Fiction

Review: This Song Is About Me by Melissa de la Cruz

April 20, 2026

Synopsis:

A reporter strives to discover the reason behind a superstar’s disappearance in an enthralling novel about the mysteries of love and success by a New York Times bestselling author.

It was a night to remember. Ryan Holding, the most famous pop star in the world, won every music award imaginable at the industry’s highest event. She exited the stage to thunderous applause…then disappeared off the face of the earth.

Six years later, her social media accounts remain untouched. Her band has broken up. Her Malibu estate sits quiet. And billions of obsessed fans still Whatever happened to Ryan Holding?

Amid theories, suspicions, and rumors, reporter Elyse James wants the truth about the girl who poured her heart into every song she wrote. As Elyse searches through the stories of Ryan’s life, from those willing to talk—her best friend, a childhood teacher, and Ryan’s first love among them—a portrait of a flesh-and-blood icon begins to emerge. So do clues to a mystery that has captivated the world.

Did Ryan disappear to find herself? Or did someone deliberately make Ryan disappear? The answers are the stuff of legend.

Review:

The story opens at the height of Ryan’s career, only for her to vanish the next day. With her fame, the disappearance sparks endless speculation: what happened to her?

Through a series of interviews with family, friends, teachers, her agency, media, team, and fellow artists, we piece together Ryan’s journey from her early years to stardom. Each perspective adds nuance, some glowing, others critical, especially from her ex-boyfriend. What emerges is a portrait of relentless dedication and sacrifice. Starting so young meant missing out on a normal adolescence, and fame stripped away any semblance of privacy.

The narrative is peppered with references to real artists, with noticeable nods to Taylor Swift, and its interview-style format evokes The Favourites. While I’m torn on whether I’d have preferred a fully fictional world, the blend of realism and fiction made for an engaging read. Not perfect, but compelling, and one I ultimately enjoyed.

Recension: This Song Is About Me by Melissa de la Cruz
📚 Genre: Fiction
📅 Release Date: April 21, 2026
📖 Publisher: Little A
📱 Read as: Kindle
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 283
⭐️ 4/5