I loved Gold Rush! Set in 2017, right before the #MeToo movement, it’s a scathing social commentary that exposes the underbelly of celebrity culture, where power imbalances and exploitation run rampant. It explores how worshipping celebrities turns them into something not entirely human, an entitled being to anything they wish from the rest of us. At the same time, they create impossible standards for the rest of us, that they had reached by the coincidence of being born in the right place at the right time or by the right parents.

Rose is a young publicist working at Firehouse, a powerhouse that faces the decline of traditional media. As companies shift their attention and budgets toward influencers, Rose’s firm navigates a changing landscape. Their solution? Lavishing celebrity events fuel public obsession and inflated egos of stars, just like Milo Jax, a heartthrob drowning in his own fame.  

It’s during one of these parties that Rose meets Milo. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he showers her with attention and subtle flirt, to which Rose is not immune. Later on, Rose DMs Milo on Instagram, a futile act from her perspective, considering he had over 50 million followers. Surprisingly, Milo writes back and they spend a night at his house. While slightly disturbing, the night was consensual but revealed a side of Milo to Rose that she wasn’t receptive to. Later on, he took her home. And here things get blurry for Rose. She remembers getting in the taxi with him and nothing else. The next thing we know - and this is how the book starts - Rose wakes up in her bed, in excruciating pain, her thighs covered in blood. The rest of the night is entirely blank. What had happened to her? She tries to contact Milo but she receives no answer this time. This incident becomes a catalyst, tearing down the illusion of the glamorous celebrity world and revealing its darkest secrets.

This is only the beginning. Petter gives the reader a narrative that explores the industry’s moral decay from multiple angles: we see the ruthlessness of influencers, the rampant sexism in publishing houses, and the sexual abuse women suffer in any part of the industry. From non-celebrity women to celebrities. Clara’s story (an influencer that Rose had to work with for an event) showcases that mistreatment doesn’t happen only on the other side of the fence. In a relationship with an older man for years, Clara is the main breadwinner in the house, with her very successful business. However, her partner emotionally abuses her and belittles her, pushing her to say that she wishes the abuse was physical, as, at least, she would have something concrete to show for it. The conclusion of this story is distressing, albeit predictable for many victims of emotional abuse. 

Despite its grim subject matter, the book finds moments of humour. Rose’s observations on the self-absorbed antics of celebrities and the absurd lengths PR firms go to maintain their image provide a welcome dose of comic relief. This clever balance between social commentary and witty narrative keeps the reader fully engaged.

With so many idols falling nowadays (the last scandal in the literary world is harrowing), this book is more actual than ever. Set before the #metoo era, it demonstrates how necessary the movement was and how much there still is to expose in this industry. Gold Rush is a must-read for anyone yearning for a glimpse behind the carefully curated facade of celebrity culture. With its fast pace and engrossing plot, Petter’s novel will leave you both entertained and deeply disturbed, forcing you to question the power we bestow upon these seemingly untouchable figures. The book is out on July 18!