truly elevates, transforming it into an engaging and immersive listening experience. The skilled narration breathes life into the characters, enhancing the emotional depth and nuances of the plot. Each carefully chosen tone and inflection draws you deeper into the narrative, making it impossible to put down. This format allows for a multi-sensory enjoyment that adds a rich layer to the storytelling, inviting listeners to fully appreciate the author's craft.

This unabridged recording spans an enchanting seven hours and is available for pre-order, set to be released on January 6, 2026.

Recommendations...

THE STAR SOCIETY will resonate deeply with fans of the author and readers who relish historical fiction rich with themes of WWII resistance, post-war espionage, and the intricate web of family secrets.

Explore similar journeys in:
~The Last Checkmate by Gabriella Saab
~ Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
~ Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck
~ Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen (which the author references)
~ Not Without My Sister by Marion Kummerow

The common threads running through these powerful narratives are the extraordinary bravery of women in wartime, the high-stakes nature of secrets, and the enduring strength of familial bonds.

Special thanks to Harper Muse for graciously sharing a digital ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts. And look at this exquisite cover!

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My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 6, 2026
Jan 2026 Must-Read Books

4.5 stars that I’m rounding up to 5! What an incredible story of perseverance and sisterly bond even through really tragic and hard times.

I loved both of these sisters who were so strong and complex. The author did a great job creating several different enemies and I couldn’t figure out the twist or how this was going to end.

I loved the authors note for this book as I had no idea of the historical inspiration for this story! Thank you to the author for my physical advanced copy and thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced digital copy and audiobook!

A story of two sisters who reunite in Hollywood after WWII. It’s somewhat tied to the life of Audrey Hepburn. I learned more about post-WWII. I loved it!

intricate and well-done historical fiction focusing on the "Red Scare" in Hollywood with an Audrey Hepburn-esque protagonist. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Twin sisters have to find a way to survive the Nazi occupation of their homeland, Netherlands, as well as their mother who has befriended a Gestapo agent. Ingrid flees with her future husband, Lars, to America and makes a new life always wondering what happened to her sister. She became a private investigator. Her sister works with the Resistance until she is arrested by her mother's friend. She flees in the middle of the night and ends up in Hollywood with a new name and identity. When Ingrid is sent on assignment to investigate Ada Worthington-Fox, she realizes that it is her sister. They get caught up in the whirlwind of the Red Scare in Hollywood. By the end, they work together to expose a corrupt FBI agent and find a way back to each other.
The sisters in this story are so strong and brave you can't help but admire them as you read about their journey. In the dual timeline of during the War and the years after, you are drawn into their world of chaos in the Netherlands and the bright lights of Hollywood. I loved how the author was inspired by the life of Audrey Hepburn and built and expanded that world into this story. Ingrid, her sister, and her husband had to flee their native land separately, assimilate into America and find a way to thrive without knowing what happened to the other for years. As they reconnected, they had to navigate their separation and rebuild their relationship. The first half of the book develops the characters and the plot, and the second half takes off with a lot going on. I read the second half in a day because I had to find out what happened next.
If you want a great historical fiction focused on the Cold War, I highly recommend this book. Don't get turned off by the WW2 link.
#TheStarSociety #NetGalley #HarperMuse
Thank you Harper Muse and Net Galley as I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

World War II seems to be a recurring topic in my reading list right now. When I came across The Star Society I was delighted to see that this book also touched on life post WWII with a bonus that it was loosely based on Audrey Hepburn.

I enjoyed learning more about the Red Scare and life through the eyes of these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab takes us on a journey through war-torn Holland and right to sunny Hollywood. This story is thrilling and intriguing as we meet two sisters, Ada and Ingrid, who are separated by war only to later join forces in a 'Hitchcock' style story of hunting a Nazi war criminal and bring him to justice. This is a captivating story of perservence. I especially love that the author was inspired by Audrey Hepburn when creating the character Ada. I loved this book and will be recommending it to my historical fiction book readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was truly an unputdownable book - yet, it was so good I wanted to savor every page, so I forced myself to read it slowly. Simply, I didn’t want it to end.

