The Ugly Truth by L.C. North

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Ugly Truth by L.C. North
on March 2, 2023
ISBN: 9781529195903
Genres: Fiction, Thrillers, Suspense, Crime, Mystery & Detective, International Crime & Mystery, Noir, Domestic, Psychological, Literary, Women, Epistolary, General
Pages: 353
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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'The Ugly Truth is fresh, compelling and searing in its exploration of the toxicity of social media and the reality of modern celebrity. Not to be missed!' Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS
'#FreeBritney meets The Appeal in this addictively unique thriller' Jack Jordan, bestselling author of Do No Harm
"I'm a prisoner. I'm not allowed to leave. There is someone watching me every minute of the day."
Melanie Lange has disappeared.
Her father, billionaire business tycoon Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic.
Her ex-husband, Finn, and best friend, Nell, say she has been kidnapped. They are deeply concerned for her safety.
The media will say whichever gets them the most views.
But whose side are you on?#SaveMelanie#HelpPeter
'A startling thriller with a sharp edge. Fast and compelling, it leaves you gasping for breath' Daily Mail
'A whip-smart and ingenious thriller' Lesley Kara, bestselling author of The Rumour
'Original, timely, thought-provoking' B. A. Paris, bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors
'A compelling read that will make you look at headlines in a different way' Glamour
Readers are obsessed with The Ugly Truth:'There are some books that quickly become an obsession. The Ugly Truth is one of those books' *****'The Ugly Truth is a phenomenal thriller from start to finish. L.C. North really knows what she's doing' *****'An absolutely spot on portrayal of the harsh landscape that is modern-day fame and celebrity. As disturbing as it is thought-provoking' *****
Told via interviews, transcripts and diary entries, The Ugly Truth is a shocking and addictive thriller about fame, power and the truth behind the headlines.

The Ugly Truth is a stark examination of the obsessive culture of the British media. A powerhouse combination of compulsive drama and psychological intent.

The Ugly Truth isn’t an easy book to read. No, far from it is at its core ugly. It delves into both the media and society’s obsession with the celebrity lifestyle. Only a few pages in I was reminded about the #freebritney movement and the British tabloids treatment of Princess Diana. Britney Spears relationship with the media and her subsequent relationship with her father after her very public breakdown shone through in this story and makes the reader ask all kinds of questions, not all good.

Melanie Lange has been in the spotlight since her teenage years. Her popularity took off like a rocket, but she was watched at every event, every party, her life wasn’t her own. So, when she was photographed at a party where cocaine and drug taking was obviously part of the deal, she was dropped by the major brand she was modelling for. Some suggest this was her sister, Zara trying to sabotage her considering it was a party hosted by her boyfriend. It is never revealed if that was the case.

The Ugly Truth is told in an original way, through the medium of a Netflix show and interviews. Melanie has been missing for around six weeks at the time of filming and interviews are conducted with Nell, Melanie’s best friend and PA, Sir Peter Lange, Melanie’s father and owner of the Lange hotel chain and Finn, Melanie’s ex-husband. It sounds like hell, doesn’t it? I mean who would want to live their live constantly being spoken about and trashed on social media. I think it would slowly destroy me, a ticking timebomb.

There is talk that Melanie hasn’t been seen in public in months because her father has held her against her will somewhere. There’s been talk for years about her mental health, her relationships, her post-natal depression after having her boys and then her marriage breakup.  But where is she really? Has her father done this or is she genuinely receiving help for dwindling mental health.

I actually despised Sir Peter. He had one of those god complexes that brokered no argument against his decisions even if that impacted you personally. He certainly liked having the reigns in every situation even when it came to setting up his daughter with a boyfriend. This is where I could very much see the similarities between Britney Spears’s father and Melanie’s. He’s the kind of guy that is far more concerned about his money than he is about his daughter’s welfare and don’t get me started on his treatment of his other daughter, Zara.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR