All the best story plots have been written and rewritten over time. But Jacob Finch Bonner has a plot that will put them all to shame. This amazing, never done, shocking twist plot has put him on the Best Sellers list. He is touring the country, talking about his process and basking in his fame. The only problem is, the plot wasn't his to take.
When Jacob starts receiving threatening emails, calling him out as a thief, his whole world starts to fall apart. He was sure that no one else knows where he got the story from. As he digs deeper into the origin of the plot, and who it originally came from, Jacob learns that the story maybe based on someone's life. And that someone wants it back.

This book is making some big noise on Bookstagram. I was really hoping the hype wasn't going to lead to disappointment, as so many books have recently. Fortunately, the buzz is spot on with this book.
The Plot is a plot within a plot that leads to a plot. lol. Confused and amazed? Don't be, it all makes sense in the story. We are given the main story, about a struggling writer who stumbles on an amazing plot line. Then we are told that amazing plot through the storytelling genius of two writers, the unpolished student and then the teacher. Both stories collide and eventually lead to a legit plot, a burial plot. Its all sorts of crazy and unbelievable, unfolding in each chapter.
The whole book is beautifully written, and fast moving. I got so lost in Jacob's paranoia and his amateur investigation that I felt his anxiety myself. When the big twist was revealed, I actually shouted in approval. I sort of figured it out a few chapters before the end, and was waiting and waiting to be vindicated. It all unfolded brilliantly.
I did read this book as an audiobook, which always helps bring things more to life. The narrators voice fit Jacob's, anxious and depressing personality. Surprisingly, he also mastered the female characters as well. Audio really added extra to a book that has extra everything!

"You act like stories don’t have real people attached to them. It’s hurtful, Jake."

This book was FANTASTIC! It started slow for me but once Jake met Anna things picked right up!

Imagine if you wanted, so very badly, to write a best-selling novel. Imagine, if you "borrowed" a plot that was unheard of and gripping. Imagine that the plot was true.....

Jacob Finch Bonner saw moderate success with the publication of his debut novel. Unfortunately, his second release failed to garner any attention and he fears he’s fallen into obscurity. He finds himself teaching creative writing to others and knows all too well the starry eyed dreams of the hopefuls who fill his class.
One student stands out: Evan Parker, tight lipped about an idea he has for a novel yet arrogant enough to brag to anyone who will listen that he’s come up with the perfect plot for a runaway bestseller.
Jake is ready to brush off Evan’s arrogance but then he hears the plot …and he has to agree that it is going to be a complete and total success.

A few years later Jake discovers Evan died soon after the creative writing course — presumably before he could finish his novel or even reveal his idea to anyone else. Jake can’t forget that incredible plot, in fact, it’s too brilliant not to share with the world.

So Jake writes the novel based on Evan’s idea and finally has the fame and success he's longed for as an author; he even finds love on his never-ending book tour. He’s enjoying every moment of his success until he receives the first of many brief and menacing emails: “You are a thief.”
Jake’s life could come crashing down at any time. In order to find out who knows the truth, he has to learn more about his late student and what he uncovers is that his bestselling novel may not be fiction after all…

The Plot is a story within a story. Readers follow Jake’s story and as it progresses we get excerpts from his novel. When the plot of his novel is eventually revealed, it was a letdown because it is a pretty formulaic thriller twist. That choice seems to be tongue-in-cheek commentary on the author’s part; Korelitz delivers some amusing insight into the publishing world and a writer’s life.

The story is at times clever with the way it appears to poke fun at - while paying homage to - the “psychological thriller” genre trends of the past decade, and I was hoping Korelitz would deliver a truly surprising twist ending. Unfortunately, the twist was glaringly obvious to me and I was left thinking this is just your average middle of the road thriller which means a highly entertaining beach read but nothing shocking or new.

I recommend The Plot to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, suspense, and books about books.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an advance audio copy in exchange for my honest review. The Plot is scheduled for release on May 11, 2021.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me with an audio ARC of Jean Hanff Korelitz’s literary thriller The Plot. In exchange I offer my unbiased review.