When WWII breaks out in Europe and the Nazis raid The Netherlands, twins Ingrid and Aleida find themselves at a crossroads. Ingrid decides to risk it all to flee with her fiancée via the resistance and try to escape to America. Aleida, chooses to stay in Holland, Ingrid promises to write when she makes it safely, but a letter never came. Aleida lives under Nazi occupation secretly helping the Dutch Resistance- until her mother decides to start seeing a Nazi and he moves in - Aleida knows she must run. Fast forward to two years after the war, Aleida, now known as Hollywood’s most desired actress Ada Worthington-Fox, is making it big. Meanwhile, Ingrid has settled into her new life in America and works for the government in Washington DC - investigating Communist supporters. Her next assignment: Hollywood. Her target: Ada Worthington Fox - the sister she thought was dead.

There is so much more to this story then what I shared - so many twists and turns, and the book is so well-written and Ada and Ingrid’s story is told perfectly. The perfect mix of history, lies, betrayal, mystery, suspense, drama and excitement. 100% recommend this book to any historical fiction lover.

Overall, I enjoyed this book set in the 1940s, covering some major events in Hollywood, Europe, and the US. The Red Scare, fascism in Europe, and Nazis escaping persecution after World War II are all woven into the story. While it felt a bit long and trimming might be done in some parts to keep the story moving forward, the characters were well-written and the story interesting. The author loosely based one of the main characters on Audrey Hepburn and incorporated real people and events for historical accuracy. Unlike other books about the Red Scare in Hollywood, this one had a unique twist. Although I didn’t learn much new, I enjoyed it and give it a solid 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

This book plays in the 1940s both during WWII (in Europe) and after the war in the U.S. The research (explained in the afterword) that went into this book netted a lengthy story. Since I love historical fiction steeped in research, this was a perfect read for me. The author takes time to build the backstory and initially, you have no idea where the story is going. The only thing that I find a bit far-fetched is the mention of the Oranjehotel. The location of this prison (now a museum) is more than 100km away from Arnhem, but that's a minor thing.

I’m in awe of how well the writer is able to take so many different strands and weave them into one story. From WWII in the Netherlands with cruel Nazis, to Hollywood, to the red scare in the U.S. in the late 40s and the involvement of the FBI. And, disgustingly, how former Nazis found refuge in countries without being punished for what they did.

But there’s so much more! Family relations, hurt feelings, forgiveness and unforgiveness. The injustice women in the 1950s faced when trying to build a career. A wonderful read for history lovers.

Many thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Gabriella Saab’s The Star Society is a post–World War II historical novel that blends Hollywood glamour with the lingering scars of war. In 1946, Ada, once part of the Dutch Resistance, has remade herself as a rising star in Los Angeles. Her past catches up to her when her sister Ingrid, long presumed dead, reappears as a private investigator tasked with rooting out suspected communists—Ada among them. As Ada secretly pursues the Gestapo agent who tormented her childhood, the sisters are pulled into a web of secrets, divided loyalties, and moral compromise. Saab balances intrigue, family conflict, and richly drawn atmosphere, delivering a story that feels both cinematic and emotionally layered.

The Star Society is a dazzling, powerful historical novel that captures both the shadows of war and the glitter of Hollywood with unforgettable depth. Gabriella Saab brings us the story of Ada and Ingrid—two sisters reunited after believing the other lost to World War II—whose lives collide against the backdrop of the Red Scare, Hollywood glamour, and lingering wartime trauma.

What struck me most was the duality at the heart of this book: the contrast between Ada’s reinvention as a rising starlet and Ingrid’s undercover work as a D.C. investigator sent to uncover communist influence. Their bond is complicated, tender, and unshakably human, even as secrets, suspicion, and danger press in from every side. Saab handles themes of justice, survival, and loyalty with nuance, weaving suspense, emotion, and history into every chapter.

The prose is elegant and immersive, the pacing sharp, and the twists—particularly around the sisters’ shared secret—had me breathless. This is not just a story of Hollywood glitz or postwar politics; it’s about the resilience of women who refuse to be silenced, no matter the cost.

