The tension exists right from the start in this debut novel This tried and true genre of assuming another's identity comes through in a twist that differentiates itself from those others. Andrews was especially deft at making sure the plot just kept getting juicier and juicier. |
Looking forward to her next book!

WHEW-EEE, this thriller set in the world of books and writing was so much fun! I had no idea what I was getting into with this story, and the plot kept me guessing from beginning to end. This cat-and-mouse plot with unlikeable characters at every turn was hugely compelling. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next—and I never once guessed what that would be!

"Who is Maud Dixon?" definitely had an interesting premise and plot. Overall, not bad for a debut novel, however it took a little too long for the main conflict of the plot to finally pick up, and was just a little too "flat" for lack of a better word with the conclusion. Still, not a bad debut, and looking forward to another book by the author.

A fast-paced and twisty tale with truly unlikeable characters and a noir-ish vibe. Like a SWF meets Patricia Highsmith, I enjoyed the read, but I’m not sure it will stay with me. I could see a lot of the implausible twists coming, which dulled the enjoyment a bit but the writing was really good, so I kept on going. Fun but forgettable.

I studied abroad in Morocco, so I was thrilled to return there in Who is Maud Dixon? The first half of this book did not read like a thriller to me at all. However, it took a turn towards that and I enjoyed both the first and second half immensely, despite how different they are. The entire thing is a page turner and the ending had me with my mouth hanging wide open. Incredible work!

I couldn't believe this was a debut! It was very well written and had all the things I ask for in a good thriller. The characters were well developed without going too over board to give anything away. There was a lot of suspense built and the ending was very shocking. I loved every minute of this book and hope to read more by this author!

Maud Dixon, for starters, is not real. Maud Dixon is simply a name - a pseudonym for one of America’s most celebrated writers. No one, except for “Maud’s” literary agent, knows the true person behind the pseudonym.

At the same time, we have our protagonist, Florence Darrow. In the beginning of the book I found myself very annoyed with Florence and, in turn, the author, because I thought the author was endorsing the super creepy things Florence was saying. I soon realized, however, that Florence was never meant to be likable, and in fact I had fallen into one of he many witty traps of the book. Namely, don’t we always sort of conflate writers with the characters they create? And doesn’t a really good book feel like something that actually happened?

I don’t want to give away even the early twists of this book, because they are all so fun and fantastic, but Florence and “Maud’s” lives collide in several most unusual ways. The book covers a variety of intriguing topics, but most centrally it is about writers of fiction. It addresses the question of whether a great work of fiction is based on the experiences of author herself, or is it possible that a fiction author is just someone who loves stepping into a complete stranger’s shoes? Maybe, as Maud Dixon — sorry, Alexandra Andrews — explains in his book, it’s a little of both.

And so you should definitely launch into his delicious mystery, which is sort of The Talented Mr. Ripley meets Virginia Woolfe...but with a completely fresh twist. The tone is wonderful and I laughed out loud many times at its cleverness. It’s not totally hard to see where the author is going with the plot, but it’s pretty delightful getting there. And also, you will have to get there through Morocco.

Many thanks to Little, Brown, the author, and NetGalley for the ARC of this standout book, which I am sure will be on my Top Ten Best list of 2021.

I absolutely loved the tone, the creativity, and the central questions posed by this book. I also loved the central mystery and the study of at LEAST one complete psychopath. if you want spoilers on the actual plot, Google is available, but I went into this book totally blind and I recommend you do too.

Create a handful of unlikable characters, place them in an isolated setting, and you have the new novel, WHO IS MAUD DIXON? Florence starts as an editorial assistant at an NYC publishing house. She is from Florida and feels left out of her colleague's social circle of wealthy, elite college grads. Florence spends so much time feeling left out and resentful and even begins to kind of fall down on the job.

AA fast forwards her plot and allows Florence to work for an author in a secluded spot in an upstate situation in New York. Enter Helen, a successful author who is bold, straightforward, and demanding. Florence and Helen get along and quickly proceed on a research trip to Morrocco. My only experience with Morrocco is Paul Bowle's book, THE SHELTERING SKY, so I enjoyed the scenery along with the characters. I found Helen's overbearing personality irritating, but Florence was ratcheting up the tension as she began to nose around in Helen's life. Danger sparked and the book took many exciting turns.

