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The Gallery Assistant
Not yet published
Expected 14 Oct 25This twisty and sinister thriller follows a New York art gallery assistant reckoning with her past and now trapped in a web of deceit after an up-and-coming painter is murdered—perfect for fans of Katy Hays and Julia Bartz.
November 2001: Chloe Harlow wakes up late, with hazy memories of the party the night before but no recollection of how she got back to her Brooklyn apartment. Ever since the terrifying and catastrophic terrorist attack, it seems she has been on a collision course with destruction.
When she finally arrives at the exclusive Upper East Side art gallery where she works, she is immediately called into her boss’s office. A pair of NYPD detectives greet her, also very curious to know how her evening ended…because the host of the party, a rising painter and the gallery’s newest artist, is dead.
Navigating both the sophisticated high-stakes art world and her personal life in burgeoning Williamsburg, Chloe struggles to piece together a complete picture of that lost night. As she digs deeper, inconsistencies emerge between what she remembers and what people tell her actually happened, and more questions are raised. Everything begins to feel like a conspiracy and maybe it is. Because Chloe is the only one who glimpses the secrets the murdered artist left behind, and the closer she gets to the truth…the more deadly it becomes.
November 2001: Chloe Harlow wakes up late, with hazy memories of the party the night before but no recollection of how she got back to her Brooklyn apartment. Ever since the terrifying and catastrophic terrorist attack, it seems she has been on a collision course with destruction.
When she finally arrives at the exclusive Upper East Side art gallery where she works, she is immediately called into her boss’s office. A pair of NYPD detectives greet her, also very curious to know how her evening ended…because the host of the party, a rising painter and the gallery’s newest artist, is dead.
Navigating both the sophisticated high-stakes art world and her personal life in burgeoning Williamsburg, Chloe struggles to piece together a complete picture of that lost night. As she digs deeper, inconsistencies emerge between what she remembers and what people tell her actually happened, and more questions are raised. Everything begins to feel like a conspiracy and maybe it is. Because Chloe is the only one who glimpses the secrets the murdered artist left behind, and the closer she gets to the truth…the more deadly it becomes.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 14, 2025
6354 people want to read
About the author
Kate Belli
9books277followersKate Belli writes thriller and historical mystery. She has lived all over, from Florence, Italy, to Brooklyn, New York, to the Deep South, to a cottage next to Monet’s gardens in Northern France. Today she lives and works in Central Pennsylvania with her husband and son. When not writing, Kate works as a professor or a yogi, depending on the day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 8, 2025
Chloe Harlow set herself up for the fall: she partied a tad too hearty and drank to excess on a regular basis.
So much so that on "that fateful morning," she was an hour late for work and could not remember how she had gotten home from a work-related party the previous evening.
...And this memory lapse would turn out to be crucial because apparently she was the last person to be seen with the murdered Inga Beck. Chloe worked as the curator's assistant for the art gallery where Inga's work was to be shown - and apparently Inga had focused most of her attention on Chloe that fateful night.
Things were looking bad for Chloe, but she refused to stop searching for clues as to what the cryptic messages in Inga's abstract paintings meant.
That nail-biter of an ending kept me on the edge of my seat. This was my first Kate Belli thriller, but it won't be my last. My only complaint would be that the plot relied too heavily on Chloe's drinking problem, which she somehow managed to tame while she was on the investigatory trail. Chloe had been trapped inside a stairwell in the Twin Towers during the 911 attacks. She and so many New Yorkers were suffering from PTSD, and this was her main excuse for disappearing into a wine bottle almost every night. In her afterword, the author reveals that she too used to work as a gallery assistant and was also in New York when the Twin Towers fell.
There were plenty of red herrings, possible culprits and baffling scenarios to keep anyone turning the pages until that action-packed ending!
I am rating this thriller 3.9 out of 5 stars, rounded up to a 4 since ŷ and NetGalley do not allow for half stars. My thanks to Kate Belli, her publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review,
So much so that on "that fateful morning," she was an hour late for work and could not remember how she had gotten home from a work-related party the previous evening.
...And this memory lapse would turn out to be crucial because apparently she was the last person to be seen with the murdered Inga Beck. Chloe worked as the curator's assistant for the art gallery where Inga's work was to be shown - and apparently Inga had focused most of her attention on Chloe that fateful night.
Things were looking bad for Chloe, but she refused to stop searching for clues as to what the cryptic messages in Inga's abstract paintings meant.
That nail-biter of an ending kept me on the edge of my seat. This was my first Kate Belli thriller, but it won't be my last. My only complaint would be that the plot relied too heavily on Chloe's drinking problem, which she somehow managed to tame while she was on the investigatory trail. Chloe had been trapped inside a stairwell in the Twin Towers during the 911 attacks. She and so many New Yorkers were suffering from PTSD, and this was her main excuse for disappearing into a wine bottle almost every night. In her afterword, the author reveals that she too used to work as a gallery assistant and was also in New York when the Twin Towers fell.
