Workhorse - a young woman's blind ambition to succeed in the world of magazine publishing at the turn of the millennium.

Clodagh “Clo” Harmon has arrived! It's 2001, and she has been hired as an editorial assistant at a prominent fashion magazine in New York City. Originally from Philadelphia, Clo is a smart young woman who understands that she'll have to put in extra effort to get ahead. She's what is referred to as a "workhorse". She's fortunate to have the job but lacks the pedigree of other assistants known as "show horses".  Her colleague Davis Lawrence is a prime example. Davis is the daughter of Barbara Lawrence, a once shining star on Broadway and television. The stylish and beautiful Davis introduces Clo to the exclusive world of New York City's elite. Once Clo gets a taste of the good life, she is even more determined to climb the career ladder. But what lengths will she go to achieve her ambitions? At first, it's just a few white lies. But it doesn't stop there. 

Author Caroline Palmer has taken her extensive editorial experience in fashion magazines (print and online) to create Workhorse, her debut novel, set between 2001 and 2009. The world of print magazines was drastically changing, with the digital world transforming the industry. Young hopefuls like Clo were unaware of what was coming. Palmer vividly illustrates this transition, with Clo as a cautionary example of someone whose ambition goes out of control. It's a tale that's dark yet often funny. It felt genuine even after things started to spiral out of control. For anyone who has grappled with imposter syndrome combined with strong ambition, it's hard not to root for Clo. At least up to a certain point.

Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.

Women's Fiction.

Publication Date: October 14, 2025.

Please "like" this post if Workhorse sounds like a book you’d enjoy reading. I'd love to know. Scroll below the photo and click on the red outlined heart on the lower right-hand side of the page. Comments can also be left below.