A stunning, cinematic novel that feels both intimate and epic—The Star Society belongs on the shelf of every historical fiction lover.

This was such a good read that seamlessly blended genres that wouldn't necessarily always work together, but just came together perfectly in this story. I was utterly captivated and couldn't put it down

I loved this book! It had so many things I am interested in and I enjoy! The complicated relationships of sisters, spies, world war II, glamorous old Hollywood, Holland, romance, intrigue, betrayal, and the Red Scare. If those are things you like too, then I would highly recommend this book! I really felt hooked throughout the whole book!

I had the tremendous honor of reading an advance copy of Gabriella Saab's upcoming Old Hollywood historical novel. And this blend of thriller and romance and mystery is Gabriella's best work yet! It's an Audrey Hepburn inspired tour through 1940s Hollywood with surprising depth.

Preorder today and have something incredible in your mailbox in January to help fight the post-Christmas blues...

Gabriella writes such brilliant historical fiction. This had everything I could ask for- twists, historical facts, romance, suspense, and drama. I loved Ingrid’s immense love for her sister and doing what’s right at all costs. The author’s note perfectly shared her inspiration and more insight into Audrey Hepburn! I loved it.

This book hooked me from the very first chapter. The Star Society by Gabriella Saab blends Hollywood glamour with the shadows of WWII in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Ada, reinvented as a rising actress in post war Los Angeles, is such a fascinating character. She’s polished on the outside but carrying the weight of her resistance days and a secret mission for justice. Then her sister Ingrid, who she thought was dead, shows up with her own hidden agenda tied to the Red Scare, and suddenly it’s impossible to know who’s protecting who. What I loved most was the tension between loyalty and survival. The sisters’ relationship felt raw and layered. It’s equal parts tender, suspicious, and heartbreaking. If you like historical fiction with high stakes, family secrets, and suspense, read this one now!

Gabriella Saab’s The Star Society first caught my eye with its striking cover, which perfectly conveys the allure of post-war Hollywood laced with shadows of danger. The novel delivers richly atmospheric writing, particularly in its vivid depictions of wartime Europe and the glamour of 1940s film culture, and its dual perspective-Ada, a former resistance fighter turned Hollywood star, and Ingrid, her presumed-dead sister turned private investigator add emotional depth and moral complexity. However, while Saab’s prose is elegant and immersive, it can occasionally slow the pacing, especially during historical exposition or when shifting between timelines. The plot’s ambition balancing Nazi-hunting intrigue, Red Scare paranoia, and fraught sisterly bonds, is admirable, though at times it risks feeling overstuffed. Still, the well-drawn characters and nuanced ethical dilemmas keep the narrative engaging, making it a compelling read for fans of layered, character-driven historical fiction. If you enjoyed books like Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Kate Quinn’s The Alice Network, or even Lara Prescott’s The Secrets We Kept, you’ll likely be drawn into the suspense, glamour, and emotional complexity of The Star Society.

The Star Society is a beautifully written, atmospheric historical novel that blends post-war intrigue with the allure of Old Hollywood. Gabriella Saab crafts a compelling story about two sisters whose lives have been reshaped by World War II and who must navigate reinvention, loyalty, and the shadows of their shared past.

The dual perspectives are emotionally rich and grounded, offering a nuanced look at trauma, resilience, and the complicated bonds of family. Saab’s attention to historical detail brings both Europe and 1940s Hollywood vividly to life, while the steady undercurrent of mystery keeps the pages turning.

Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with depth, heart, and a touch of suspense. A thoughtful, immersive read that lingers long after the final page.

A slow burn historical fiction read that blends mystery, retaliation and family while it bounces between war years and Hollywood after the war ended (1946). It’s about two sisters who reunite after thinking they had lost each other during the war.
Ada & Ingrid, twins that led different paths to survival from the Dutch occupation. Ada is now a Hollywood newbie whose talent is catching the eyes of the studios and Ingrid who is a private investigator in Washington. As these sisters find each other again, the heat of communist tracking explodes. And at the same time there’s the eerie feeling that a past tormentor is back waiting to attack again.