There were plenty of red herrings, possible culprits and baffling scenarios to keep anyone turning the pages until that action-packed ending!
I am rating this thriller 3.9 out of 5 stars, rounded up to a 4 since ŷ and NetGalley do not allow for half stars. My thanks to Kate Belli, her publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review,
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May 24, 2025
thank you Atria publishing for inviting me to read this e-arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
dnf at 25%
i’m desperate for something that i will actually enjoy. 🫠
pre-read
i didn’t know this was a thing guys?! publishers invite you to read books?! dang 🤧
dnf at 25%
i’m desperate for something that i will actually enjoy. 🫠
pre-read
i didn’t know this was a thing guys?! publishers invite you to read books?! dang 🤧
May 1, 2025
� My Overall Thoughts �
I really wanted to love this fictional mystery thriller book, but it did not deliver. It is a short read and is a very slow burn. I do love the themes of the story, the short chapters, the synopsis and the diverse cast of characters. This is divided in three parts and is written from the female main character’s point of view. It is fast paced and easy to red. This book did not give me thriller vibes, but it did give me mystery and dark vibes. Just because this book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you!
� Synopsis and Rating �
“The Gallery� is centered around an art gallery assistant in New York, named Chloe. After an upcoming painter gets murdered, she starts trying to piece together what happened. Chloe starts to feel isolated and has PTSD from the 9/11 events. As the story unfolds, this starts becoming a murder mystery and everyone isn’t to be trusted. Overall, I rate this a 2 out of 5 stars.
� Content Warnings �
Content warnings include violence, mental illness (primarily PTSD) and murder. I think people that liked watching “Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art� on Netflix would enjoy reading this!
� Thank You �
Thank you to NetGalley, author Kate Belli and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review! All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
� Publication Date �
This book is expected to be published on October 14, 2025!
� Quick Review �
🩷 Mystery / Thriller
✔️ Main Character’s POV
🩷 Dark and Mysterious
✔️ Main Character has PTSD
🩷 Murder of a Painter
✔️ Slow Burn
🩷 “Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art� vibes
�* � � ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。� � � ˚�
� ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ �
ツ౨�
I really wanted to love this fictional mystery thriller book, but it did not deliver. It is a short read and is a very slow burn. I do love the themes of the story, the short chapters, the synopsis and the diverse cast of characters. This is divided in three parts and is written from the female main character’s point of view. It is fast paced and easy to red. This book did not give me thriller vibes, but it did give me mystery and dark vibes. Just because this book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you!
� Synopsis and Rating �
“The Gallery� is centered around an art gallery assistant in New York, named Chloe. After an upcoming painter gets murdered, she starts trying to piece together what happened. Chloe starts to feel isolated and has PTSD from the 9/11 events. As the story unfolds, this starts becoming a murder mystery and everyone isn’t to be trusted. Overall, I rate this a 2 out of 5 stars.
� Content Warnings �
Content warnings include violence, mental illness (primarily PTSD) and murder. I think people that liked watching “Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art� on Netflix would enjoy reading this!
� Thank You �
Thank you to NetGalley, author Kate Belli and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review! All opinions and thoughts expressed are my own.
� Publication Date �
This book is expected to be published on October 14, 2025!
� Quick Review �
🩷 Mystery / Thriller
✔️ Main Character’s POV
🩷 Dark and Mysterious
✔️ Main Character has PTSD
🩷 Murder of a Painter
✔️ Slow Burn
🩷 “Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art� vibes
�* � � ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。� � � ˚�
� ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ �
ツ౨�
April 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for The Gallery Assistant by Kate Belli
Chloe Harlow wakes up with few memories of how she got home after a glamorous art party—only to find out that the party’s hostess, a rising new artist, has been murdered. From there, Chloe’s journey unfolds, filled with twists, secrets, and the lingering trauma she carries from surviving 9/11.
I loved the glimpse into the amazing world of art. The suspense was palpable throughout the story. I didn’t know where the story would take me, and that unpredictability kept me hooked.
This was my first book by Kate Belli and it was such an easy, engaging read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful,mystery thriller.
Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. PUB DATE October 14, 2025
#TheGalleryAssistant #KateBelli #ArtWorldMystery #SuspenseReads #NetGalley #ARCReview #Bookstagram #MysteryReader #ReadersOfInstagram
Chloe Harlow wakes up with few memories of how she got home after a glamorous art party—only to find out that the party’s hostess, a rising new artist, has been murdered. From there, Chloe’s journey unfolds, filled with twists, secrets, and the lingering trauma she carries from surviving 9/11.
I loved the glimpse into the amazing world of art. The suspense was palpable throughout the story. I didn’t know where the story would take me, and that unpredictability kept me hooked.
