Number One by Michelle Powers is a sharp, dark, and uncomfortably honest psychological thriller about rivalry, fame, and how quickly ambition can turn into survival.
When ‘Thriller Queen’ Camille Price – author, icon, and publishing powerhouse – is found dead, alone in her bedroom, the literary world comes to a screeching halt. Rival author Zoey Black knows she should be upset about Camille’s death, but with Camille gone, Zoey has suddenly claimed the coveted ‘Number One‘ spot. Every author’s dream.
As social media buzz turns into suspicion and whispers morph into headlines, odd packages begin arriving, each tied to the same unsettling timeline surrounding Camille’s death. What should be the peak of Zoey’s career quickly shifts into something far more dangerous. When a private investigator shows up at her door, the professional high she’s riding turns into a waking nightmare. Every clue surrounding Camille’s death seems to point back to Zoey, the author who finally got what she wanted.
But was murder the ultimate career move to eliminate her competition, or is something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?
Powers has never lacked in character development – and that remains true in Number One. Every character is richly layered with distinct personalities and motivations that make them stand out individually while blending seamlessly together to create the perfect high-stakes suspense. Zoey is a complex mix of ambition and insecurity – flawed, driven, yet self-aware enough that makes her relatable to anyone who’s ever measured themselves against someone else’s success.
The atmosphere is chilling, fueled by tension, plausibility, and unresolved questions that give the story the pulse of a modern scandal – full of shock, scrutiny and obsession. You are literally experiencing the everyday terror of public scrutiny and the dark side of literary celebrity with Zoey.
Pacing is strong, steady and infectious. Short chapters that read like breaking news cycles, giving it authenticity and urgency that keep the suspense razor-sharp. Chapters end on a scratched-nail moment that leaves you at the point that ‘just one more chapter’ is an understatement – it’s more like, I have to finish this tonight! Powers peels back the layers of ego, envy, and how fragile success really is when the spotlight turns harsh.
And the twists and turns… I will just leave this here, YOU WILL NEVER SEE THEM COMING!
Powers poses the ultimate question – what would you trade for the top spot, and who would you make pay for it?
If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that will make you think twice, three times, and even four about who to trust, accountability in the digital age, and the loneliness that often comes with success, then Number One by Michelle Powers is your next read! Releases June 28, 2026, and available for pre-order on Amazon now!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Michelle Powers for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC an early copy of Number One. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
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