Death of a Cheerleader: An utterly gripping and unique thriller full of twists and turns for 2025

by Marina Evans

"Such a fun novel!" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"A unique and fun read with lots of mystery and intriguing characters" Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🤠🌟Step into a world of glamour and pompoms in this unique and original thriller written by an ex-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader🌟🤠

Everyone wants to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader, but fame can have a deadly price...

The Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders are untouchable. They are the epitome of glitz and glamour, reeking of hairspray and perfection. But everything changes when America's Angel and cheerleading captain Jentry Rae Randall is found murdered in the squad's locker room.

Filmmaker Nikki Keegan has the opportunity of a lifetime. Brought in to document the Lonestars' potential comeback after four disastrous seasons, Nikki is now perfectly placed to investigate the murder of the team's iconic frontwoman.

Nikki turns to cheerleader Shaunette Simmons, the deceased's best friend, for help. As Nikki becomes closer to Shaunette, the more she suspects that Shaunette is hiding something.

But when Shaunette is run off the road and left to die, it's clear that nobody in this cheer squad is safe. Because some people would kill to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader...

💥Love Netflix's America's Sweethearts? Then don't miss Death of a Cheerleader, an utterly gripping psychological thriller written by ex-Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Marina Evans!💥

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Suspense, Horror Thriller, Thriller, Sports, Mystery Thriller

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

Reviews

[Tini · Rating 3 out of 5]

America's Sweethearts... with a body count.

As far as settings for a murder mystery go, the Texas cheerleading empire is ripe for the picking, and debut author Marina Evans knows it better than anyone. A former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader herself (she cheered under her maiden name/nickname, Rena Morelli), Evans turns her insider knowledge into "The Cheerleader", a campy, high-gloss thriller about fame, ambition, and a little bit of murder.

When America's sweetheart and squad captain Jentry Rae Randall is found dead in the locker room, documentary filmmaker Nikki Keegan spots her chance to make a career - and solve a murder.

Let's be honest: we've probably all seen the Netflix series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, and while we're waiting for season 3, "The Cheerleader" helps fill that gap. Not surprisingly given the author's background, the most interesting (and authentic) thing about this book is the peek behind the curtain, and Evans nails the behind-the-scenes details of the cheerleaders' world.

As a thriller, however, the story plays it a little too safe for my liking. From the surprising, almost accidental-seeming killing to the mystery's ultimate resolution, the plot follows the most obvious path and doesn't even try to offer a twist, while the main protagonists make enough bad decisions to fill a highlight reel. Still, the book is pure popcorn fun, with all the sparkle and sass you'd expect from a murder set in Texas cheer royalty.

Rebecca LaChance's audiobook narration absolutely sells it - her twangy "Bless your heart" sounds straight out of Dallas, and she brings the perfect mix of charm and snark to the story.

"The Cheerleader" is high-kicks, high drama, and high hair - just don't expect any surprise flips.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing me with copy of the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"The Cheerleader" was released on January 6, 2026, and is available now.

[Payal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC 💕
3.5 stars

prettiest dedication: For women everywhere. I’m cheering you on.🫶

84% Women need to stop comparing themselves to other women and celebrate their strengths. After all, the only person you need to please is yourself. Because, if we can’t love ourselves, who else will love us?
love this so muchh💗

I randomly requested The Cheerleaders because the blurb intrigued me (as always🤣). It promised a thriller/mystery, and I hadn’t read a thriller in a long time. From the blurb, I personally expected the book to be in an interview or documentary style format since, it revolves around a filmmaker investigating a cheerleader’s murder. That expectation wasn’t met, which was a little disappointing, but that’s entirely on me since it wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the blurb.

That said, this was still a fast paced, short, and engaging thriller.

The book opens with the murder of Jentry Rae, the captain of the Dallas Lone Star cheerleading squad. Jentry Rae is portrayed as the exact opposite of the stereotypical “mean cheerleader.” She’s kind, sunshiny, loved by everyone, and genuinely nice person which honestly surprised me in a good way. However, her questionable decisions were giving me second hand embarrassment, ngl.

Our protagonist, Nikki, is a filmmaker originally hired to create a documentary about the Dallas football team by its new owner, who wants to improve the team’s public image. However, Jentry Rae’s sudden murder completely changes things. Nikki becomes emotionally invested, especially because Jentry Rae’s father, Sunny Randall, is dying. Nikki’s own father is also very ill, which makes her deeply empathetic toward Sunny and fuels her determination to uncover the truth so he can have peace.

Without official permission, Nikki secretly begins investigating Jentry Rae's murder with the help of her videographer by interviewing the cheerleaders, the head security guard who was on duty and football players, trying to piece together who Jentry Rae really was and what might have led to her death.