This was my first book by Kate Belli and it was such an easy, engaging read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful,mystery thriller.
Thank you to @netgalley and @atriabooks for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. PUB DATE October 14, 2025
#TheGalleryAssistant #KateBelli #ArtWorldMystery #SuspenseReads #NetGalley #ARCReview #Bookstagram #MysteryReader #ReadersOfInstagram
June 5, 2025
I enjoyed this thriller. The mystery kept me guessing, and the depiction of 9/11 added some emotional weight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!
June 12, 2025
Im not sure if authors are deciding now is a good time to introduce themes referencing the 9/11 attacks in their books but this is the second arc I’ve read this yes that features the events.. and I don’t know how I feel about that, maybe it is a good thing to give readers a safe space to process some old emotions but im personally just not a fan and it kind of leaves me with an uncomfortable sensation that distracts from the rest of the plot.
If I remove this aspect from the rest of the plot, the plot itself was pretty enjoyable. We have a confused main character and pieces of a mystery we are trying to puzzle together, strange messages. Memory loss, people acting weirdly makes for lots of questions to get answers for.
I’d say this was mid for me, without the Terroism plot thrown in it would have been 4⭐️
If I remove this aspect from the rest of the plot, the plot itself was pretty enjoyable. We have a confused main character and pieces of a mystery we are trying to puzzle together, strange messages. Memory loss, people acting weirdly makes for lots of questions to get answers for.
I’d say this was mid for me, without the Terroism plot thrown in it would have been 4⭐️
April 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy of this one. I've never read Kate Belli before, but this book leads me to believe we'll be meeting again. The Gallery Assistant is a well-paced mystery thriller that follows the protagonist Chloe Harlow, an art gallery assistant, as she navigates strange situations in her professional and personal life after one of her gallery's artists is found murdered. Suffering from PTSD after surviving the collapse of the Twin Towers on 9/11, Chloe is not sure if she can even trust her own memories in trying to unravel the truth of what's happened in her gallery. I thought it was smart to have this book take place in an era before the prevalence of cell phones, to keep Chloe's discoveries true to practical and real-time findings. Overall, I thought this story moved smoothly and was a page-turning read... who doesn't love a murder mystery set among the fine art world! But, there were perhaps one too many characters, who at points, I couldn't remember who they were - various gallery coworkers, Chloe's bar friends, and neighborhood friends. This was a surprisingly pleasant read and I would recommend to anyone looking for a Manhattan-based mystery.
April 22, 2025
THE GALLERY ASSISTANT is a murder mystery set in the art world, and while I thought it was a quick and easy read with a fabulous NYC setting...it ended up being a bit underwhelming. Belli's protagonist is an unreliable narrator trying to fill in the gaps, and while I was intrigued to put those pieces together, I found my own theories to be more interesting than the resolutions we got. Belli sets the story shortly after 9/11, but because of this - it became less of a thriller, and more of an account of someone with severe PTSD from such a tragedy. I think that's interesting unto itself, but I found there to be such a schism between that and the mystery that it felt like two books in one, and the mystery portion was underbaked and boring to me. I wish I liked this more, but I have to be honest with my reviews, and this one was not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
This is my first Kate Belli book and I don't think it will be my last! I was intrigued by the premise - a young woman, Chloe, living in New York and working at an art gallery while still suffering from extreme post 9/11 PTSD and survivors guilt after narrowly escaping the towers alive. About four weeks after 9/11, Chloe is invited to a party for Inga, one of the artists working for the gallery. Chloe overdoes it with alcohol (self medicating) and wakes up in her bed with no memory of leaving the party, only to discover at work the next day that Inga was murdered and Chloe was (allegedly) last person to see Inga alive. Chloe struggles to figure out what happened and fill in the holes in her memory, while nearly everyone around her is gaslighting her (SO MUCH GASLIGHTING). As Chloe discovers clues from the night of the party, clues within the artwork, and clues within the gallery - she questions herself and whether or not she can trust her closest friends.
The overall vibe of the book is pretty bleak because it takes place weeks after 9/11 and Chloe is very clearly unwell so that is something to keep in mind. It's hard not to feel for Chloe and I think the book can definitely warrant a trigger warning - she's clearly suffering, has no support system, drinks to self-medicate, and feels she can't trust herself. It was hard to read at times, probably because it was also somewhat relatable. I appreciated the vulnerability and self-awareness that the author provided in writing Chloe. That said, there were a few drawbacks to the book that I found off putting. For example - when things were starting to get dangerous for Chloe, I felt those situations were one of two extremes: either realistic plausible perceived threats, or straight up chaotic over-the-top chase scenes that didn't seem... likely. Then, after literally jumping in the East River to escape thugs, the next day she would go back to walking alone (albiet hesitantly) and basically proceed with her life as normally as possible, so that stood out to me as a strange deviation from the slow burn mystery of the story. Another one, (possible Gio spoiler ahead...)
