- Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Pan; Main Market edition (11 July 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1529017432
- ISBN-13: 978-1529017434
Synopsis
THE
Chrissie, Roxanne, Carly and Anita, an eighties pop sensation outselling and out-classing their competition. Until it all comes to an abrupt end and three of their careers are over, and so is their friendship.
THUNDER
Thirty years later, their old record label wants the band back together for a huge money-making concert. But the wounds are deep and some need this gig more than others.
In those decades apart life was far from the dream they were living as members of The Thunder Girls. Breakdowns, bankruptcy, addiction and divorce have been a constant part of their lives. They’ve been to hell and back, and some are still there.
GIRLS
Can the past be laid to rest for a price, or is there more to this reunion than any of them could possibly know? Whilst they all hunger for a taste of success a second time around, someone is plotting their downfall in the deadliest way possible . . .
Review
The Thunder Girls is the first novel by Melanie Blake, who as a manager and working behind the scenes of Top Of The Pops has first hand experience of the music industry. The Thunder Girls were the biggest girl band of the 1980’s until they were betrayed by their record company, Shine Records, and band member Chrissie. Chrissie has a successful solo career but now, thirty years later, Shine Records wants he girls back together for a gig at Wembley Stadium. The only problem is that Chrissie needs to get the other three girls, Roxanne, Anita and Carly on side, not that easy as all three hate her for her betrayal not just for leaving the band, but in Roxanne’s case also stealing her boyfriend. Accusations, recriminations, arguments and cat fights aplenty, the road to Wembley is not going to be a smooth one.
Melanie Blake notes one of her inspirations as the legendary author Jackie Collins, and in character and plot that influence is clear; four feisty female characters, some untrustworthy male characters, plenty of drama, glitz, but without all the sex scenes. The four female leads are all very different characters, all at varying points in their life and all facing problems from their past; addiction, bankruptcy, a breakdown and divorce. These are huge hurdles to overcome especially when Roxanne, Carly and Anita have never forgiven Chrissie for walking out without telling them face to face. I loved all four of these characters for different reasons, Chrissie seems like the bitch but there is a softness under that tough exterior. Roxanne as she had the double whammy of her career and her love life taken away from her in one day. She is feisty and the one who is the thorn in th sideof the group in not wanting to get the band back together. Anita ran away from it all to Brazil for anonymity but comes back and is willing to face her demons. Carly is the baby of the group and the peacemaker who just wants. everyone to get along. Her marriage is in trouble, a husband who constantly puts her down, but reconnecting with the girls gives her a strength to take hold of her life.
Melanie Blake’s experience working with some of the biggest bands, like Bros, Spandau Ballet (both favourites from my youth) and Steps really comes through in her writing. Her understanding of the. intricate workings of thematic industry, the cat fights and diva moments that happen in bands, we have seen the documentaries on Steps and Bros, and the type of people who work in that environment; hopefully like Jackie Collins she won’t say who her characters were based on. These intricacies of the industry, the relationships between the girls and their management, and the troubles that beset their reunion make this an addictive and exciting read. Melanie Blake has even adapted the book for the stage with Coleen Nolan playing Anita and Beverly Callard as Roxanne, I hope they tour this as it will be a fantastic experience and I would love to go.
The Thunder Girls is the perfect read for those who loved Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins. Its a story of friendship, betrayal, secrets, lies and how fame can have a darker side. Throw in the thrills of someone wanting the girls to fail, murder, and a stalker and you get a darker side to the plot. Like The Thunder Girls themselves, this is sassy, sexy, strong and sensational read, perfect for your beach bag. Absolutely fabulous in every way !!!
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for including me on the blog tour for this wonderful book. If you like my review. I hope you will share and spread the book love.