I enjoyed the twists and surprises at the end of the novel. I could see this as a screenplay. I hope others enjoy the story as much as I did. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

“Who is Maud Dixon?” is a fun, twisty mystery that publishing industry folks (and avid readers) are sure to love. It opens with 26-year-old Florence Darrow who gets fired from her entry-level publishing job. Her next gig requires moving “to the sticks” outside of New York City. And she becomes an assistant to the beloved author, Helen Wilcox. Helen’s books, published under the pen name “Maud Dixon," are all the rage.

In Florence’s new role, she hopes to learn everything she can from Helen. After all, Florence wants to a famous writer, too. She wants the life Helen has. Soon enough, everything is going splendidly. Florence is typing up Helen’s next manuscript. She’s paying all Helen’s bills. And she’s one of only two people who know the true identity of Maud Dixon.

Then something wild happens between Helen and Florence on their research trip abroad. It’s as if the book’s author, Alexandra Andrews, pulls from the pages of “Gone Girl.” The next thing we know, Florence gets her big break to live the life she’s always wanted. But how long will it last?

This debut novel is the perfect escape. And the perfect summer read, despite its publishing date of March 2. I very much enjoyed the plot twists and the dialogue between the two characters. Of the two women, Helen is my favorite. She’s got a prickly, no-holds-barred attitude and she seems wise beyond her age (yet she’s only 32). Helen is quirky, totally country and mysterious. And, as we soon discover, a wee bit off-the-rails crazy.

I’m voluntarily leaving this review after receiving a free advanced e-book by Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley. I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by the very talented actor Therese Plummer. Plummer completely shines with her take on Helen. The southern accent is spot on. I can easily see this book becoming a movie. And from what I hear, Universal Pictures snatched up the optioning film rights. WOW!

3.5 stars, rounded up
This is a very good, very twisty story once it gets going. But it takes a very long time to get there, probably halfway through the book before things actually start moving. I was overall not a fan of Florence for most of the story, I felt like she had no distinct personality. However once I got to the end I found out there was a good reason for that, and I appreciated her growth throughout the book.

I hesitate to say too much because I don't want to give it away, but suffice it to say that if you can stick with it, when they get to Morocco things begin to happen and then once things start to spiral, they don't stop. Yes, there are a few coincidences that made me roll my eyes, but overall this is a unique suspenseful thriller.

I’m judging a 2021 fiction contest. It’d be generous to call what I’m doing upon my first cursory
glance—reading. I also don’t take this task lightly. As a fellow writer and lover of words and books, I took this position—in hopes of being a good literary citizen. My heart aches for all the writers who have a debut at this time. What I can share now is the thing that held my attention and got this book from the perspective pile into the read further pile.

The preface was so intriguing “Madame Weel-cock?” ha! Wilcox… I love it how this was pulled off.. Fun read.

“People think they want the truth but they’re always disappointed. It is invariably less interesting than the mystery.”

WHO IS MAUD DIXON? is twisty novel about Florence, a young girl who’s trying to make a name for herself in the publishing world when she lands a job with a bestselling novelist. her dream job quickly goes sideways when she finds herself in the middle of a criminal investigation halfway around the world. I enjoyed the first half of this book, but it was the second half that I couldn’t put down! it’s a very entertaining and surprising story that examines power and identity and the lengths people will go to get what they want. I shared my review on Instagram and Goodreads during publishing week with my audience of over 1,200 followers. I think this is going to be a hit and it would also make a fun TV series or movie!

Who is Maud Dixon by Alexandra Andrews is a novel about Florence, a woman working in the publishing industry, who finds herself working for her favorite author Maud Dixon after she is fired from her previous job. Florence loves her new job and discovers she is one of two people who knows the true identity of "Maud". However when they travel to Madagascar to Maud can write her book, Florence wakes up in a hospital room and Maud is gone. With no one else to tell, Florence assumes Maud's identity so she can write a novel. Unfortunately Florence didn't realize just how many secrets Maud had...