Fuses these two stories and then adding an air of mystery plus “cat and mouse” air pushes this story on. It did feel very slow and hard to connect at the start of the book, it was only the second half where I was curious who was behind it and interested in a time I haven’t read much about (the Washington infiltration of Nazi’s)… but what fascinated me more than the book was actually the Author’s Note at the end. And the connection to Audrey Hepburn. If you read this one, go into it knowing that it’s loosely based on pieces of her life. It’ll keep you guessing which parts.

Also, I may need to find an Audrey Hepburn biography now because I need to know more about the face behind the glamour after reading this one.

Thank you @harper for the gifted e copy.
3.75 rolled to 4

Yes, it's another WW2 novel -- but this is also a Cold War novel. Two sisters make a new life for themselves but the past comes barreling back.

The dual timeline format works well, and both Ada (inspired by Audrey Hepburn) and Ingrid are very strong women who are dealing with a lot. There is plenty of intrigue in this novel, which turns out to be a real page turner.

Action-packed with secrets and betrayals and entertaining drama, I was surprised at how suspenseful THE STAR SOCIETY is. A great combination of historical fiction with suspense.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

The Star Society presents itself as a work of historical fiction centered on the era of the Red Scare, yet its reach extends far beyond that single focus. Gabriella Saab brings together several historical elements including the Dutch resistance during World War II and the contrasting glamour of postwar Hollywood. The result is a narrative that is ambitious in both structure and intention.

The characters are vividly drawn and emotionally engaging, although at times their dramatic arcs feel heightened to a nearly theatrical degree. Even so, their relationships, especially the bond between the two sisters at the center of the story, form the strongest part of the novel. Their shared pursuit of truth and justice gives the narrative steady momentum.

Saab uses multiple timelines to add depth and complexity. However, the rapid shifts in time can occasionally interrupt the flow of the story. There were moments when I needed to pause to reorient myself to the chronology, which lessened the impact of certain narrative threads.

Despite this issue, The Star Society remains an engrossing read. It is bold in concept, rich in atmosphere, and confident in the way it blends espionage, emotional stakes, and historical intrigue. Saab delivers a story that is stylish, suspenseful, and grounded in strong character work.

This dual timeline (with the primary story being current day, post WWII Hollywood) follows sisters who were a part of the Dutch resistance and are now in the United States. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn's story, I enjoyed this story and couldn't wait to see how things unfolded. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.

A richly researched dual-timeline historical novel with fascinating settings

The Star Society by Gabriella Saab is an intricately crafted story that moves between German-occupied Holland in the 1940s and the tension-filled atmosphere of Red Scare era Hollywood. At its center are twin sisters whose lives diverge dramatically-one fleeing to America to marry and eventually becoming a government investigator, the other joining the resistance in Europe before escaping to Hollywood, reinventing herself, and rising to stardom. Saab’s inspiration from Audrey Hepburn adds a compelling real-world layer to the novel’s Old Hollywood storyline.

What truly shines in this novel is the impeccable research. The historical detail, both in occupied Holland and in the inner workings of the film industry during a fraught political moment, feels authentic and immersive. The family dynamics between the sisters are especially well drawn, exploring loyalty, sacrifice, and the way trauma shapes identity.

I did, however, struggle a bit with the pacing early on. The exposition is slow, and it took me some time to connect emotionally with the characters. Additionally, the romantic subplots felt less developed than the rest of the narrative. Both male love interests were so steadfast, forgiving, and close to “too perfect” that their relationships lacked the tension and complexity I hoped for.


Still, the strengths, especially the atmosphere of Old Hollywood, the dual timelines, and the thoughtful exploration of how fear and ideology ripple through families, make this an engaging read for fans of meticulously researched historical fiction.

I ultimately rated The Star Society 3.75 stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy layered historical narratives, sister stories, mid-century Hollywood settings, and well-performed audiobooks.