Plagiarism is a crime that can often haunt the perpetrator. This is what I kept thinking as I was plowing through the pages of this superb novel. Could not put It down!

The Plot is an intriguing and suspenseful story about a stolen story with a realistic approach to the struggle of making it big in the writing world. I ate this story up! There is just something so fun about a plot that discusses another plot. It's a two-and-one deal that did not fail. The protagonist, Jacob Finch Bonner demonstrates the reality for writers in the current writing industry. We get to see the ups and downs of his career while following the thrill of the plot of his book Crib. I did realize the last twist pretty early on but it didn't destroy my reading experience. I absolutely adored this and this book will most definitely be on my top ten favorite thrillers of 2021.

Thank you to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Jean Hanff Korelitz for the arc!

Just finished “The Plot” and I’ve got book depression. I finished this in about 2 days. It was a story within a story about a writer who “steals” a plot idea for his novel, the idea being a true story of Murder. This book is so twisty and fun.

I just finished this book and have to say, I really sped through the last half of the book. While slow moving in the beginning, the book's pace picks up as it nears the middle and then never lets up off the gas petal.

I figured out the "who" fairly quickly and easily, but the "why" was an exciting trip to discover. I really enjoyed how the ending played out and the author didn't take an easy path to end the book. Very well done and I will certainly be keeping my eye out for more from the author.

Jacob Bonner was a successful book when it was first published. Unfortunately his second book did not garner the same attention and he now mentors students in a small college in Vermont. When he encounters an arrogant student by the name of Evan Parker who boldly declares that he has a plot that is a surefire bestseller and he doesn’t need Jacobs’ guidance, the teacher is sure it is the overconfidence of the young. Then during a one on one counseling session, Evan reveals the plot and Jacob enviously realizes he is right. He waits to hear news of the novel but it never comes and he learns that Evan Parker has died and has no remaining family. Jacob does what any writer with a story that good, he writes it and is everything he knew it would be. He is giving talks, on cross country publicity tours and even has a movie deal. He even is invited to be a guest on a radio show and meets a woman he begins dating.
Then he starts receiving anonymous emails from a person who only identifies themselves as “ Talented Tom” accusing him of stealing the story. Jake is afraid of being exposed and he goes looking for answers about Evan Parker and who is behind the threats.
This was such a good book and while I did begin to suspect the reveal I could not read fast enough to find out if I had guessed correctly. The story is told with excerpts of the book Jacob wrote and titled “ Crib” in alternating chapter and it is a doozy!
This is the author of “ The Undoing” with Nicole Kidman and High Grant and if you enjoyed that one don’t miss this!
Thank you to #netgalley and #celadonbooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. This is due for publication on May 11, 2021 to get your summer reading started off right!

This was SUCH a good read!!! The writing is smart and intriguing - I was drawn in from the first page. An added bonus was that the protagonist - a struggling novelist named Jacob - has a wry sense of humor that immediately made him relatable. I was pulling for him from the start. The set up was very well done, and once the mystery begins it’s a page turner with lots of twists. And while the author seems fine with revealing much of where the story is headed (there are abundant clues) how you get there is delightfully tricky. You will be left thinking about this story long after you finish the book. An excellent choice for book clubs, readers who enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the writing life, and anyone who doesn’t mind being a little bit creeped out by what human beings are capable of when something they want is in jeopardy. Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So, I figured out the plot in The Plot and for that, I was disappointed. However, I really enjoyed The Plot within The Plot and was excited to hear more of the story within a story from struggling author turned MFA professor, Jacob "Finch" Bonner. Jake, it turns out, is a bit of an opportunist and set forth a series of unfortunate events when he was accused of stealing from another author's idea. Jake is a bit of a nervous wreck when a social media presence threatens to expose his lie. Still, he forges onward attempting to turn the proverbial table on his nemesis. Stay with this book til the end to find out if he is successful! Overall, this story was a quick read, and I was left not being sure who to feel sorry for in this book but also not really surprised by any of the turns.

Jacob Donner is a failed novelist, scraping out a living by teaching low-residency MFA programs at a declining university. When one of his students, an arrogant SOB, announces that he has identified a "can't miss" plot that is so breathtaking it is guaranteed success, Jacob is skeptical - until he hears the plot and realizes: yep. This is a story that will change publishing. "There are known to be only seven true plots in all of history," Jacob opines. "Until now."

