The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan ★★★☆☆ 1/2
Print • Library • Contemporary Fiction • 2025
Short synopsis: Cate Kay is the bestselling author of a book trilogy that struck box office gold, but the truth behind this magnetic author’s true identity remains a mystery. Now, the real Cate Kay is ready to step out of the shadows and tell her story.
This is one of the buzziest books of 2025, so I was excited to get my hands on it finally. It had everything that should work for me: a propulsive plot, great writing, and a queer woman at the center of the story. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t live up to the hype! Maybe my expectations were too high, but I was hoping for something juicier and more exciting. Instead, it’s mostly about a girl who did a really stupid thing as a teenager, somehow wrote a bestselling trilogy, and became a recluse. That premise had potential, but the execution didn’t grab me the way I’d hoped.
One of my main issues was the abundance of POVs. While some of those POVs were important and I can understand why they were included, others felt unnecessary. I wanted more from Cate’s perspective. I really liked her voice and would have appreciated getting a deeper look into her life.
This book was fine, but not exactly memorable. I don’t see it making my favorites list at the end of the year.
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson (★★★★☆)
Audiobook • Hoopla • Thriller • 2011
Short synopsis: Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love – all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story. Welcome to Christine’s life.
This is an old-school thriller, written in 2011. (We’re not going to talk about how 2011 was 14 years ago, right?!) It was a selection for book club, and most of us were immediately intrigued by the Goodreads synopsis—that’s the whole thing in the “short synopsis” section! This book had such an interesting premise and it was executed beautifully. The early chapters felt a bit repetitive (every morning, Christine has to read a journal to remember who she is and what happened to her), but the story gained real momentum halfway through. I found it hard to stop listening because I wanted to know how things would turn out! I suspected the big twist, and while I was right, it didn’t temper my enjoyment. There was still a lot I got wrong, and I loved the slow, methodical way everything was revealed.
I chose to listen to the audiobook, and wow, has audiobook quality come a long way since 2011! (Who knew?!) I didn’t hate my listening experience, but it was definitely lower-quality, and the narrator had this odd way of speaking that made me feel like I was watching a TV show from the 80s or 90s. I don’t know a better way to describe it!
Anyway, this is a thriller I’d recommend, especially if you’re looking to read something that’s going to be a bit different than all the popcorn thrillers that are published today.
The Takedown by Lily Chu (★★★★☆)
E-Book • Owned (Amazon) • Contemporary Romance • 2024
Short synopsis: Dee Kwan’s perfectly charmed life unravels when she’s pulled into a high-stakes corporate scandal at a luxury fashion brand—only to discover her online gaming nemesis is actually the CEO’s heir. As workplace drama, family tension, and unexpected romance collide, Dee must decide if she’s ready to trade comfort for courage and fight for something bigger than herself.
Gosh, this book was a wild ride for me. There were times when it made me so angry and uncomfortable that I wanted to abandon it. But I decided to power through and I’m really glad I did because the journey was worth it. This book is billed as a romance, but honestly, the romance isn’t a huge part of the story. The real plot is Dee’s work as a diversity consultant and the chaos she uncovers at the company she’s currently consulting for. Between toxic workplace culture, micro (and macro) aggressions, and leadership that just doesn’t see a problem in their mostly white staff, it’s brutal stuff. I had such a hard time getting through some of these scenes because they made me so angry. There’s a part of me that feels some of the blatant misogyny and racism was heavy-handed, but can I really say that as a cisgendered white lady who hasn’t had to deal with this kind of harassment in the workplace? Nope.
This is a romance that is so much more. (It’s also closed-door for anyone who prefers that in their romances!) Dee’s character arc is exactly what I love to see in these kinds of books; I want characters who are deeply flawed but trying their best, and making progress when it counts. The love story was sweet and healthy; no weird miscommunication tropes and I thought the dark moment was handled wonderfully. All in all, this is a smart, engaging romance that I really loved.
What are you reading?
Eek, the thriller sounds good! I rarely read that sort of book, but I feel like I’d like to take one like that on a vacation or something! Will have to add! Sounds weird and creepy in a good way!
It’s definitely creepy, but not TOO creepy! The right amount – ha.