That being said, it had a VERY satisfying ending! Would recommend for those who like mysteries and I'd definitely read more of Kate Belli's work in the future.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC and for the email invite to read!!
The overall vibe of the book is pretty bleak because it takes place weeks after 9/11 and Chloe is very clearly unwell so that is something to keep in mind. It's hard not to feel for Chloe and I think the book can definitely warrant a trigger warning - she's clearly suffering, has no support system, drinks to self-medicate, and feels she can't trust herself. It was hard to read at times, probably because it was also somewhat relatable. I appreciated the vulnerability and self-awareness that the author provided in writing Chloe. That said, there were a few drawbacks to the book that I found off putting. For example - when things were starting to get dangerous for Chloe, I felt those situations were one of two extremes: either realistic plausible perceived threats, or straight up chaotic over-the-top chase scenes that didn't seem... likely. Then, after literally jumping in the East River to escape thugs, the next day she would go back to walking alone (albiet hesitantly) and basically proceed with her life as normally as possible, so that stood out to me as a strange deviation from the slow burn mystery of the story. Another one, (possible Gio spoiler ahead...)
That being said, it had a VERY satisfying ending! Would recommend for those who like mysteries and I'd definitely read more of Kate Belli's work in the future.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC and for the email invite to read!!
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May 7, 2025Pub date: 13 October 2025
Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I approached it with some hesitation—reading fiction about your own field can be tricky. As someone who works in and studies art at the graduate level, I’m often wary: if the technical details are too dense, it can be a slog, and if the historical accuracy is off, it can be distracting. Fortunately, this novel struck all the right notes.
At first, I wasn’t sure about the inclusion of the 9/11 storyline. I loved the early 2000s New York City setting, but I didn’t initially understand why the post-9/11 context was necessary—until everything clicked into place later on.
The pacing was strong, and the payoff was deeply satisfying. Our protagonist, while flawed, largely avoids the typical missteps you see in thrillers, which I appreciated.
That said, there were a few moments where the timeline within a scene felt off. For instance, in Chapter 29, it seems to go from midday to night in what the narration implies is only a few minutes. These small inconsistencies pulled me out of the story briefly, but overall, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Given that this book is set in the months following 9/11, it includes depictions of the racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia that were widespread. I hope in the final version, the acknowledgments (or an added author’s note) offer a thoughtful note addressing these elements. Along with this, I hope sensitivity readers are reviewing these passages.
Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I approached it with some hesitation—reading fiction about your own field can be tricky. As someone who works in and studies art at the graduate level, I’m often wary: if the technical details are too dense, it can be a slog, and if the historical accuracy is off, it can be distracting. Fortunately, this novel struck all the right notes.
At first, I wasn’t sure about the inclusion of the 9/11 storyline. I loved the early 2000s New York City setting, but I didn’t initially understand why the post-9/11 context was necessary—until everything clicked into place later on.
The pacing was strong, and the payoff was deeply satisfying. Our protagonist, while flawed, largely avoids the typical missteps you see in thrillers, which I appreciated.
That said, there were a few moments where the timeline within a scene felt off. For instance, in Chapter 29, it seems to go from midday to night in what the narration implies is only a few minutes. These small inconsistencies pulled me out of the story briefly, but overall, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Given that this book is set in the months following 9/11, it includes depictions of the racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia that were widespread. I hope in the final version, the acknowledgments (or an added author’s note) offer a thoughtful note addressing these elements. Along with this, I hope sensitivity readers are reviewing these passages.
May 7, 2025
Thank you to Atria Books for the invite to read this title in exchange for an honest review!
So, this was not my jam..
Issues for me:
-there was SUCH saturation of 9/11 within this book that it was tough for me to get into.. the toeing of the fiction / nonfiction line always leaves me feeling weird (this has happened a lot with COVID insertion too in other reads..)... it really didn't play much into the plot itself, so the sheer quantity of the book it took up didn't make sense to me
-I didn't get an edge-of-my-seat thrill / mystery ride.. more so an 'eh let's see who's behind all this'..
-No pull / attachment to the main character
Just because this wasn't it for me, doesn't mean it won't be for you! But yeahhh it's a no from me dawg on this one, unfortunately 😕
So, this was not my jam..
Issues for me:
-there was SUCH saturation of 9/11 within this book that it was tough for me to get into.. the toeing of the fiction / nonfiction line always leaves me feeling weird (this has happened a lot with COVID insertion too in other reads..)... it really didn't play much into the plot itself, so the sheer quantity of the book it took up didn't make sense to me
-I didn't get an edge-of-my-seat thrill / mystery ride.. more so an 'eh let's see who's behind all this'..