Years later, even further into despair and wondering why this can't-miss book never came to be, Jacob does some googling and comes to realize: the author-to-be died, just a few months after taking Jacob's class.

And that plot? Well, it's just sitting there. Jacob figures: stories belong to whoever tells them. So he writes this one. And it does everything it was promised to do. Suddenly he's a bestselling author, friend of Oprah and Spielberg, touring the world. He even meets the girl of his dreams.

But then the email he's been dreading comes. You stole this story.

Someone knows what he did. And a cat-and-mouse game ensues, as the anonymous writer threatens to expose Jacob, and Jacob seeks to figure out: who is this person who knows the truth? And what do they really want from him?

I ripped through this book in a day; it is very readable. It is written both as the story of Jacob, and the story of "Crib," the book that Jacob eventually wrote, the book of the mythic magical plot. The "behind the scenes" stuff of the publishing industry, and the mindset of a delusional writer, was also really fun.

There are a few problems which kept me from giving it five stars. First, it is REALLY nervy to announce that you have uncovered a plot that CHANGES ALL PLOTS FOREVER, the FIRST ORIGINAL PLOT SINCE THE BIBLE... which is literally the claim of the book....not just a deluded author's claim, but a claim that is eventually backed up by every other reader in this world, from Spielberg on down.

I mean....it's impossible for anyone to live up to that claim, and this doesn't. That's a weird space to be in, and I wonder, why did the book have to go there? Why not just say "I've got a great breakthrough plot," and go from there? Why claim this is literally the ONLY NEW STORY IN HISTORY? I mean -- that's not possible. By definition. So it created a weird disconnect.

The other problem is....there's a few plot twists, both within the mythical book, and in the "real" book, the story of Jacob. To Ms. Korelitz's credit, I did NOT guess the plot twist of "Crib." However, the plot twist of Jacob's story was, I thought, incredibly obvious. And once that plot twist was revealed, the book ended.

So...a few shortcomings, and a big credibility problem, but still a fun thriller, especially if you love books set behind the scenes of the publishing and writing world (which I do!).

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for a review. I do recommend this book! Just with a bit of a sigh that some simple things could have been done to solve its problems.

This was so readable. It was well-written, straight-forward, and pretty perfectly paced. My main issue was how predictable it was. I was expecting a much more interesting/bigger twist (in both this novel and the story within the novel), but the foreshadowing was so strong and apparent. Despite that, I still really enjoyed the book. I do think the overall ethical dilemma of writing and ideas and their ownership would be a great book discussion in a classroom or book club.

This was an excellent book. The writing was very reminiscent of Stephen King (who the book actually references a few times.). Jacob Finch Bonner is almost completely unlikeable at the beginning, but the author works her magic as the plot unspools, and, by the end, the reader is sympathizing with him. The plot was really interesting and the twist threw me for a loop. It had such a just ending in a way, but I couldn’t help but feel bad for our fascinating main character. Everything about this novel was excellent from the characters to the plot and the narrative style. I absolutely loved it,

Jake’s struggle to write a second novel after his first was successful is hanging over his head. After his student shared the idea he has then disappears, what does Jake do? I’ll let you guess. Slow at times, it has parts where you won’t want to put it down. Worth the read? I’d so it is, just be patient.

I was very excited to read this book however after just reading Kill All Your Darlings by David Bell I’d say these two are too similar and this one didn’t work as well for me.
Jacob Bonners first book was a success but sadly he hasn’t had much success since. He teaches and meets a student that shows him the book he’s writing that has all the makings of a best seller. Years pass and Jacob finds out the student has died so Jacob sees the perfect opportunity to take over the students idea and make it his own.

The Plot was definitely a slow burn with an explosive ending I didn’t see coming that probably made the whole book worth it.

Thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

DNF @ 47%. I saw so many glowing reviews of this book and was very excited to read it, but it just didn't work for me. The beginning was so slow and felt like a chore to get through. I found myself really annoyed about how often this super amazing plot is mentioned, without actually finding out what it is. I also guessed right away who the internet "troll" who accuses the main character of plagiarism was. I stopped reading properly at around 47%, but then skimmed through towards the end so I could see if my prediction was correct. It was. And that plot that kept being mentioned as revolutionary? VERY disappointing. Honestly, I thought it sounded similar to an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer...

