The Disappearing Act: A Novel

From the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody comes “an unputdownable mystery about the nightmares that abound in the pursuit of Hollywood dreams” (Caroline Kepnes, author of the You series).

“Stylish, riveting, hugely atmospheric—I couldn’t put it down.”—Lucy Foley, author of The Guest List

A woman has gone missing. But did she ever really exist?

A leading British actress hoping to make a splash in America flies to Los Angeles for the grueling gauntlet known as pilot season, a time when every network and film studio looking to fill the rosters of their new shows entice a fresh batch of young hopefuls—anxious, desperate, and willing to do whatever it takes to make it.

Instead, Mia Eliot, a fish out of water in the ruthlessly competitive and faceless world of back-to-back auditioning, discovers the sinister side of Hollywood when she becomes the last person to see Emily, a newfound friend. Standing out in a conveyor-belt world of fellow aspiring stars, Emily mysteriously disappears following an audition, after asking Mia to do a simple favor. But nothing is simple. Nothing is as is seems. And nothing prepares Mia for a startling truth: In a city where dreams really do come true, nightmares can follow.

About the Author :
Catherine Steadman is an actress and author based in London. She has appeared in leading roles on British and American television as well as on stage in the West End, where she has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award. She grew up in the New Forest, Hampshire, and now lives in North London with her husband and daughter. Steadman’s first novel, Something in the Water, was a New York Times bestseller with rights sold in over thirty territories. Film rights have also been sold to Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine. Steadman’s second novel, Mr. Nobody, was published in 2020. The Disappearing Act is her third novel.

Review :
“Page-turning . . . tackles the dark side of Hollywood.”—Entertainment Weekly (The Best Thrillers)

“Stylish, riveting, hugely atmospheric—I couldn’t put it down.”—Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List

“Auditions, screen tests, cutthroat competition: Catherine Steadman is familiar with the challenges of the acting biz. . . . Her perspective as an actress and a writer bring realism to this novel, as she dips into Hollywood’s murky waters. . . . In any good noir novel, an atmospheric locale is vital, and Steadman richly evokes Los Angeles ‘in all its monstrous glory.’ . . . Reading The Disappearing Act is much like watching a suspenseful film.”—The Washington Post 

“The cutthroat world of Hollywood proves to be downright deadly in The Disappearing Act.”—PopSugar

“Catherine Steadman’s The Disappearing Act is pure catnip for the soul. It’s my favorite Steadman book yet.”—Caroline Kepnes, New York Times bestselling author of the You series

“Another page-turning winner from Catherine Steadman . . . ingenious and intriguing, with a fascinating insight into the acting world.”—B. A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors

“From gifting suites to the casting couch, Catherine Steadman delves beneath L.A.’s superficial gloss to present the darker side of Hollywood with all the brutal authenticity of someone who has lived it. Immersive prose and an obsessive drive to discover the truth make for an angsty, compelling read in this pacey tale of shifting identities, ambitious starlets and cynical execs. Glamour, greed and gaslighting—the perfect summer read!”—Harriet Walker, author of The New Girl

“Entertaining . . . authentic movie business details and nicely developed characters . . . This tale of Hollywood glamour, cruelty, and myth is sure to win Steadman new fans.”—Publishers Weekly

“Ethel Barrymore described Hollywood as ‘a glaring, gaudy, nightmarish set erected in the desert.’ That hasn’t changed much, as we see in this engrossing thriller. . . . Steadman, both an author and an actress, deftly brings her talent for characterization to her writing, combining an engaging mystery with a meaty look at the question of what is real in a land of make-believe. This glittering narrative with a totally beguiling protagonist makes for an absolutely perfect beach read.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Engaging.”—Kirkus Reviews