-No pull / attachment to the main character
Just because this wasn't it for me, doesn't mean it won't be for you! But yeahhh it's a no from me dawg on this one, unfortunately 😕
April 28, 2025
I'm so glad I picked this up. It was a little different from my normal reading choices, but it was a fantastic art-world mystery.
Set just a few months after 9/11, the story follows Chloe as she gets plunged into a sinister art world plot, while struggling with the grief and trauma from 9/11.
I really enjoyed all of the characters and the development of the plot. It was certainly a "thriller" of sorts, but it was heavily character driven which I loved.
Pick this one up if you want a more lit-fic thriller!
4 stars!
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC! This title will be out October 14, 2025.
Set just a few months after 9/11, the story follows Chloe as she gets plunged into a sinister art world plot, while struggling with the grief and trauma from 9/11.
I really enjoyed all of the characters and the development of the plot. It was certainly a "thriller" of sorts, but it was heavily character driven which I loved.
Pick this one up if you want a more lit-fic thriller!
4 stars!
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC! This title will be out October 14, 2025.
May 17, 2025
this is honestly heartbreaking for reasons you really wouldn't expect. This is set 2 months after 9/11, with our FMC being in the North Tower when it got hit. This is sad and brutal; and in many ways showcased the repercussions felt by the locals after the attack. While the story itself has more to do with art and a murder, the underlying tone of sadness and grief is carried throughout; and because of this I wouldn't call this fast paced. It was slower than most thrillers I enjoy, but I was totally enraptured by how everything took place and all the connections.
June 4, 2025
At first, you’re excited because the book is setup for you to think it’s a “whodunnit�? However, the pace was a bit slow for me and didn’t move quick enough to keep my heart rate up as I normally would expect with a thriller/mystery. The main character is relatable as a broke NYC girl trying to get by. Quite unpredictable which is always appreciated because the more you read this genre, the more you can anticipate some endings, but this was def a surprise. Enjoyable, quick read if this is your genre :)
May 3, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and author for my review copy. I've never read Kate Belli before, but I'd definitely be interested in reading more from her because this was quite entertaining. My rating is probably more like 3.5 stars. I thought it was well thought out and the pacing was pretty good. It was set in NYC shortly after 9/11 so the main character was dealing with some ptsd. I did enjoy diving into the art world because it's not something I know a lot about. It was relatively fast paced. The ending was mildly predictable and while I didn't have it figured out exactly, I was pretty close. That's really my only complaint...I just wished for a bigger twist. But if you're looking for a good thriller/mystery, check this one out!
May 13, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4
This book was OK. The writing style was fine, alot of characters to keep track of, quick read but some parts were drawn out. The female main character was hard to like. There wasn't much in the way of loveable qualities and it took too long, in my opinion, to draw out the root of her mental health concerns. Knowing a bit of here history in less of a draw it out fashion may have improved the connection.
This book was OK. The writing style was fine, alot of characters to keep track of, quick read but some parts were drawn out. The female main character was hard to like. There wasn't much in the way of loveable qualities and it took too long, in my opinion, to draw out the root of her mental health concerns. Knowing a bit of here history in less of a draw it out fashion may have improved the connection.
June 11, 2025
**Thank you to Atria Books-Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for this ARC!!!**
Wow! Kate Belli blew me away with this one! As an avid murder mystery lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this, It kept me guessing all the way till the very end. I loved the inconsistent memory component, I think it added to the mysteriousness of the plot. I would highly recommend this one for anyone looking to read something that keeps you on your toes!!
Wow! Kate Belli blew me away with this one! As an avid murder mystery lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this, It kept me guessing all the way till the very end. I loved the inconsistent memory component, I think it added to the mysteriousness of the plot. I would highly recommend this one for anyone looking to read something that keeps you on your toes!!
June 12, 2025
Thank you Atria books and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this mystery. It depicted the trauma & PTSD of 9/11 while the MC works to uncover a murder centered around an art gallery. It starts up as a slow build but quickly picks up momentum at the 1/2 way mark. As short as this book was, I don’t feel that it was rushed. It had great pacing. And the plot had dimension.
I enjoyed this mystery. It depicted the trauma & PTSD of 9/11 while the MC works to uncover a murder centered around an art gallery. It starts up as a slow build but quickly picks up momentum at the 1/2 way mark. As short as this book was, I don’t feel that it was rushed. It had great pacing. And the plot had dimension.
April 27, 2025
Loved this thriller! Protagonist Chloe awakens one morning to discover the host of the party last night has been murdered. As an art dealer, she isn't sure if it has anything to do with her, as she blacked out and can't remember getting home--although she has blurry images that may be a dream or??? And the more she tries to investigate on her own, the more confused she becomes as there are things she still can't remember and people that are acting oddly. It's a great, twisty mystery that I devoured!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
April 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC copy of this. I was intrigued by the concept that this book was set in NYC in 2001 shortly after 9/11. Belli did an excellent job capturing the feel of the city and the intricacies of trauma like that so soon after it occurred. The overall premise was cleverly constituted and set in the world of high end art. I definitely recommend this to thriller readers who like a dose of emotion.
