I don’t usually gravitate toward thrillers, but The Gallery Assistant totally pulled me in. I was invited to check this one out, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot. It was a fast paced, twisty mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through.

The story follows Chloe, a gallery assistant in New York City, who wakes up with a foggy memory after a party. She brushes it off, until the NYPD shows up at work asking questions, and she finds out the gallery’s rising star artist was murdered. From there, we’re taken on a tense ride as Chloe tries to piece together what happened, all while navigating the high pressure art world and dealing with her own personal struggles.

What really stood out to me was the setting. Having the mystery unfold in the NYC art scene made everything feel extra stylish and eerie. I loved how the artwork itself became part of the mystery, with hidden messages and clues woven into the pieces. More of that in thrillers, please!

Another big highlight: the way Kate Belli explored Chloe’s PTSD from 9/11. This book is set just a couple months after the attacks, and that trauma is a big part of Chloe’s character. It’s not something I see talked about often in fiction, especially in thrillers, and I appreciated how it added depth and realism. The timing of the story, which is pre smartphone but post 9/11, was a smart choice too. It made Chloe feel more isolated and made the mystery feel that much more urgent.

Overall, I loved the pacing (no slow spots!), the unreliable memory angle, and the ever present sense of tension. The art world backdrop was the perfect setting for a murder mystery, and I was kept guessing the whole time. This was my first book by Kate Belli, but definitely not my last.

If you’re into art, NYC settings, a bit of psychological suspense, and stories where you’re constantly questioning who to trust, then this one is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Belli, and Atria for the eARC of this book.