The Close-Up

Author: Pip Drysdale

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Suspense, contemporary, Modern Romance, Fiction, Crime.

Year of Release: 2024

Release Date 30/10/24

Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Synopsis

Sometimes dreams come true – but so do nightmares …

Things have not been going well for Zoe Ann Weiss. Once a young novelist full of promise, now she has a failed debut under her belt, a mountain of debt, a dead-end job, and an agent who’s about to drop her if she doesn’t write something new and brilliant soon.

Worst of all, she’s blocked. Can’t-write-a-word blocked. But all that changes one night when she runs into her old flame, Zach Hamilton. It’s like no time has passed at all. They start casually dating, and Zach makes her feel like anything is possible. Like the stars have finally realigned themselves in her favour.

Best of all, her writer’s block has disappeared.

The only issue is Zach isn’t just some hot guy with a dream anymore. Now he’s a movie star with billboards and PR people and fans and paparazzi … and even though they’re dating in secret, Zoe soon finds herself splashed all over the press. Now everyone seems to know her name.

But the problem with everyone knowing your name is that everyone knows your name … including the stalker who’s obsessed with Zach. The stalker who’s re-enacting violent, creepy plot twists from Zoe’s first novel, exactly how she wrote them – except now, she’s the victim.

Review

Zoe Anne Weiss has made the 8,756.23 km journey from London to Los Angeles. Her debut novel is already out in the world, and the second is on the way—or so Zoe keeps telling everyone who asks. Most would consider this a win; unfortunately, her debut novel failed, leaving her with a mountain of debt. To make matters worse, the second novel is just a blank Word document, but shh, don’t tell her agent. Zoe is convinced that Barb Wallace is about to drop her if she doesn’t have something in her inbox soon. If only she weren’t experiencing a severe case of writer’s block—she’s certain her luck would change, hopefully for the better this time.

One night, Zoe runs into her old flame, Zach Hamilton. Part of her feels as if no time has passed since they last saw each other; the more logical side of Zoe is cautious about being around him again, especially after what happened last time. That period in her life resulted in a debut novel that bombed. Against her better judgment, Zoe starts casually dating Zach. This time, however, she’s keeping her eyes wide open, determined not to get swept up in butterflies and weak knees. The minute she detects any of Zach’s past behaviours, she’s out—at least that’s the plan. If only Zach didn’t make her feel like anything is possible.

Big things have happened for Zach since they last met; he’s now a movie star, complete with billboards, a PR team, fans, and paparazzi. This could be an issue, but thankfully, Zoe’s writer’s block has finally lifted. She finds herself in the media spotlight alongside Zach, and their new relationship turns her once-failed book into a TikTok sensation. Things are looking up for Zoe Anne Weiss, if only Zach’s stalker weren’t paying such close attention. The stalker starts recreating scenes from Zoe’s failed first book—perhaps the book should’ve stayed a flop or had a different ending after all.

Can Zoe uncover the identity of Zach’s stalker and save herself in the process, allowing her to finally write the book that lands her on the bestseller list? Or will she forever be known merely as Zach Hamilton’s girlfriend, destined for online trolls and gossip magazine articles?

Sometimes dreams come true—but so do nightmares. I flew through the pages of The Close-Up, which is undoubtedly one of the best books I’ve read in 2024! With a juicy tagline, the vibrant setting of Los Angeles, a captivating novelist, and the thrilling promise of a stalker, this book has a cover to die for. How can you say no to such an enticing read?

Dive into this psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning every character and unravelling secrets hidden beneath the glamorous surface of Hollywood. The Close-Up masterfully blends suspense and intrigue, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey.

 Author Pip Drysdale has done a brilliant job of bringing the protagonist to life. From the moment we meet her, a positive image starts to form in my mind. I will be honest: I was rather nervous about her in the beginning; I worried she’d turn out to be superficial and static, making her a character to suffer through. Instead, Zoe quickly becomes someone I looked forward to spending time with a truly dynamic character that had me laughing out loud at times.

It becomes clear early on that the author has put just as much time and effort into the minor characters. I grew to enjoy the moments between Vee and Zoe; however, when it comes to Zach Hamilton, I found him to be just like every other male celebrity character I’ve read—static and, dare I say, bland. This in no way tarnishes the book for me; I can only wonder if this was done on purpose. 

Zoe is grappling with a great deal of anxiety, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt. However, as the novel progresses toward the conflict and resolution chapters, we see Zoe regain some of her self-confidence, and her self-doubt begins to ease. Thanks to Pip Drysdale’s skilled writing, I felt a strong connection to Zoe because she embodies those everyday struggles that many people can sometimes face. This makes our protagonist one of the most memorable and likeable characters for me in 2024.

The Close-Up is one of the books you intend to start, and before you know it, you’ve reached the finish line. The psychological twists and turns may not always jump out at you, leading the reader to believe this is a slow burn, but they are simmering just below the surface. I believe this is the main reason the story is in constant motion, leaving your heart rate a touch faster than feels right. This is the reason behind my high five-star rating.

The more one reads, the more they discover what they like and what they should let go of, especially in books. Over the years, novels and plotlines that revolve around Hollywood just haven’t lived up to the hype for me, as the characters often complain about a lot while having access to things and the financial freedom most of us only ever dream of, making them feel unbelievable and excruciating most of the time. So, I decided to skip this setting and its celebrity sub-plot from here on out—until Pip Drysdale came along and dangled the behind-the-curtain, dark side of Hollywood carrot right in my eyeline once more. I won’t give anything away, but the plot twists are truly worthy of the name, and even a week after finishing, I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor thanks to the outstanding effort.

“Every Hollywood day turns into Hollywood night eventually, and every single one of us is drawn there by the magic-hour light.” – Pip Drysdale, The Close Up

The Close-Up is a psychological thriller that will have you questioning everyone and examining every detail just a little too closely. Blink and you might miss it; you won’t want to put it down. When you reach the last line, you’ll only ever want more, forever asking the question, “OMG… what… did that just happen?”

Subplots and tropes included in The Close-Up:

• Lightbulb moment
• Second chance romance
• Celebrity dates the civilian
• Female friendship
• Toxic side to Hollywood
• Someone wants money
• Secret relationship
• Celebrity wants to be normal again
• That one person in the group nobody likes
• Secrets
• Lies
• Death
• Civilian experiences Hollywood lifestyle
• Everybody is a potential suspect
• Twist ending
• The big reveal

I highly recommend The Close-Up to a mature audience! Fans of the author’s previous novels will no doubt be aware that The Close-Up is her latest release and have either already purchased it or are hoping to find it under the Christmas tree. But if you haven’t yet discovered Pip’s back catalogue, do it now! I know I will be moving her previous works to the top of my reading pile ASAP!

With Continued thanks to author Pip Drysdale, HarperCollins Publishers and Benson Publicity for sending a gifted copy of this book to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.