Book Review: Where Are You, Echo Blue? by Hayley Krischer

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

There are books that entertain, and then there are books that take a scalpel to fame, obsession, and the way stories are told — Where Are You, Echo Blue? by Hayley Krischer does both, with sharp intelligence and irresistible drama.

Set against the glittery decay of late-’90s Hollywood, this novel unravels the mystery of missing former child star Echo Blue through two compelling voices: Echo herself, raw and haunting, and Goldie Klein, an ambitious young journalist whose devotion to Echo borders on obsession. Krischer’s dual narrative structure works beautifully, offering both an emotional center and a twisty, addictive investigation.

Goldie, who sees this investigation as her journalistic “big break,” is a fascinating character — earnest, self-aware, and often blinded by her own ambition. Her journey into Echo’s troubled past — full of toxic parents, sleazy handlers, and too many people profiting off a vulnerable girl — is unflinching and immersive. Goldie doesn’t just report the story; she gets entangled in it, and Krischer smartly uses this to probe the ethics of storytelling, especially when it comes to the trauma of others.

Meanwhile, Echo’s chapters are a gut punch — melancholic, reflective, and deeply human. She’s not just a missing person or a washed-up starlet; she’s a symbol of every young woman consumed by fame and then discarded. Krischer resists clichés, making Echo not just a victim but someone who tries, again and again, to reclaim her narrative.

If there’s any critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally stumbles — the middle third dips slightly as it juggles backstory and investigation — but it quickly regains momentum, especially as Goldie’s and Echo’s paths converge. The final act delivers both emotional resonance and a satisfying twist, leaving readers both shaken and contemplative.

Ultimately, Where Are You, Echo Blue? is more than a juicy mystery. It’s a smart, piercing commentary on celebrity culture, female ambition, and the stories we tell — and steal — in pursuit of truth. Fans of Megan Abbott, Daisy Jones & the Six, and The Bling Ring will find much to devour here.

Verdict:

A page-turner with substance, Hayley Krischer’s latest is both a gripping mystery and a thoughtful meditation on fame, fandom, and the dark side of storytelling. Don’t be surprised if you finish it in one sitting — and then find yourself thinking about Echo Blue long after the final page.