May 22, 2025
I really enjoyed the setting in this book and I was hooked right away. This one had dark and mysterious vibes, a diverse cast of characters, and short chapters that make it a quick read. The outcome was pretty predictable, but it was still enjoyable.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of the book.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of the book.
May 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
The Gallery Assistant is an interesting read. The author succeeds at dealing with certain delicate aspects of the story, like trauma, ptsd, addiction and its consequences, with a refreshing sincerity.
The suspense, while riveting in the beginning, lost momentum somewhere in the middle. There is a palpable tension throughout, but too many side characters sort of ruined the flow of the main storyline.
This book has potential to be a shorter, more intriguing read.
The Gallery Assistant is an interesting read. The author succeeds at dealing with certain delicate aspects of the story, like trauma, ptsd, addiction and its consequences, with a refreshing sincerity.
The suspense, while riveting in the beginning, lost momentum somewhere in the middle. There is a palpable tension throughout, but too many side characters sort of ruined the flow of the main storyline.
This book has potential to be a shorter, more intriguing read.
May 8, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. I really loved the setting in this book, but I didn't love the characters. The mystery was ok, but I felt mostly predictable.
May 12, 2025
I had a really hard time getting into this book, and it wasn't quite what I was expecting, but once I finally got into it I did find it an enjoyable read! I was expecting it would be a twisty thriller but found it was more of a mystery. Although the book opens with a murder there doesn't seem to be a whole ton of focus on it surprisingly. I still say it's worth checking out! Just don't go into it expecting a twisty thriller like I did!
May 1, 2025
First, I'd like to thank NetGalley for including me in the review process for this new novel by Kate Belli.
I downloaded this to my eReader and started to read - with trepidation. The author is known more for her "gothic" novels, and that's not my thing.
But, this? This book is my thing. The young woman at the center of this story is a mess. Emotionally scarred by the events of 9/11. She is going through the motions and dulling the pain with meaningless relationships and alcohol.
In an alcohol fueled party, she gets embroiled in a murder. She blacked-out for most of the event - but is starting to get some flashes of what happened. Did she murder the artist? Did she know who did? Where does she fit in? Is she being followed? Who can she trust?
My #1 priority for a twisted mystery novel, like this one - is a satisfactory ending. And let me say - this gave me a very satisfactory ending.
I was at the 80% mark in the book and put a fake meeting on my calendar so I could finish the book. For me, that is HIGH praise.
Loved it!
I downloaded this to my eReader and started to read - with trepidation. The author is known more for her "gothic" novels, and that's not my thing.
But, this? This book is my thing. The young woman at the center of this story is a mess. Emotionally scarred by the events of 9/11. She is going through the motions and dulling the pain with meaningless relationships and alcohol.
In an alcohol fueled party, she gets embroiled in a murder. She blacked-out for most of the event - but is starting to get some flashes of what happened. Did she murder the artist? Did she know who did? Where does she fit in? Is she being followed? Who can she trust?
My #1 priority for a twisted mystery novel, like this one - is a satisfactory ending. And let me say - this gave me a very satisfactory ending.
I was at the 80% mark in the book and put a fake meeting on my calendar so I could finish the book. For me, that is HIGH praise.
Loved it!
June 3, 2025
Theme words to describe this book: trauma, needing therapy, more trauma, addiction, poor choices, and murder.
Jumping right in, there seems to be a lot of unnecessary detail. I’m not sure if it’s because this is a mystery book so we’re supposed to notice all of the little things, but I don’t really care about Chloe’s towel she’d had since college.
Also, I feel like if I didn’t remember how I got home last night, I’d be freaking out more and asking more questions. Especially as her roommate brings up that she was with a guy. Chloe went to a party for one of their clients and partied really hard, so much that she doesn’t remember how she got home, changed out of her party clothes, or really much of most of the party at all. First, got to get to the bottom of that question. But a wrench is thrown in because the client, Inga, was found dead the next morning.
Also, yes, hating the smell of cigarettes, then trying to get rid of the smell, and then smoking more� I understand it’s an addiction but if there’s something about it that even drives them crazy, they should probably start seeking help for it. I’m sure the trauma and not dealing with it is directly part of this.
Being that late for your job- I’m surprised she wasn’t fired, especially for not checking in. And for someone incredibly late, I’m not surprised since she has no sense of urgency at all trying to get there.
Chloe survived 9/11 and has to deal with the trauma of this. She’s an alcoholic and nicotine addict who is trying to smother memories and feelings. Understandable with what she went through, but does need help. Lou, her mentor, sees this and tries to help as much as he can, but unfortunately his time is cut short because he’s fired from the art gallery they both work at. However, he didn’t just leave. He straight up disappeared and all traces of him and his wife are gone.
