The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Bookseller recommendation

“Dive into the fascinating memoir of an anonymous writer! Drama, interesting characters and queer love, this story has it all. The plot twists were truly unexpected and the numerous narrators breathed life into the different characters. ”

— Cécile • Le Tigre

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

“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

“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

“Fantastic group of vibrant narrators who help you keep the well developed characters straight, (you might want to take notes), because that is part of the mystery of Cate Kay. This is an unbelievable debut about the lengths some will go to to achieve their goals. ”

— Mollie • HearthFire Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Once the background details are established and the story within a story story starts spooling out – with multiple narrators giving their perspectives on the past – The Three Lives of Cate Kay becomes a propulsively readable roller coaster of a novel. Unshakable, unstoppable ambitions and goals; the price of both fame and anonymity; unrequited love vs mutual attraction; misunderstandings and missed opportunities – these are what make up the heart of this highly entertaining story. ”

— Shirley • Watermark 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 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

“A story of friendship, love and forgiveness that is a absolute delight and thrill to read. Fagan’s debut novel hits. ”

— Sam • The Painted Porch Book Shop

Bookseller recommendation

“What if the most selfish thing you ever did lead to you getting everything you ever wanted - and nothing that really matters? That makes The Three Lives of Cate Kay sound like a downer, but it's not. The payoff of this intricately plotted novel about friendship and love, and the stories we tell, is a joy!”

— Robin • Books & Books @ The Studios of Key West

Bookseller recommendation

“I saw Sue Bird and Megan Rapino recommended this book, so I immediately had to listen. It did not disappoint. I had to keep listening to find out how everything came together in the end. ”

— Meghan • More Than Words

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