The other protagonist is Shaunette Simons, another cheerleader and Jentry Rae’s former best friend. The two had a falling out shortly before the murder, and police records show they were fighting on the day Jentry Rae died, Shaunette even verbally threatened her. Naturally, she becomes a prime suspect. However, Nikki and Shaunette end up forming a strong bond, united by their desire for justice. Shaunette’s relationship with Nikki was easily my favorite part of the book.

Shaunette was an interesting character. I loved how complex she was because of her upbringing. Her mother was also battling breast cancer (everyone's parent were on the verge of death in the book🥲) so, her need to please her mother her life was frustrating but very realistic. Her closure in the end seemed fitting as well.

The mystery itself was engaging while I was reading it, I didn’t want to put the book down once I had started. However, when I wasn’t actively reading, I didn’t feel a strong pull to pick it back up. It’s very much a page-turner in the moment kind of thriller.

I did have some issues with the plot logic. At times, it felt unrealistic how easily certain characters revealed crucial information to Nikki. She doesn’t always have leverage over them, so their sudden confessions seemed out of nowhere. Royce confessing things made sense because Nikki hold so much dirt over him but Jace throwing Royce under the bus especially after holding onto guilt for 10–12 years felt a bit convenient. The reveal of the murderer was also somewhat predictable. With only a handful of suspects, it wasn’t a shocking twist, and I wish the author had taken a more unexpected route.

The bond between Nikki and Shaunette, the constant sense of danger around them, and their desire to protect one another added emotional depth to the story.

I really really loved the ending of the book. That epilogue was one of the sweetest thing in a murder mystery book.

Since I received this as an ALC, I also want to specifically mention the narration, which was excellent. I honestly think this story works even better as an audiobook. The writing itself is quite simple, but the narrator added real depth to the characters through her voice. She conveyed the mystery, emotional tension, fear, and internal doubts extremely well, which elevated the overall experience for me. The suspense came through much more strongly because of her performance. I really loved her narration and will definitely be checking out more of her work in the future.

Overall, while the twists didn’t completely land for me, I still enjoyed the book. It’s a solid, fast-paced thriller with strong emotional themes and a refreshing take on cheerleader dynamics—even if the mystery itself wasn’t groundbreaking.

~~~~~
what a clusterfuck of a book this was!! RTC my last exam is tomorrow, will write reviews to all the books now😭

~~~
An unsolved murder mystery visited by a documentary crew, sign me tf👀

[Lori Leaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mystery/thriller involving cheerleaders from a fictional Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. I loved the inclusion on documentary interviews and journal entries.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG you guys, this book was so good. I binge listened to it in two days. The narrator was great and I loved the story. At first I had a heard time keeping up with the cast of characters, but eventually I was able to catch n. The story takes place in Dallas, TX (where I live an hour from) and the story is about a pro football team and their cheerleaders (think infamous Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders). Opening scene there is a murder. Nicky is there to do a documentary on the team, but decides to spin it as a true crime show. There are a lot of twists and things you do not see coming. As the team is hoping to change their already tarnished image with this documentary. Great, great story! Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this very entertaining book!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun mystery!

Captain of the Dallas Lonestar’s cheerleading squad and “America’s Sweetheart”, Jentry Rae, is found brutally murdered in the ladies locker room. Filmmaker, Nikki Keegan, is following the story and hoping her investigation and documentary will propel her career. She teams up with Shanuette, also a cheerleader and Jentry Rae’s best friend. But when Shanuette is run off the road and left for dead Nikki fears she could become the killer’s next target.

This was a fast easy read and it was interesting to get a ‘behind the scenes’ view of Dallas cheerleader life.

The audio narration was fantastic performed by Rebecca LaChance.

Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on January 6, 2026

[Letsreadagoodbook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasnt really big on this book, felt like it took entirely to long to get to the Twist and when it got there I was like umm! knew that already!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t have too much to say, to be honest.

I thought the insight into cheerleading was interesting — I liked seeing the behind-the-scenes of a cheerleader’s life. But I honestly felt like it read more like a magazine story than a novel. Some parts were clever, sure, but it seemed like the focus was more on making the cheerleading aspect feel real, and everything else kind of slipped away.

As for the writing itself, I don’t think Marina really knows how to write properly. The story was hard to follow, constantly jumping between characters. Half the time, I didn’t know whose perspective I was reading or who was who.

The plot didn’t give much. It was meant to be a whodunnit, and technically it was, but not in the style I enjoy. It started off strong but very quickly veered off in all kinds of directions. I know it’s fiction, but with thrillers, I like there to be some kind of real-life grounding, and this just didn’t have that element.

There were a few well-written moments, but overall, I couldn’t get to grips with this book at all. I found myself skimming chapters out of boredom. The killer was obvious from the start, there wasn’t much suspense, and there wasn’t much to guess about.

To write a solid thriller, you need to know how to build tension and craft a story that keeps readers hooked — and unfortunately, this didn’t do that.

