Harlow Hayes seems to have it all—fame, success, beauty, and a seemingly perfect life as a global pop sensation. But the glamorous facade crumbles when she’s arrested for not just one, but two murders. The media frenzy explodes, and at the center of it is Naomi, a top reporter for C*Leb News, who’s determined to get the exclusive scoop. As Naomi digs deeper into Harlow’s case—visiting old haunts from her own past and confronting personal tragedy—she starts to unravel not just the mystery surrounding Harlow, but the dark thoughts plaguing her own mind. As the lines between truth and illusion blur, Naomi must ask herself: Is Harlow truly guilty, or is there something even more sinister Naomi is afraid to uncover?
about the characters
Harlow Hayes is a celebrated pop star whose image shifts dramatically—from empowering, upbeat music to moody, introspective tracks following a brief creative hiatus. Once adored for her positivity and public charm, Harlow’s world begins to fracture when her ex-boyfriend, Colton Scott, is found dead and she becomes the prime suspect. What once appeared to be a flawless relationship quickly reveals cracks beneath the surface. The tension between their public perfection and private struggles adds an emotional layer that makes her character both tragic and intriguing. As evidence and DNA results begin to suggest her innocence, Harlow’s sense of self is in the public eye is challenged.
Naomi, an investigative journalist for C*Leb News, is drawn into the case when she hears of Harlow’s arrest. Something about the story feels off from the start, and her instincts drive her to look deeper. Naomi’s methodical nature and professional precision make her a fascinating lens through which the reader uncovers the truth. Her investigation leads her down a path that becomes deeply personal, connecting the case to the lingering grief over her sister, Faye, whose memory haunts much of Naomi’s perspective and choices.
Naomi lands in New York red-eyed and drowsy from the overnight flight. She hoped to get some rest on the plane, but couldn’t sleep. So instead, she paid the extra eight bucks for Wi-Fi and dove back into her Harlow research, wanting to learn everything she could about the singer before she spends the next few days covering her arrest. She didn’t realize how much there was to catch up on, though–Harlow Hayes isn’t the basic pop star Naomi once thought she was. Now, she’s an iconic enigma, and by the time the plan descended over the foggy dawn of the New York City skyline, Naomi was well and truly down the Harlow Hayes rabbit hole.
The supporting cast—including the stars’ shared agent, who tries to control the media fallout, and figures orbiting both women’s lives—adds realism and tension to the story. Each character contributes to the book’s exploration of image, truth, and the price of fame. Together, they create a dynamic network of relationships that blur the boundaries between loyalty, ambition, and exploitation.
standout moments
One of the most striking moments in Rumoured comes from the brief but powerful secret interview Naomi conducts with Colton’s ex-fiancée. What begins as a conversation about a seemingly perfect relationship quickly unravels into something darker. Through the ex-fiancée’s perspective, Naomi—and the reader—start to see cracks in Colton’s charming façade. Even though speaking out could carry personal risks, her willingness to reveal the truth is commendable. The interview exposes a far more troubling side of him and raises new questions about what might have truly happened. The way the authors deepen the story through this exchange is impressive, turning what could have been a simple character detail into a major shift in tone and understanding.
Another aspect I really enjoyed was the inclusion of social media comments and hashtags. These elements were fun, yet at times dark, and offered a raw glimpse into how fans and the public perceive celebrities. This perspective adds layers of tension and shows the immense pressure these individuals face while living their lives under constant scrutiny. It was a successful device to deepen the reader’s understanding of the emotional stakes involved in fame.
Other standout moments include the courtroom scenes, which pulse with tension, and Naomi’s introspective reflections on her sister, Faye, which bring emotional depth and humanity to the high-stakes narrative. Each reveal feels deliberate and earned, building toward a finale that is both unsettling and satisfying.
personal reflection
Rumoured by The Mancaruso Sisters is instantly captivating. From the first page, I was pulled into a glittering world of stardom, obsession, and scandal. Harlow’s arrest kicks off a whirlwind of drama, and Naomi’s journey to uncover the truth is filled with suspense, twists, and emotionally layered moments. The integration of real-life celebrities and pop culture references made the story feel strikingly authentic, as though it could unfold in today’s headlines.
The plot is sensational in the best way. The pacing is strong and consistent, giving just enough information to keep readers hooked while still delivering unexpected turns. The characters are particularly impressive—they evolve with the story, slowly revealing flaws and dualities that make them feel real and relatable. Watching their personas shift from surface-level charm to something more complicated and human was one of the story’s most compelling elements.
The only aspect that pulled me out of the experience at times was the narrative structure. Shifts in tense and perspective occasionally felt disjointed, likely due to the collaborative writing style. While this didn’t ruin the story for me, it did create minor moments of confusion and disrupted the otherwise strong narrative flow.
final thoughts
Rumoured is a thrilling, character-driven mystery wrapped in the glossy yet gritty world of fame and media. With its smart use of pop culture, gripping plot, and emotionally complex characters, this book is a standout for readers who enjoy fictional crime, thrillers, suspense, celebrity intrigue, and murder mysteries that keep you guessing until the end. If you love stories that explore the blurred lines between truth, reputation, and reality, Rumoured is one you’ll be thinking about long after the last page. I’m giving this book four stars.
An advance reader copy of Rumoured was provided by NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA | Head of Zeus, and authors Kelly and Kristina Mancaruso in exchange for an honest review. This does not influence my opinion in any way. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on this page. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest book reviews.
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