Rock Star follows the formula of several previous Collins novels: the major characters each have their own lives and problems but are brought together by mutual interests and/or acquaintances. Concurrently, some person, either deranged or extraordinarily single-minded, plans an act of vengeance or simple crime aimed at one of the major characters or at someone close to the major character. Circumstances conspire to join all these elements in a scene ending the suspense and creating surprise, violence, and resolution. Ultimately, the major characters survive, wiser and better able to accept the relationships that had tormented or confused them before. This formulae was also used in Hollywood Wives (1983), Sinners (1984), Lucky (1985), and even The Love Killers (1975).