I was super excited to read it, but ended up really let down. I won’t be reviewing it on my Instagram.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Gabe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a whim because I was intrigued by the description and am sad to say it fell flat for me. Football cheerleader Jentry Rae is murdered in the cheerleader's locker room after a game and it's up to her frenemy and co-cheerleader Shanuette and team documentarian Nikki to solve the mystery so that Jentry Rae's father has answers before passing from his terminal illness. From early on, it seemed pretty obvious how the book was going to end. As the book progressed, the author kept throwing out alternate suspects but none seemed to really hold up in comparison to the initial suspect. Additionally, filmmaker Nikki seemed to get a lot of answers from people of interest with little effort on her part. Whether it was a few questions that led to a lot of information or suspects randomly divulging information to her, it all just seemed too convenient. The other part I struggled with was that Jentry Rae, Nikki, and Shanuette all were dealing with ailing parents. Jentry Rae's ailing father added to the plot point but for Nikki and Shanuette, it was just depressing and didn't further the story. One highlight for me was the narrator for this audiobook. She did an excellent job and the southern accents really lended to the story. Additionally, I came into this read knowing nothing about football cheerleaders so it was interesting to learn more about their lives from author and former cheerleader Marina Evans.

Thank you to Netgalley for an early release copy of this audiobook.

[Miesha (BookedAnBusy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasted no time getting to the action which I appreciated. There are perspectives from Nikki, Shaunette and even Jentry Rae via diary entries. Nikki was determined and ambitious, while Shaunette was self conscious and doubted herself. I did like that you got to hear Jentry Rae’s voice during her private thoughts. All three had secrets, and I wondered if Shaunette and Jentry Rae were really friends because you could see the envy shining bright with Shaunette.

With all the secrets, I didn’t know who to trust or who was telling the truth. As the book goes on, secrets and motives were revealed. I thought I had a suspect in mind, but it took a different turn in the conclusion. I used to watch the behind scenes of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders documentary, so I enjoyed the glitz and glamour of the cheerleaders in this one. Overall, I enjoyed this one and recommend it if you are a fan of America’s Sweethearts!

[Cassandra Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as an alc and it was pretty good. The narrator was decent and not annoying. Fast paced mystery. Well written. I will say that it was kind of predictable on who did it, but still not a bad read.

[Verity W · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok. I have a lot of thoughts. Let’s start with the good:
The author clearly knows about the life of a pro cheerleader.
A football franchise is a great setting for a murder mystery.There’s lots of interest in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders since the documentary series and this is a great idea to capitalise on this.

And the less good:
There is not a likeable character in this but more importantly, there is not a three dimensional character among them either.
This is not helped by the writing style which is very much telling you but also has some very strange word choices and adjective usage. It feels sometimes like reading a tabloid style gossip website but in a novel form.
And then there is so much plot so many new complications being added on and tragic backstories and evil scheming and yet it’s mostly just annoying rather than being emotive.

I really struggled with this - and I only got to the end because a) I wanted to see it through, b) I wanted to see who actually did it and c) it was an advance copy for review and I feel bad if I bail on those - and when I leave a review like this.

*****Copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own.*****

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me set the scene: Texas. Football. Eyelashes longer than your tax evasion file. And someone just murdered America’s sweetheart in the middle of a locker room filled with glitter, secrets, and ten pounds of Aqua Net. That’s the energy The Cheerleader is bringing to your audiobook queue. And listen, it’s fun, it’s messy, and it’s definitely here for a good time, not a long time.

Jentry Rae Randall (yes, that is her actual name) is dead before the first quarter's over, and the Dallas Lonestars cheer squad is spiraling. Enter Nikki Keegan, an indie filmmaker turned accidental true crime girlie, who is supposed to be making a comeback documentary but instead gets tangled in the scandalous pom-pom pit of sabotage, sabotage, and more sabotage. Oh, and maybe a little murder. Just girly things!

The whole book feels like a mashup of Bring It On and Only Murders in the Building, except everyone's got a publicist and a potential motive. Nikki teams up with Shaunette, Jentry’s bestie with Big Sus Energy, and what follows is equal parts murder mystery and high-gloss reality TV chaos. There are diary entries, social media meltdowns, and more red herrings than a Whole Foods seafood counter.

Now, let’s talk about the vibe. The drama is peak, like someone took the Mean Girls script, added a body count, and sprinkled in a few moments of emotional realness just to keep you off balance. Marina Evans clearly knows this world. You can feel the authenticity oozing out between the fake tans and backflips. She’s been in the locker rooms, she’s worn the sequins, and she’s survived the drama. That insider knowledge gives the story a grounded edge, even when the plot is flipping into wild, Lifetime-adjacent territory.