Yeah, I get suspicious of “buzzy” books. Every once in a while I’ll read one and be surprised that it does live up to the hype- but I’m usually disappointed.
I can imagine that audio books have come a LONG way since 2011!
Right now I’m reading an Agatha Christie, Lord Edgware Dies. It’s considered one of the best Hercule Poirot books. I read it a long time ago, but luckily I don’t remember anything so I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
I’m so hit or miss with buzzy books. I always feel like I missed something!
More Agatha Christie – yessss. I recently bought another book by her and I need to read it soon!
Wow! We have such opposing views on Cate Kay. I LOVED the different POVs. That short POV about Carl Kosakowski was PERFECTION. I found it propelling and delightful. Every book has its reader, I guess!
I have been thinking about this comment for days and I still cannot remember who Carl Kosakowski was, lol. I guess that’s why this book didn’t stick the landing with me like it did for you! I’m glad you loved it, though!
I vividly remember reading ‘Before I Fall Asleep” – it was such a page turner for me! I remember staying up past my self-imposed bedtime because I could not put it down!
I am now reading “My Side of the River” which is about a woman who is born in the US to non-resident parents from Mexico. So it’s a timely read given what is going on right now. Her parents have to go back to Mexico when she’s 15 as they can’t renew their visas. So she basically raises herself. It’s wild to imagine.
My Side of the River sounds a bit like In the Country We Love – did you read that one? I need to add this book to my TBR!
I just finished We Were the Lucky Ones and LOVED it. Such a gripping story, made all the more special by knowing it’s based off a true story. My other top book lately was The Secret Keeper (another WWII book). The ending was fantastic IMO.
I loved We Were the Lucky Ones! It’s incredible that it’s a true story. I am so glad this story was told.
I felt the same about “three lives” mostly because I couldn’t believe that she had never googled what happened? Really? Never looked it up? I found that part of the story really hard to believe!
It was wild that she just took this woman’s word at face value that her best friend had died. She must have the avoidant personality, lol.
I have Cate Kay here right now! But I haven’t started reading it yet. I’m actually rereading an Alice Munro – Lives of Girls and Women – as a palate cleanser. I just finished Heartwood, which I liked but was disturbing, and next on my list was a book called The Simple Art of Killing a Woman, which I assume will be also very disturbing. So Munro it is!
The Simple Art of Killing a Woman… what a book title! I would definitely need a palate cleanser before diving in!
I read (listened) to The Takedown and really enjoyed it – I really like Lily Chiu’s books and Philppa Soo’s narration.
I don’t always like books with multiple POVs – I just find it confusing and the pacing sometimes feels off to me if it’s not done right.
Right now, I’m trying to finish up Nelson’ Mandela’s autobiography and Three Bags Full before my trip so I can start with fresh books when on vacation.
I’ve never done Lily Chu’s books on audio – romance on audio doesn’t work for me because of all the sexy talk, lol – but these books could be a good option since they’re mostly closed-door.
Good luck on finishing those books!
Again three books and authors I am unfamiliar with.
I am reading Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. I love is writing however I think this will not be my favorite of his. It is a bit slow. Or maybe my mind is too busy and I can’t fall into the story. It is still good.
I love Fredrik Backman, but I DNF-ed Anxious People. I still have it on my shelf to return to at some point, but it just wasn’t working for me at the time.
I totally see your point on Cate Kay. It does jump all over with different POVs. I wonder if I would have felt more similar to you if I read it with my eyes instead of with my ears. That is making such a difference for me this year.
Ha, your comment on the audio quality of book 2 made me chuckle. I just finished a 2009 audio book and it would have this random music that freaked me out each time. And there was no point to it. It was just between chapters (I am guessing?). I started fasting forward through it whenever it came on.
Ooh, that’s a great point! It might have worked better for me on audio, especially with all of the different POVs.
I guess 2009-2011 was a wild time for audiobook production!
Ohhh, I remember that book- before Your Go to Sleep! It was good, not sure when I finished it but it was a while back. I think I did it on audio, too.
I am almost done (89%) with Nicole’s Chung autobiography – she was adopted and one has to navigate being part of transracial adoption. It’s good, but I’m ready to move on 😉
I definitely know that feeling of being ready to move on to something new! Even when the book is a good one, sometimes you’re just ready for a different story. <3