This book was such a fun ride! The writing was witty and playful, drawing the reader in from the beginning. The story started off a bit slower but the pacing of the second half was fast and gripping. I loved the character development of Florence and Maud who were complicated, yet entertaining characters. There are so many twists in this book that make you want to figure out what happened to the characters. I also loved the sense of place in the book! Overall this was a delightful read and I highly recommend it for readers wanting a side of mystery with some fun!

Many thanks to the publisher Little, Brown and Company and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

"The charade was on."

I'll cut to the chase...I LOVED every page of this novel and frankly I'm shocked that I'm not seeing more advanced reviews for this book. Currently there are only 21 posts with the #whoismauddixon hashtag on Instagram and 83 reviews on Goodreads. I mean, what?! Author Alexandra Andrews' writing compares to Shirley Jackson, Patricia Highsmith, and Ruth Ware--full of uncomfortable situations, unlikeable characters, and cutting dialogue. As with any mystery it's important to not give away too many details so I'll simply say that I totally recommend this.

Categorized as a mystery/thriller, the novel feels more mysterious and simply entertaining than suspenseful during the first half, and the second half eases into a fast-paced suspense novel.

The writing is smart and witty. I found the novel and the characters immediately engaging and interesting. I loved the unapologetic honesty of the two female main characters and the freedom that came with not being concerned with propriety. As the novel goes on, the main characters’ actions move from bold to more scandalous, so I can’t say that I’d consider them role models, but I enjoyed the ride.

This is a book lover’s book. The novel begins with the familiar point of view of an aspiring young writer and newcomer to New York City trying to find her place in the world of publishing. As the plot progresses, the novel becomes darker. For those who love to travel in books, you may enjoy the characters’ trip to Morocco for a fresh setting.

Overall, I recommend Maud Dixon to fiction lovers, especially those who like smart writing and suspense. I found it to be an extremely fast read, as well.

This was one twisty and turny unpredictable story and I was pulled in at full force. Wow! There were plots within plots and unexpected devious throughout. I am always on the lookout for a good unpredictable read and this one was recommended to me on my Bookstagram. I am so glad I requested and got approved. This will be brief because I'm not sure how to not spoil this and it really needs to be read blind, if possible.

The story follows Florence Darrow, who works in publishing and is struggling to make a name for herself as a writer. After she becomes embroiled in a scandal at work, Florence gets a fabulous job offer from the reclusive and unknown author, Maud Dixon. The old adage, too good to be true comes to mind as this intricate plot unfolds. Helen Wilcox, wrote a giant bestseller under the name Maud Dixon. They go to Morocco on a research trip, but get into an accident, and Helen disappears, leaving behind her passport and ID. Could Florence simply become Maud Dixon? The answer is... complicated. Although the start is slow, once this book takes off, it moves like a rocket.Who is the villain? Who is the victim? What is justifiable revenge? I’m still thinking about this. I was totally riveted by this story, and the prose is both compact and arresting. I highly recommend this to readers who want a well written and utterly engaging novel.

Who is Maud Dixon? had me hooked from the start! I loved the combo of mystery, cons, conniving characters & dark comedy.

Florence Darrow lives a boring life and hits rock bottom when she’s fired from her editorial job. But the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself when she’s approached to be the assistant of literary sensation and recluse, Maud Dixon: real name Helen.

This is a character-driven story with some great locations and scenarios woven throughout the book. The second half of the book is the strongest and really pulls you into the story. I can see this making a great movie or miniseries !

Great debut and look forward to reading more from Alexandra Andrews.

Thank you to netgalley and @hbgcanada & @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Alexandra Andrews’ debut novel, Who is Maud Dixon?, is one of those novels that is almost impossible to discuss without spoilers, as readers will discover if/as they read other reviews. This review will attempt to give you a flavor of this book without spoiling it. Fortunately, Who is Maud Dixon? is also a book that can be read in one or two sittings, so it will not be long before readers are in on the action and understand why this debut has the buzz that it does.