But here’s where the glitter gets a little patchy. The book is packed with so many characters that even with Rebecca LaChance’s solid narration work, I was mentally yelling “WHO is this again?!” more than once. It’s like someone dropped a full cheer roster into a murder board and expected you to keep up. And while the plot does twist, the twists themselves aren’t exactly genre-breaking. If you’ve read two thrillers and watched one season of Pretty Little Liars, your sleuth senses might tingle a little too early.

That said, there is something charming about how unselfconsciously over-the-top it all is. The dialogue walks a tightrope between snark and sincerity, the pacing never really drags, and even when things get melodramatic (and they do), it still feels like it’s having fun. This isn’t Sharp Objects. It’s Riverdale. And honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what I want.

And we’ve got to give it up for Rebecca LaChance’s narration, which threads the needle between serious and sass like a pro. She gives each character enough flair to keep you engaged, and she fully commits to the wild energy of it all. You can practically hear the lip gloss shining through her voice. Queen behavior.

Final score? A solid 3.5 stars. It’s a fun, flashy popcorn thriller that won’t change your life, but it will make your commute feel like you’re in a murdery episode of Cheer and that’s worth something.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect the Mascot, the Water Girl, and Probably Myself

Huge thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the early listen. You really said, “would you like some murder with your mascara?” and I said yes. Yes I would.

[Kari Ganske · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - rounded up.

As someone who is immersed in the world of cheerleading, I am always excited to see a book set in the world I know so well. I also think this sometimes cut-throat industry is a perfect setting for a thriller. So I went in to this unknown to me author and story with some hope. Unfortunately, overall, this was a miss for me. While the cheerleading world aspects of the novel were fairly realistic, I'd have loved more of that dynamic or behind the scenes at games or practices - that was kind of lacking. Other aspects that didn't work for me:
* This read a bit YA -- lots of telling, not a lot of showing, some immature characters and decisions, lots of parental involvement -- even though the characters are allegedly full grown adults.
* The writing was very surface level, a bit stilted, and the dialogue felt unrealistic at times.
* Some plot points required a little too much suspension of disbelief for me - in no realistic version of the world would a relatively unknown documentary film director and the ex-best friend (also a suspect) of the victim be privy to the autopsy, tox report, etc of the murder investigation. Also, the fact that Nikki just bats her eyelashes once and everyone immediately confesses to her or breaks their NDA or whatever seems a little bit plot-advancey and not at all how people would really act. I found myself rolling my eyes more than once.
* The ending was expected. I didn't really enjoy the inserted diary entries. Mostly they didn't add a whole lot to the plot. The entire thing felt like it was about 50-100 pages too long. The inner dialogue and "questions" posed by the two POV characters were redundant. Also, it was hard for me to distinguish between them because they were very close in age, personality, and blandness.
* I am not a fan of the single-minded, asshole for no reason cop trope, which this book had.
* The sudden deep and emotionally connected relationships between Niki and Shawnette and then them and Jentry's father were also unrealistic given the short time period. I maybe could believe it more if the connection was shown on the page instead of the author just telling us.
* Overall, I also don't know if the third person present POV worked for this story. It really made it feel more newspaper article and removed. I didn't really care overly much about any of the characters.

Things that did work:
* The narrator was good. She did the best she could given the material. She didn't really distinguish between voices which may have contributed to me not being able to always remember whose perspective I was in.
* I did finish it. Although I had sped it up to 2x speed at the end just to get to it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy of the book for an honest review.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for this eARC in audio format.

Marina Evans’ The Cheerleader is a sharp, unsettling novel that uses the familiar iconography of pep rallies and perfect smiles to explore something far darker: the machinery of image‑making, the pressure to perform femininity, and the quiet violence that occurs when a community decides who a girl is allowed to be. What begins as a portrait of a seemingly ordinary high‑school ecosystem gradually reveals itself as a study in power—how it’s wielded, how it’s disguised, and how it corrodes the people who cling to it.

Evans writes with a keen psychological eye. Her protagonist isn’t a trope or a cautionary tale; she’s a young woman caught between the version of herself the world applauds and the one she barely recognizes in private moments. The novel’s tension comes not from plot twists but from the slow, claustrophobic realization that the expectations placed on her are impossible to meet without losing something essential. Evans captures this with a kind of quiet ferocity, letting small humiliations, whispered rumors, and institutional indifference accumulate until they feel like a tidal pull.

What makes the book especially compelling is its refusal to flatten the supporting cast. The other girls aren’t simply rivals or victims; the adults aren’t uniformly oblivious or predatory. Instead, Evans maps out a network of complicity—some intentional, some unconscious—that feels painfully true to life. The novel’s emotional power lies in its recognition that harm often comes not from monsters but from ordinary people protecting their own comfort.

Rebecca LaChance’s narration elevates the novel’s psychological texture. She brings a clarity and emotional intelligence that allows the protagonist’s inner life to surface without ever tipping into melodrama. LaChance’s delivery is measured, almost deceptively calm, which makes the moments of vulnerability or quiet rebellion land with greater force. Her character distinctions are subtle but effective, especially in scenes where social dynamics shift beneath the dialogue.