What’s that quote, enjoy the journey forget about the destination. That’s sort of my advice with this novel. Any good reader will immediately see the ending early on, but it doesn’t really matter, if you’re focused on the journey.

Jacob (Jake to family & friends) Finch ( he added that as homage to his favorite literary character) Bonner, was once the publishing world’s darling. A new & noteworthy young talent who just couldn’t find success after his first novel. Now he’s teaching at a third rate Creative Writer’s Workshop, where he’s forced to engage with what he deems inflated egos of his students who show no talent or skill, but rather they can afford the fee to indulge their fantasies of becoming the next wonder kid. When a pompous student begrudgingly shares his plot for what the student swears is the next big thing, Jake is miffed as he has to inwardly agree.

Fast forward a few years later, Jake has sunk even lower in his estimations, as he is now a caretaker/ advisor at an upstate writers retreat where in exchange he’s given shelter and small fee. An encounter with a rude would-be author reminds Jake of his past student, which leads to a Google search, where he uncovers the student has died young & tragically. Jake convinces himself he needs to pen that great sure fire novel that was told to him years ago. “Borrowing” the plot, Jake writes that instant, hottest, bestseller, mega-hit, enjoying all the accolades, recognition and wealth he has dreamt about. Except someone knows this story isn’t Jake’s to tell.

Jean Hanff Korelitz raises lots of interesting questions/ideas about appropriation, writers, publisher’s, agents and others who deem works worthy or create hype and literary buzz. I think if you read deeply this book has more than a few plot holes but it’s still a story to sink your teeth in. The audio narration was well done,adding to Jake’s discomfort and general dread of getting caught as the next James Frey, he is after all an Oprah Winfrey bookclub author. This book has lots of literary nods and winks, which was fun to see and the story within the story was equally sharp.

Definitely a great beach read and possibly the newest hottest must read summer blockbuster everyone will be talking about.

Not a huge fan. I found this one kind of overhyped and to be perfectly honest the ending was pretty predictable about half way through. I could appreciate the moral dilemma of being presented with a "home-run" plot story that the author shared with you but wasn't able to use before they died. What floundering writer wouldn't be tempted by that? But when "the plot" is finally revealed I was underwhelmed. In the end just an okay read but I won't be recommending it unless you're a die-hard suspense lover or really like books about writing and writers. Who is Maud Dixon was a MUCH better recent addition to this genre (in my opinion). Thank you to NetGalley for my advance listening review copy of this book out May 11th.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Jacob Finch Bonner was an author who after a promising start hasn't impressed the publishing world in years. He is teaching a writers workshop when he hears a student's intriguing plot idea. Years later, Jacob finds out the student passed away and never wrote the story. Jacob writes his version of the story and it is a huge hit. Then the threats to expose him begin.

I liked the story inside the story best. Took me a while to get into it but it was worth the getting through the slow start. Narrator did a good job.

Audiobook narrated by Kirby Heyborne. He’s one of my favorites and I thought he did a great job. I’m giving this a high 4 stars.
This mysterious, thrilling novel kept me listening. Just when I thought it would go one way it would flip around in another direction. It had me questioning all my beliefs about writing and where we find our stories. And can we learn to write? Maybe.
I thought it was good and I highly recommend it.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via Netgalley. I’ve voluntarily given my review.

The Plot was definitely intriguing and I LOVED the book-within-a-book premise! I also liked the characters. I did see the ending coming from a mile away but I still enjoyed the ride. The only thing I found difficult with this one is that I did not like the narration which made it hard for me to get through. I think I would have enjoyed this one more if I read the physical book. Thank you Macmillan audio for the opportunity to listen to this one!

Listening to this audiobook was a thrill ride that sent a chill up my spine! The story is about a mediocre author named Jacob Finch Bonner, who hears about a book plot that will top all others from a student in a writing workshop he is teaching. When this student dies suddenly before he is able to tell his story, Jake decides to write the story himself and rides the waves of accolades that follow until he receives an anonymous email stating "You are a thief!" The story alternates between Jake's story and pages read from The Crib, which is the title of the book with the infamous Plot.

