The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Bookseller recommendation

“A bumpy brutally honest ride of friendship and love. This book examines what can happen when your brain experiences trauma. The main character is lovable, funny, frustrating, all the while you just want to give her a hug. Excellent character development. ”

— Erin • The Roasted Bookery

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is a love story for anyone who has had a best friend. Kate Fagan can write about relationships and she understands the intricacies of what it means to love.”

— Kim • Green Mountain Books and Prints

Bookseller recommendation

“4.5 out of 5 stars Brilliantly written! A twist of characters with pasts and presents woven together. Secrets ever so slowly making their way to the surface. I loved the ride of this book and where it deposited me in the end. ”

— Melissa G. • BOOK CLUB On the Go

Bookseller recommendation

“Well done! Mysterious, emotional, insightful, and just plain fun to read! Great cast of readers for the audio version. ”

— Jen • Townie Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This audiobook had me hooked from the start. Read by a full cast, led by the narrative genius that is Marin Ireland. Excellent pacing keeps the reader invested through the various lives of the elusive Cate Kay. This book is unique, thrilling, heartbreaking, funny, and meaningful. The character development of both Cate Kay and the entire cast of charters is top notch. The world building puts you directly into every scene. I both laughed out loud and cried real tears. This book is a journey you will not soon forget. I loved it and I want everyone I know to read it and listen to it! ”

— Amy • Copperfield's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Recreating your life and erasing the past is a dream we all have at least once. But when it comes back to haunt you, can you fix what you broke when you made that choice?”

— Judi • Artisans Books & Coffee

Bookseller recommendation

“I loved the characters and how their stories wove together to create a beautiful story of friendship, forgiveness and love ❤️”

— Madison • Saltwater Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a novel that truly stays with you long after the last page. It beautifully combines the gripping twists of a Lisa Jewell thriller with the emotional depth and nuanced characters of J. Ryan Stradal. The pacing is impossible to resist, and the story feels both intimate and heart-grabbing in its portrayal of love, friendship, and the costs of both fame and anonymity. This is one of those rare books that reminds you of discovering a favorite for the first time—a standout, unforgettable read that I can't wait to read again.”

— Sarah K • Dragonfly Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Rarely do I care so intensely about characters in a suspense novel, but The Three Lives of Cate Kay provides mystery with hope and redemption. With characters that you connect with and grow to love, I’ll be recommending it to everyone!”

— Tamela Watkins • The Village Bookseller

Bookseller recommendation

“This is like a fictional memoir with viewpoints of other characters that add to the story. This is an easy fast-paced listen with friendships both enchanting and toxic. Sprinkled with celebrity ambition and tribulation, this is good for readers of Taylor Jenkins Reid. ”

— Karin • Bookworm of Edwards

Bookseller recommendation

“When an unexpected tragedy shatters her and her best friend's dreams of moving to California and becoming movie stars, Cate changes her name and goes on the run. This is a fascinating and unique story, filled with all my favorite things: a book within a book, multiple timelines, multiple POVs, love, friendship, identity, mystery, and even footnotes that add an extra layer of depth to the story. I was emotionally invested from the very beginning until the last page! The ending is GREAT! 5 STARS! ”

— Sandra • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“First book of the year and what a way to start! I loved this time-traveling tale of one woman with three identities and how she kept all of them in their own lanes. The different voices for the characters were on point, especially Sydney, because I could just picture this powerful, self-assured woman. Funny, heartbreaking, characters with depth, and, on occasion, the reading version of breaking the fourth wall. I loved it.”

— Kelli • The Novel Narwhal