LaChance understands the book’s tonal balance: the bright, performative world of cheerleading set against the darker undercurrents of expectation and control. She never overplays the contrast; instead, she lets the tension simmer, giving the audiobook a steady, immersive rhythm.

The Cheerleader is a thoughtful, incisive novel about identity, pressure, and the cost of being the girl everyone thinks they know. Evans writes with precision and empathy, and LaChance’s narration deepens the emotional resonance. The result is an audiobook that lingers—not because of shock value, but because it understands how quietly a life can be shaped by the stories others tell about you.

[Read_with_Beans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an ALC of The Cheerleader by Marina Evans, narrated by Rebecca LaChance.

Everyone wants to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader, but fame can have a deadly price . . .

This book is a MUST-READ if you are a fan of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, DCC: Making the Team, and mystery/thrillers. Wow, the author pulls no punches when showing the direct ties of the cheerleaders in this story to the real-life Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. There were so many links between the two that if you allowed your imagination to do a jump split, you would think this book is non-fiction, but thank goodness it is purely fiction.

The story has alternating chapters told from the viewpoints of the filmmaker and the cheerleader and has mixed media thrown in, such as transcripts of television shows, Instagram posts, etc. The book starts out with the most beautiful cheerleader and the point (IYKYK) being found murdered, then the rest of the book in spent uncovering more information about the dead cheerleader, current cheerleaders, an endless number of suspects, and the podcaster/filmmaker trying to get her big break and simultaneously solve the case if she can stay alive long enough to do so. This book is a wild ride, to say the least. It will have even the most talented sleuths guessing till the end.

The narrator did a wonderful job using her voice to express the emotions felt by the characters. Her Texas accent only added to the life she brought to all of the characters. She used a deeper voice for the male characters, but in no way did it feel weird or unbelievable. Initially, I did not like the tone of the narrator’s voice, but I stuck with it, and I grew to truly appreciate her voice. The narrator and the author have put together a great thriller that will impress in 2026.

[Neils Barringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Airplane view....this book was good!! I was really torn about who actually killed the Dallas Lonestar Cheerleader Gentry Rae. This list of suspects was as long as a DLC's legs which kept me going. I will say however that as you look closer and closer at the details and writing of the book it was clear this was Marina Evans debut novel. However she has major potential! Her creativity and fresh story was exactly what I was looking for.
The Cheerleader was such a fun read especially getting an inside look at what it takes to be a professional cheerleader. The story was full of twist and I enjoyed playing the guessing game right alongside Nikki and Shaunette. The ending left my hard pounding and I was cheering so hard for Nikki.
Now to some nit picks
The writing felt like it was geared towards younger adults/ teens than me in my 30s. Evans would refer to main characters by their job descriptions which was awkward at times, ("The Cheerleader thought that...., the reporter said that....." when clearly she is referring to one of the main characters.
She also use so many "cutesy sayings" it seemed like she was trying to hard.
I know it sounds like I am picking on her, but it was a solid book, and I see an awesome opportunity for growth. I will for sure check out more books by Evans as she grows as an author.
The characters were pretty shallow, they moved on from a person dying very quickly with little to no mouring. And don't get me started on the scooby dooby do reveal....I mean the bad guy has to explain every single detail??

Ill say if you are looking for a very very very light read, this book would be perfect!

Thank you net galley for allowing me to review this advanced copy listen of "The Cheerleader" I was not paid for this honest original review.

[Robyn Goldman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Filmmaker Nikki Keegan is partway through filming a documentary on the Dallas Lonestars' potential comeback season when head cheerleader Jentry Rae is murdered. Nikki teams up with Jentry's former BFF Shaunette Simmons to find the killer, get justice for Jentry Rae, and produce a killer true-crime documentary! Will these armchair detectives be able to solve the murder, or will they become victims themselves?

I wanted to love this book. I am not a sports fan but I am a cheerleading fan! I've been following America's Sweethearts for years. I watched a lot of Making The Team and both seasons of the Netflix documentary. A thriller written by a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader seemed like an automatic 5-star read.

I started the audiobook and had to listen to the first hour twice. I was having a hard time following what was happening in the beginning. I tried to get a written copy to follow along, but my library did not have it. I pushed through and finished the audiobook but found myself having to go back and re-listen regularly. I've never had this much trouble concentrating on an audiobook.

For me, this wasn't really a thriller. It was very straightforward with no real plot-twists. The writing was confusing and clunky. There was little suspense. I never had a burning desire to see what would happen next. I didn't love any of the characters and didn't really care what happened to them. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at professional cheerleading but I finished this book because I refuse to DNF, not because I enjoyed the book. I was really excited for this book, but unfortunately, it was a Leave It for me.

Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cheerleader
Marina Evans
Jentry Rae, the captain of the Dallas Lonestar Cheerleaders, was generally a nice person; she was liked by everyone. Who would want her dead? Her body was found in the locker room.
Nikki Keegan is a journalist/filmmaker making a documentary on the comeback of the Lonestars after four terrible years. She was hired by the team’s owner in hope of improving the team’s image. Nikki is highly ambitious and in the right place to investigate the murder. She finds herself relating to Jentry; both Jentry’s father, Sunny and Nikki’s father are very ill. Nikki links herself with Shaunette, Jentry’s best friend and a cheerleader, who she thinks is feeling more remorse than sorrow. When Shaunette’s life is threatened, Nikki begins to see things differently. Her investigation places a target on her own back.
The police know Shaunette and Jentry had a falling out. Shaunette had threatened Jentry. making her the prime suspect. Nikki is determined to clear Shaunette’s name.
This was an interesting mystery, but it did have some holes in the plot and the reveal was too obvious. It was easy to figure out the identity of the real murderer. The relationship between Nikki and Shaunette was nicely done. Nikki suspected Shaunette at first but came to trust and befriend her. This story is told from alternating points of view. All in all this was a good read. I found it interesting that author Marnia Evans is a former cheerleader or the Dallas Cowboys. Her experiences bring a genuine behind the scenes look at life as a cheerleader. Narrator Rebecca LaChance did a superb job.
Netgalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for a free, unbiased review

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Cheerleader
Author: Marina Evans
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Rebecca LaChance
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Mystery
Pub Date: January 6, 2026
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 384

Story starts when Jentry Rae, captain of the Dallas’ cheerleading squad and “America’s Sweetheart” is found dead in the squad’s locker room, the rumors and speculation begin to swirl. Who did it?
Perhaps a jealous ex or a deranged fan?

Shaunette Simmons and Jentry Rae’ were best friend on the squad. However turned rivals as Shaunette was jealous in fact, had words with her shorty before she was killed. Now is scared.

Story kept me interested. I love to dance and the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders sure are high on the dance/cheerleader pedestal.
Story deals with the pressure of perfection, the illusion of social media, and the very real impact of mental health. Those layers added so much depth to the story.


Author Marina Evans is a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, she brings an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyle—proving it’s not all glamour and game days.

Narrator Rebecca La Chance did a great job performing most of the characters. I liked her natural voice. As I mentioned I was curious and enjoyed the behind the scenes but wasn’t a fan of the language, I was hoping for more Texas saying and less typical profanity.
Was glad to heard the “Bless his Heart’ at the end.

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date is schedule for January 6, 2026.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ad much love for my finished copy @pegasus_books #partner
& @dreamscape #partner for the ALC

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< @marinaevans.author >
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴊᴀɴᴜᴀʀʏ 𝟨, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨
ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ | ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ | ᴄʜᴇᴇʀ
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Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader who writes a cheerleader thriller?! 😱 You know I have to read this book. And I’m here to tell you that YOU NEED TOO TO! 😉

Oof! Such a fun read with twists and turns galore.

Jentry Rae Randall is caption of the Dallas Lonestars’ football team. She also happens to have just been killed. And now everyone has become a suspect.

Nikki is making a documentary on the cheerleader’s death. She’s digging into the cheerleader’s life and is determined to find the truth of who killed Jentry.

Then there’s Shaunette - co-cheerleader and Jentry’s ex best friend. What is it she’s hiding?

🎧: Listened to the audio while following along and def recommend you give it a listen too. Rebecca LaChance does a phenomenal job narrating this book.

Loved the Southern setting and culture and all the life sayings that are sprinkled throughout. This was a solid read that I finished in one sitting. A mystery with a gripping and layered plot. I had no clue where this one was gonna end.

Learned so much about professional cheering. That they only make minimum wage should be criminal.

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕀𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖:
Short chapters
Scandalous
Cheering world
Crime docs
Whodunnit

This may be a debut, but it’s clear that Evans is here to stay. Cannot wait for the next book.

[SullenSapphic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone knows the Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders. They’re known for their beauty and routines. Now people will remember them for being a part of a high profile murder. Their head cheerleader and America’s Sweetheart Jentry Rae Randall was found murdered in the squad's locker room.

Nikki Keegan is a filmmaker and was given the golden opportunity to make a documentary on the comeback of the Dallas Lonestars. Then the opportunity of a lifetime to make a true crime documentary fell into her lap with the murder of the head cheerleader. She seeks the help of Jentry’s best friend, Shaunette Simmons, to help solve the mystery of Jentry’s death. The closer they get to finding the truth, the further the truth gets from them. Are Nikki and Shaunette able to bring justice to Jentry or will the killer get away?

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. I really enjoyed this book. The author has you looking in many different directions before getting you to the culprit. I have a tendency of being able to figure out who did what when it comes to these types of books so, for me, not a surprise. I loved listening for all the clues to help guide me to who the culprit was.

