The Thunder Girls – Melanie Blake

Jackie Collins for a new generation. The Thunder Girls is a blockbuster novel, filled with obsession, addiction, betrayal and revenge, that charts the rise and fall of an 80s girl band from Melanie Blake, a true insider of the music business.

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 . . .

About the Author:

Novelist and Playwright Melanie Blake is also a former newspaper columnist who started her television career at Top of the Pops working with acts such as Destiny’s Child, All Saints and The Spice Girls. Melanie went on to become a music and talent manager to members of Steps, Five Star, Spandau Ballet and Bros. She also reformed original 80’s girl group, The Nolans for their 2009 reunion tour which took 2 million at the box office and won several awards. Melanie has created over 40 hours of internationally syndicated television and live shows and her adaptation of her novel The Thunder Girls opens at The Lowry Theatre in 2019.

My Review:

Every now and then I need to step away from the serial killer thrillers and read something fun and lighthearted and The Thunder Girls was the perfect book to read.

Based on the authors experience and in-depth knowledge of the music industry Melanie Blake has created a story based around a very successful girl band from the 80s who for reasons unknown were disbanded at the height of their success when the management decided to make one member a solo artist.

Fast forward 30 years and the “girls” are now in their late forties/early fifties living away from the spotlight and haven’t spoken to each since their acrimonious split.

When the management offer them the chance to reform and play Wembley Stadium the “girls” are forced to face each other and their past in order to fulfil their dream.

The Thunder Girls was a fabulously, frothy and fun escape which I thoroughly enjoyed. The “girls” were all wonderful characters and being in my late, late forties I personally loved all the references to famous people and events that I remember from my youth.

It’s a lighthearted and easy read and absolutely perfect for a summer holiday book.

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