Florence Darrow works as an underling at a publishing house, but she has dreams – or delusions – of grandeur, wanting to quickly climb the ladder and establish herself as a famous author. She longs for this so badly that her poor decision-making might just cost her everything.

That is until she happens into the job of a lifetime – working as the assistant to Maud Dixon. Maud made a splash with her debut novel and has built up a legendary façade that has the literary world salivating. Most everyone knows Maud Dixon is a pseudonym, but no one know the author’s true identity…until now. Jumping at the chance to work beside a legend, Florence finds working with “Maud” to be inspiring, exhausting, and everything in between.


When she is invited to accompany the author on a trip to Morocco to research the second novel Maud Dixon is very late in delivering, Florence is beyond thrilled. Little does she know that this decision will change the course of her life. The more Florence discovers about this mysterious new work of Maud Dixon’s, the more she begins to see that it may very well be a Roman à clef. And that is only the beginning of the secrets.

Readers familiar with the behind the scenes publishing milieu will recognize many archetypes from that industry. It is always fun to see a novel about books, publishing, authors, and the act of creation; it is like a glimpse at how the sausage gets made. And Alexandra Andrews presents us with an example readers might wish they never knew. That is how authentic and real this plotline feels.

Once begun, there is no way to stop following this twisted journey to its natural conclusion. Who is Maud Dixon? is a fast-paced novel, with each choice Florence makes leading the reader down a forgone path that can only end in ruin. Right? This reads like a book written by a veteran author, skilled at manipulating readers (and characters) in only the best possible sense of that word. From the opening preface, Alexandra hints at what is to come, which lulls readers into a sense of control they really do not possess, allowing her to pull the rug out from under them when it is least expected. Who is Maud Dixon? will find many fans for Alexandra Andrews, all of whom will be waiting anxiously to see what she delivers next.

After having been fired from her job as an assistant to an editor at a New York publishing house, Florence Darrow decides to put her own short stories together and look for a publisher. She has dreams of becoming a successful author, but her work is rejected. Finally a call from an agent offers hope. Maude Dixon, the alias of a best selling author, is looking for an assistant. Hoping to learn from a published author she accepts the position, but spends her days answering mail, typing pages and running errands.

Helen Wilcox (Maude) had one immensely successful fiction book that was based on her early life and a murder that was committed by her friend. She lives an isolated life and refuses interviews. Her agent and Florence are the only people aware of Maude’s true identity. On the spur of the moment she decides on a trip to Morocco for research on her new book. Returning from a dinner, their car goes over a cliff and into the sea. Florence is the only one rescued. Carrying Helen’s passport in her purse, police and hospital staff believe that she is Helen Wilcox. There is a physical resemblance between the two women but can she pull off a switch and become Maude?

What starts as a look at the publishing industry turns into a tense psychological thriller from the time that Florence becomes Helen. A police officer who continues to investigate the accident and a number of inconsistencies threaten to destroy her entire plan. While neither Florence nor Helen are likeable characters, Alexandra Andrews manipulation of these women makes this book hard to put down and just when it seems that everything is resolved, she ends with one more surprising twist. I would like to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing this book for my review.

How far will you go to be who you’re supposed to be?

Florence Darrow knows that it’s her destiny to be a famous writer. But instead of finding endless literally acclaim she’s stuck as a publishing house assistant and being told that her writing has promise, but isn’t ready for publication. Unsatisfied with her job and disappointed with just about every aspect of her life in New York City, she jumps at the chance to become the personal assistant to one of her literary heroes, the reclusive Maud Dixon. Maud, whose real name is Helen Wilcox, lives a quirky, isolated life far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Florence is meant to transcribe Maud’s handwritten pages, manage her correspondence and assist with research for her new novel. It’s in this environment that Florence is sure her own writing will flourish. But a whirlwind research trip to Morocco is filled with more twists and turns than a cliffside highway and work - and life - becomes a lot more complicated.

This is a great pick for readers who enjoy dark, twisty storylines and complicated characters. Those familiar with psychological thrillers may see some of the twists coming, but should still enjoy this character driven adventure.