The author of this book is a former NFL cheerleader so I wonder if a lot of her inspiration for characters actions comes from real life. Just the way some of the characters are written in this book, it feels like life was breathed into them. Like you’re actually in the world with them living their life.

🏈 Murder Investigation
📣 Twisty Suspense
🏈 Death
📣 Danger / Accidents
🏈 Secrets
📣 Terminal Illness

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC of The Cheerleader.

I really enjoyed this book! It had a good narrator and was a fast paced read. The book is multiple POVs but a single narrator reading. She did try to distinguish her voice when reading certain characters which was a nice part of the listen. It was easier to tell the characters apart. I enjoyed the concept of the book following a documentary filmmaker who wanted to investigate the murder and a cheerleader on the squad. It was fun to see their friendship blossom and see them piece together and solve the crime.

The story was very easy to picture and honestly felt like watching an episode of a police procedural/drama type tv show. I could have easily seen it being an episode premise for one of those shows. There were definitely elements of the cheerleaders being like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The only major difference being that the cheerleaders/football team in the book are the Lonestars rather than the Cowboys. The elements of the cheerleaders being America’s Angels, having previously had a show that highlighted the tough standards of the cheerleaders, and the challenging process of making the team were reminiscent of the DCC. That ended up making sense though with the author being a former DCC herself.

Overall, it was a fast paced mystery with a fun premise. It was a creative story idea and was brought to life well through the narration!

[Michael Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

📕📙December Read: 𝔹𝕆𝕆𝕂 ℝ���𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎📙📕

📗The Cheerleader
(UK Title: Death of a Cheerleader)
✍️ Marina Evan’s
📣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5
PUB DATE: 1/6/26

This is Marina Evans’ debut novel, and she absolutely nails it. As a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, she brings an authentic behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyle—proving it’s not all glamour and game days.



This book is more than a standard whodunit. It explores the pressure of perfection, the illusion of social media, and the very real impact of mental health. Those layers added so much depth to the story.



The book opens with the shocking death of the team’s star cheerleader in the locker room after a game, and from there it’s a nonstop puzzle. The story sends you on a wild goose chase, piecing together clues while the danger escalates the closer you get to the truth. Nearly every character feels like a suspect—red herrings everywhere, and everyone has a motive.



By the end, everything comes together in a way that fills in all the gaps. The ending is both tragic and beautiful( the last chapter and Epilogue), and it definitely full circle.



Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

🗣️Quote:
"Faces are strange things, aren't they? They can mask a lot of pain."

“Don’t carry heavy baggage while trying to climb a mountain of healing."

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight forward mystery...enjoyable enough
Being a Dallas cheerleading fan--the DCC -- the background info was not new and certainly mirrored the actual team as it discussed who would be the "point" and the focus on the rules (nop fraternization) and being the "sweethearts" The mystery wasn't overly twisty but the story still moved along nicely.
Jentry Rae, head cheerleader, is found dead and the trail to her murderer is cloudy. The story is told alternating between best-friend-turned-rival, cheerleader Shaunette Simmons and filmmaker Nikki Keegan who sees this as the story of the lifetime. She ingratiates herself into the fold and pushes the envelop. Upon examination of Jentry Rae body, there's mysterious tattoos on her body as well as some other surprises. It turns out the cheerleader is not as squeaky clean as the public would assume. Therefore, the list of suspects is growing between those who are jealous of her, those who want to profit off of her and those who may or may not want her heart. Her father wants to see justice before he dies and her former friend also is dealing with an ill parent among other issues peteainig to her role on the team. Needless to say, a few subplots develop to add more "suspense" to the story even though it did not add to the whodunit part.
Thank you NetGalley

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

many thanks and gratitude to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an early audiobook copy of The Cheerleader by Marina Evans in exchange for my thoughts and honest review.

when i say i was hooked from the beginning and completely engaged as Rebecca LaChance narrated this debut written by a former pro cheerleader, i mean i was ALL IN!

this novel has so many elements that i love in my thrillers: a fast-paced plot, suspicious characters, and twists galore! this book is also full of gossip, competition, drama, and glamour all set in the world of professional cheerleading. i enjoyed listening as the plot progressed, and the characters personalities and motivations became more clear. i thought the social media posts and diary entries sprinkled between the chapters worked well to break up the plot, giving more insight into the victim and those closely connected to the case.

even if you’re not a follower of pro football (let alone cheerleading), you’ll still be able to enjoy this. the writing is excellent, i can’t wait to read more from the author. also, the audiobook quality is superb; i think the narrator did a fantastic job. i highly recommend this!!

The Cheerleader will be published on January 6, 2026.

[Kristen Him · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cheerleader by Marina Evans follows Nikki Keegan, filmmaker hired to document the comeback of the Dallas Lonestars, a fictional NFL team.