Wow! Such an impressive book is questioning how demanding job to be a writer and how much sacrifices you may make or how far you go to create your dream work. A thought provoking approach to be writer and be part of literature industry.

I have to admit: this book’s plot so similar David Bell’s” kill your darlings”I recently finished. At that book a literature professor plagiarized his missing student’s thesis and finds himself at the police investigation because his book he’s inspired by the thesis based on real murder.

There are slight differences about “the plot”s story: Jake is struggling author and also advisor at a summer college writing program. That’s how he met Evan Parker, acting like pretentious douchebag and rejects Jake’s help because that narcissistic guy already found the way to be a bestselling author: he has a brilliant plot idea which is hundred percent guaranteed to be a blockbuster and he spills the bean about the plot line during their conversation. Jake is surely pissed off as he works too hard but nothing creative enough comes out of his mind, a lucky bastard already won the jackpot.

As Jake turns back his downward spiral of self- hatred, lack of creativity, he finds out Evan Parker never published his book he mentioned him. He passed away without leaving any book behind which gives Jack free pass to use the idea at the most creative way to write his masterpiece.

If we compare the both books, this one starts like slow burn, informing us the background of Jake: tax attorney father, high school guidance counselor’s son, has mediocre-at best at PSAT score on the verbal side, raised in Long Island. Even though his math skills were better than verbal ones he insisted to be a powerful author when his father objected him because only Sidney Sheldon can make decent money from writing and he’s not close to be Mr. Sheldon.

We keep reading Jake’s struggles to live in NYC, chasing his dream, working at his side hustles which are odd jobs but he has to earn his life.

We also read great criticism about why people choose to be a writer.

After the slow burn character analyzing parts later, we witness how Jake’s life has changed after he finished his book. He found the fame, success, love but also faced with fears, guilt, resentment.

He meets with his wife and it seems like finally he reaches his entire goals in his life till one day an anonymous email blames him to steal the idea which pushes him dig deeper about the dark past of Evan Parker who presumed to be death from drug overdose.

The big difference of this book’s story with “Kill your darlings “, Jake didn’t stake his claim on finished manuscript , he took the idea but he shaped the entire development and conclusion by himself. And the author could not come back from the death to sue him about copyrights.
And the second big difference is this book is about telling us how painful and compelling job to be writer even though you work as hard as you can, there is a chance you never fulfill your dreams and you’re doomed to fail.

Second half of the book is more exhilarating, filled with high tension, capturing your entire focus and the realistic approach of the author telling how far you go to pursue your writing dreams was remarkably told.

Jake was truly easy to connect and as a writer I truly heard him, felt for him.

Overall: it’s solid, well written, interesting, well developed and satisfyingly concluded novel which earned my four stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Jake is a teacher and a novelist with one successful book under his belt. He has struggled for years to produce a second good book. One day a student of Jake’s, Evan, explains a brilliant idea for a new novel that he wants to write. Evan then suddenly disappears before publishing his novel. What should Jake do? Evan’s novel idea is a sure thing big hit. If Evan can’t use the idea, can Jake take it as his own to revitalize his career?

This is my first Jean Hanff Korelitz book and it was a good read. It was a bit slow for me in the beginning but picked up by the half way mark and had a good solid ending.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! Thank you #netgalley, #celdonbooks, #Macmillanpublishing for the ARC copy of The Plot. I loved this book! Jacob “Finch” Bonner is teaching creative writing at Ripley College. His student Evan Parker shares the plot for a novel he is writing. After Evan’s death, Jacob publishes the best-selling novel Crib based on Evan’s plot. What ensues is a anonymous cyber harassment campaign accusing him of stealing the plot. I did not see that ending coming!

Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon Books for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 4.5/5 stars

I have to say that the reason I needed this book was because of..the plot. Jacob was once a promising young writer, but his inability to follow up his acclaimed debut novel has forced him to become a teacher at a third-rate MFA program. When he meets Evan Parker, an arrogant student claiming to have a plot so good that it is bound to be a blockbuster novel, Jacob dismisses him. Until he hears the plot. He resigns himself to the fact that his student will reach the level of success that he has always wished for. When years pass, Jacob realizes Evan never released his novel. When he finds out his former student died, Jacob decides it wouldn’t hurt anyone to steal the plot. His dreams come true and he has fame, fortune, respect..and emails from an unknown sender saying “You are a thief.”