Aside from Lou, Gio is a good character. He seems to show up for Chloe when she needs support.
However, Vik, Chloe’s roommate. He’s an odd one. Great for trying to support her, not great for not trying to support her more, horrible for trying to gaslight her, even if he might be trying to protect her from something. Maybe he’s just trying to shield Chloe from it, but calling her crazy while she’s already trying to deal with her trauma, not good. I do feel for him, being in a coma and beat to crap. My other question, where is Ben in all this? (oooo low blow there dude)
Oh, and Bo, he’s a creep and he sucks. 0/10 on a “friend� scale. But, so is Carl.
Another note- justice for Groucho who is caught in the middle of all of this drama and should have been taken to Gio’s earlier. Think of that child’s safety.
I received an ARC from Atria Marketing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to Atria for inviting me to read an advanced copy of The Gallery Assistant by Kate Belli. What I enjoyed about this book is that the MC is an unreliable narrator, which is one of my favorite thriller tropes. Chloe Harlow is a research assistant at an art gallery in NYC, struggling to cope after the traumatic events of 9/11. She wakes up one morning after attending a party with no memory of how she got home, and is shocked to find herself caught in the middle of a murder investigation when the party’s host is found dead. As Chloe frantically works to put together the pieces of that night, she’s left with more questions than answers as conflicting information emerges. Chloe has to figure out who she can trust as she fights to prove her innocence while also facing her own personal issues from the fallout of 9/11.
I enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and how Belli explored the effects of PTSD and how the events of 9/11 impacted people in different ways. From conspiracy theories, to themes of distrust as well as building community, Belli touches on these themes throughout the story.
What kept me from giving this book a higher rating was the MC’s internal monologue, which was prevalent throughout the book. At times, the streams of Chloe’s internal thoughts were too long, too detailed, and felt disconnected from the plot at times with unnecessary information.
I also felt disappointed that the mystery of the murder and happenings within the art world were unrelated to what Chloe went through during 9/11. At first, I was put off at using 9/11 as a reason for Chloe’s PTSD, but as the story went on and Chloe’s reason for being in the tower was revealed (and especially after reading the author’s acknowledgment at the end of the book), my feelings on this changed and I could better appreciate having this be a part of the story, although I do think the full memory of being in the tower and the significance of the drawing in the closet should happen earlier in the book.
The other detail that I struggled with is that Chloe kept leaving the cat at the apartment when she started spending more time at Gio’s. She barely went back to check on him and she even acknowledged that the cat wasn’t happy at being left alone, and there was no reason why she couldn’t have asked Gio if she could bring the cat with her. I really did not like this decision and it made her seem incredibly selfish and almost unlikeable.
I enjoyed the diverse cast of characters and how Belli explored the effects of PTSD and how the events of 9/11 impacted people in different ways. From conspiracy theories, to themes of distrust as well as building community, Belli touches on these themes throughout the story.
What kept me from giving this book a higher rating was the MC’s internal monologue, which was prevalent throughout the book. At times, the streams of Chloe’s internal thoughts were too long, too detailed, and felt disconnected from the plot at times with unnecessary information.
I also felt disappointed that the mystery of the murder and happenings within the art world were unrelated to what Chloe went through during 9/11. At first, I was put off at using 9/11 as a reason for Chloe’s PTSD, but as the story went on and Chloe’s reason for being in the tower was revealed (and especially after reading the author’s acknowledgment at the end of the book), my feelings on this changed and I could better appreciate having this be a part of the story, although I do think the full memory of being in the tower and the significance of the drawing in the closet should happen earlier in the book.
The other detail that I struggled with is that Chloe kept leaving the cat at the apartment when she started spending more time at Gio’s. She barely went back to check on him and she even acknowledged that the cat wasn’t happy at being left alone, and there was no reason why she couldn’t have asked Gio if she could bring the cat with her. I really did not like this decision and it made her seem incredibly selfish and almost unlikeable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
Review: The Gallery Assistant by Kate Belli
🎨 Overview
Kate Belli’s The Gallery Assistant (releasing October 2025) is a sharp, immersive dive into the cutthroat world of contemporary art, where ambition and deception brush strokes against each other. When a young, idealistic gallery assistant uncovers a web of forgeries and hidden agendas, she must navigate a labyrinth of egos and secrets to protect her career—and herself. Belli’s prose is as sleek as a gallery wall, blending wit with psychological tension, making this a standout in literary suspense.
� Key Strengths
🖼� Art-World Authenticity � The behind-the-scenes portrayal of galleries and artists feels insider-level real.
🔍 Slow-Burn Suspense � The mystery unfolds with masterful pacing, keeping pages turning.
💡 Complex Protagonist � The assistant is neither naïve nor cynical, but a compelling balance of both.
🎭 Social Satire � Belli skewers art-world pretension without losing the story’s emotional core.