The project takes a dark turn when Jentry Randall, the Lonestars cheerleading team’s beloved captain is found murdered in the locker room. As Nikki continues filming, she begins investigating the lives of the cheerleaders, uncovering intense competition, jealousy, and hidden secrets beneath the glamour.

Nikki’s focus turns to Shaunette Simmons, Jentry’s best friend, especially after Shaunette is nearly killed in a suspicious accident, suggesting someone is determined to keep the truth buried. The story explores ambition, fame, and secrets. And catty women!

The author is a former professional cheerleader, so I think she knows what’s up in those locker rooms.

I liked the twists and turns. I know this is a fictional world, but I don’t know if Shaunette (the cheerleader's best friend) would confide so much in Nikki (the filmmaker). I feel like she would be reluctant to share so much in case she ends up looking bad in the film.

This was a fun page turner! Definitely take it to the beach or on spring break! Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders may be the envy of their multitude of fans but life in the limelight is more complicated than it may seem. And never does this become more obvious to documentary film maker Nikki Keegan - who has been given exclusive access to make a movie about this glamorous group of women - than when the leading light of the cheerleading team, Jentry Rae, is found murdered in the locker room!

Who could possibly have wanted to kill America's Angel?

Then again, perhaps Jentry Rae wasn't quite as squeaky clean as she appeared. Not if she had an ongoing relationship with more than one man! And was also hiding a secret... pregnancy?!

Not to mention, the competition for the spotlight is fierce among the cheerleaders. So, how far would one of them go to step into Jentry Rae's shoes? Perhaps the best person to ask would be her one time best friend and fellow cheer, Shaunette, who is battling her own demons.

Juicy and entertaining, this is an easy read, and the audiobook narrator makes it even easier with her rendering of the various characters' voices, complete with accents! It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sumi Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

America’s Sweetheart. Dead in the locker room. Hairspray still in the air. Reputation on life support.

The Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders are all about perfection sexy but not too sexy, polished but not messy, and when their captain Jentry Rae is murdered? Oh baby. The suspect list was longer than a Dallas Lonestar’s leg extension. I was genuinely torn about who did it. I love when I’m playing detective right alongside the characters, and this one kept me guessing. The behind-the-scenes look at professional cheerleading culture? FUN. Glossy. Dramatic. High kicks and high tension.

Now… let’s talk growth.

You can definitely feel this is a debut. Some of the writing leaned a little YA-coded for me. There were moments where characters were referred to by their job titles instead of their names, and a few ‘cutesy’ phrases that felt like they were trying just a little too hard. And the villain reveal? It gave a tiny bit of ‘Scooby Doo monologue’ energy. Like sir… we did not need the full PowerPoint presentation. That said…Marina Evans has major potential. The concept is fresh. The ambition is there. And I will absolutely read her next book to see how she levels up. If you’re looking for a very light, twisty, popcorn thriller? This one might be your cheer captain. 3.5⭐️

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cheerleader by Marina Evans is a glossy, drama-soaked murder mystery that feels like a Lifetime thriller dipped in pom-poms, scandal, and secrets—and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Listening on audio, the story unfolds through multiple POVs as a beloved cheer captain is murdered and the perfectly polished world of professional cheerleading starts cracking fast. The premise hooked me immediately, but the pacing occasionally dragged and the plot leaned a little predictable once you settled in. Rebecca LaChance’s narration was clear and easy to follow, but her tone skewed younger, giving the story a slightly YA feel that didn’t always match the darker moments—so I listened at 2x speed to keep the momentum sharp. While the audiobook kept me entertained, I do think this is one that might hit harder in print, where the twists and character dynamics could breathe a bit more. That said, it’s messy, dramatic, scandal-filled, and absolutely bingeable if you’re in the mood for chaos, secrets, and a murder wrapped in glitter and ambition.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicola . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dallas Lonestars Cheerleaders are the epitome of glitz and glamour. But everything changes when their captain Jentry Rae Randall is found murdered in the squad's locker room.

Filmmaker Nikki has the opportunity of a lifetime. Brought in to document the Lonestars' potential comeback, she is perfectly placed to investigate the murder.

Nikki turns to cheerleader Shaunette, the deceased's best friend, for help. As Nikki becomes closer to Shaunette, the more she suspects that she is hiding something.

When Shaunette is run off the road and left to die, it's clear that nobody in this cheer squad is safe. Because some people would kill to be a Dallas Lonestars Cheerleader...

Review:
This was a delight to read! A completely different world for me, full of glamour, jealousy, competition and secrets. I was so intrigued by the world of competive cheerleading and the lives these girls lead and who better to write about this than a former competitive cheerleader!

It's very easy to read, a popcorn thriller that doesn't necessarily have lots of surprises at the end but it's a very fun journey to get there. I really enjoyed all the drama and the secrets!