The Plot took a few chapters to really get started, but once it did, it became a fast-paced, fun, and expertly plotted thrill ride. I could not put it down and that ending was everything I wanted it to be. This is an all-around well-written novel. Korelitz starts the book as a slow-burn thriller and then switches gears to a quick and twisty read with clever and well-plotted twists you never see coming. I loved the commentary on the literary world and just the meta vibe in general. Korelitz puts a twist on the classic mystery, making The Plot an entertaining psychological thriller that will be an excellent summer read. This is a thriller I’ll be recommending to everyone this summer.

Fans of Peter Swanson and Alex Michaelides will enjoy this book when it releases on 5/11/22!

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another wonderful book by this author.Picked it up to read a few pages wound up reading late into the night.Twists and turns that kept me guessing to the end.Will be recommending #netgalley#celasdonbooks

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

I really did enjoy this book overall. I do think the first 2/3rds are very slow. This book could have been a bit shorter, which is something I almost never say. There is not much happening for the most of the book. HOWEVER, when the plot starts to pick up in that last 30%, boy does it pick up. There was twist after twist towards the end. I did see some of the twists coming, but I still think they were amazing twists, and the ending is where it really knocked it out of the park for me. I didn't see that one coming at all. I have only been reading mystery/thriller books for about a year, but I haven't seen an ending quite like that one, or a plot.

“The Plot” is clever, savvy, and smart.
Stepping into Jean Hanff Korelitz’s literary world,
was an ‘honest-to-goodness’ crazy fun thrilling ride.

It’s not completely without flaws....but there are moments of brilliance that make up for them.

I enjoyed the entire exploration about people who write books....
their passions, urgency, arrogance, insecurities, drive, goals.... etc.

It was interesting to think about creative writing MFA programs....and why some writers bond with other writers, and why some never will.

Class was underway at Ripley Symposia’s first-year prose workshop.
Parker speaks out...
“I just care about the story. Either it’s a good plot or it isn’t. And if it’s not a good plot, the best writing isn’t going to help. And if it is, the worst writing isn’t going to hurt it”.

Jake (the teacher), responds:
“Do you have a plot in mind?”
“I do, said Parker, with now overflowing hostility. I prefer not to discuss it. He looked around. In this setting”.
“I suppose, Jake said, that what we need to know, then, is how I— how this class— can best help you improve as a writer”.
“Oh, said Evan Parker, I’m not really looking to improve. I am a very good writer, and my novel is well on track. And actually, if I’m being honest about it, I’m not even sure writing can even be taught. I mean, even by the best teacher”.
“Well, I’d obviously disagree with that, he said trying for a laugh”.
“I certainly hope so! Said the man from Cape Cod”.
“I’m curious, said the woman to Jake’s right, who was writing a fictionalized memoir about her childhood in suburban Cleveland, why would you come to an MFA program if you don’t think writing can be taught? Like why not just write your book on your own?”
Well—Parker shrugged—“I’m not ‘against’ this kind of thing, obviously. The jury is still out on whether it works, that’s all. I’m already writing my book, and I know how good it is. But I figured, even if the program itself doesn’t actually help me, I wouldn’t say no to the degree”.

Minutes went by—none of the students spoke—
Jake said, “I’m glad to hear you’re well along on your project, and I hope we can be a resource for you, and I support system”.

From the start, I enjoyed the dialogue, the mysteriously interesting characters.... the way they presented themselves versus their inner opposite selves.
...A thriller develops.
...A writer dies.
...A novel is stollen...
...Plagiarism is revealed
but...
not before walking down many different paths of possibilities as to why and by who....

Fabulous beginning.
Exceptional ending!
Parts of middle section, is where I started to drift off.
I felt the book might have benefited with some tighter editing.
But ‘overall’ .... the greatness far out weighed the mediocrities.

“This story will be read by everybody. It will make a fortune. It will be made into a movie, probably by somebody really important, like an A-list director. It will get all of the brass rings, you know what I mean?”

“Anything can fail. In the book world? Anything”.

Terrific book choice for fiction readers, literary readers, and mystery thriller readers.

I enjoy 75% of it a lot!!
4 strong stars.