⚠️ Considerations
🔄 Familiar Tropes � Some plot beats echo The Goldfinch or The Muse, which may feel derivative to genre fans.
🎻 Niche Appeal � Best for readers who enjoy art-centric narratives or workplace dramas with teeth.
� Score Breakdown (0�5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice � ★★★★ (4/5) (Like a perfectly composed still life—every detail deliberate.)
🕵� Suspense & Pacing � ★★★★� (4.5/5)
👁� Character Depth � ★★★★ (4/5)
🔄 Originality � ★★★☆ (3.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★ (4/5)
A canvas of intrigue—what’s framed is only half the story.
🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt or The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith
🖌� Art-world mysteries with a literary edge
💼 Workplace dramas where ambition and ethics collide
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Belli for the advance copy. The Gallery Assistant is a gripping reminder that in art—as in life—the most dangerous lies are the ones we believe ourselves.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; subject to change before publication.)
🎨 Overview
Kate Belli’s The Gallery Assistant (releasing October 2025) is a sharp, immersive dive into the cutthroat world of contemporary art, where ambition and deception brush strokes against each other. When a young, idealistic gallery assistant uncovers a web of forgeries and hidden agendas, she must navigate a labyrinth of egos and secrets to protect her career—and herself. Belli’s prose is as sleek as a gallery wall, blending wit with psychological tension, making this a standout in literary suspense.
� Key Strengths
🖼� Art-World Authenticity � The behind-the-scenes portrayal of galleries and artists feels insider-level real.
🔍 Slow-Burn Suspense � The mystery unfolds with masterful pacing, keeping pages turning.
💡 Complex Protagonist � The assistant is neither naïve nor cynical, but a compelling balance of both.
🎭 Social Satire � Belli skewers art-world pretension without losing the story’s emotional core.
⚠️ Considerations
🔄 Familiar Tropes � Some plot beats echo The Goldfinch or The Muse, which may feel derivative to genre fans.
🎻 Niche Appeal � Best for readers who enjoy art-centric narratives or workplace dramas with teeth.
� Score Breakdown (0�5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice � ★★★★ (4/5) (Like a perfectly composed still life—every detail deliberate.)
🕵� Suspense & Pacing � ★★★★� (4.5/5)
👁� Character Depth � ★★★★ (4/5)
🔄 Originality � ★★★☆ (3.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★ (4/5)
A canvas of intrigue—what’s framed is only half the story.
🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt or The Last Painting of Sara de Vos by Dominic Smith
🖌� Art-world mysteries with a literary edge
💼 Workplace dramas where ambition and ethics collide
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Kate Belli for the advance copy. The Gallery Assistant is a gripping reminder that in art—as in life—the most dangerous lies are the ones we believe ourselves.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; subject to change before publication.)
April 22, 2025
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.
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.
April 29, 2025
Chloe, a gallery assistant but also a party girl (and, admittedly, now a blackout drunk), is still shaken to the core by narrowly escaping the collapse of the North Tower on 9/11, just a few months ago in this story’s timeline. Her world goes topsy-turvy again when she attends and forgets most of the party for one her art gallery’s superstars. She can’t remember how she got home afterwards and now the police are at her workplace informing her that Inga Beck, the hostess and artist, was murdered. Chloe must have been one of the last people to see her. What can’t she remember? And as her gallery intends to go forward with a major showing of the deceased artist’s works, why does everything seem “off�? Is there some message that Inga, a relative stranger, wanted Chloe, of all people, to know?
Author Belli gives us an insider’s view into the world of commercial art, galleries, auction houses, soirées, provenance research and exhibition logistics, mixed with the main character’s struggle with PTSD, its physical symptoms, and her self-doubt about the puzzling things she’s encountering. This is a psychological thriller that incorporates a story about trauma that played out in the shadow of the World Trade Center disaster, including the conspiracy theories and fear that swirled around New York in the aftermath. For a damaged soul like Chloe, the unusual time she was living in adds to her story. The plot becomes fairly complex and characters multiply, but I ended up devouring this thriller. 4.5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Bo has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s winter in New York, the only trees mentioned are in a Georgia O’Keefe drawing.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Author Belli gives us an insider’s view into the world of commercial art, galleries, auction houses, soirées, provenance research and exhibition logistics, mixed with the main character’s struggle with PTSD, its physical symptoms, and her self-doubt about the puzzling things she’s encountering. This is a psychological thriller that incorporates a story about trauma that played out in the shadow of the World Trade Center disaster, including the conspiracy theories and fear that swirled around New York in the aftermath. For a damaged soul like Chloe, the unusual time she was living in adds to her story. The plot becomes fairly complex and characters multiply, but I ended up devouring this thriller. 4.5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Bo has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO It’s winter in New York, the only trees mentioned are in a Georgia O’Keefe drawing.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
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