The plot of this story is engrossing, uncomfortable and unpredictable, and I couldn't put it down until I reached the conclusion.. a truly satisfying thriller! The audiobook narration by Kirby Heyborne is on point and really adds to the spooky ambience of the story.

Jean Hanff Korelitz has crafted a great story and one that asks some interesting questions.. what does it mean to steal a story? Is the plot of a story owned by it's originator, even if it hasn't been written?

The Plot...is about a plot. One that is too good no to be written. The Plot was told to Jacob Finch Bonner by an obnoxious writing student. Jacob is very hard to like. He has disdain for pretty much everyone. But especially his students. Most especially for Evan Parker, the man with the plot. A man so easy to dislike.

Years later, having never written anything near as good as his first novel, Jacob goes in search of the plot. It seems that he should have heard of this book by now, because it really was an awesome plot. But...nothing. When he decides to write the book himself, he finally gets that blockbuster success he has always wanted. But someone knows what he did.

The book has excerpts from The Crib (book with said plot) which made me really want to read The Crib! While the whole thing started off a bit slow for me-I hated Jacob and I've heard stories like this before-it eventually took off for me. I think that part of my disconnect in the beginning was the fact that I went back and forth between the novel and the audiobook. Once I got into the plot and characters a little more I easily went back and forth between the two with no problems.

And I loved the ending. Creepy and effective.

Jean Haniff Korelitz created some characters to cheer for and against and created a twisted tale about who really owns a story.

Special thanks to Jean Haniff Korelitz, Netgalley, and Celadon Books for the ARC for me to review.

4.5 stars

After finishing a two-year MFA writing program, Jake publishes his first novel The Invention of Wonder. But after many years and 4 different book manuscripts, every publisher he approaches refused to publish his books. He worked at a writing program and while teaching a class he stumbles across a student who just happens to have a plot that no one can mess up, it is an instant bestseller even if the person who wrote it had no talent. It kills Jake that this person has come up with this book after he has spent so many years trying. Then as time passed and this MFA program is no longer around Jake still things about that student and his plot. This is when Jake realizes the student died shortly after he was his teacher, without ever publishing this book. What a perfect opportunity and Jake does not let it pass. Jake writes his own story using this plot and just like predicted it becomes an instant hit. He is going to book tours interviewing with many tv stations, is on Oprah’s book club, and has a movie in the works. Then he begins to receive incriminating messages that contain his worse fear. Someone knows his secret.

The only thing I did not like was that it is sometimes hard to follow the wording, and I got lost because the story often interrupts sentences with side points before finishing the sentence. At some points I found myself forgetting how the sentence started and having to go back to figure out how the end of the sentence connected. So, the sentences are long-winded. In the beginning, it was a problem for me but as I got into the book, I no longer noticed it, so I think I got used to the writing style.

There were many things that made me get completely lost in the story. One is how realistic it all played out and the way Jake thought. It was so realistic I almost kind of feels like a lot of the character concerns and worries about writing and publishing a book come from the author's own fears or at least the fears most authors have. Like how Jake mentions he sent out manuscripts and hadn’t got one single review. Little things like this throughout the book made it so realistic that I could relate to the thinking and worries that Jake has. People who read a lot will enjoy the little things only people who read a lot will get like how when you say to people, “I have counted and I have read (a certain number of books)” What you really mean is that Goodreads told you the number of books you have read

In the book the plot that Jake stole is always being explained as being one that anyone could write because it is just so good, well this is half true with this book. The plot and the twist at the end were so epic I completely agree this will be a total hit, but I am not sure if anyone could write it because this author set the bar high. The way it played out had me strung along for the ride and man that ending had me gasp and think how clever. I read a lot of suspense and psychological thrillers so I don’t get surprised very much, but this has to be one of my favorite reveals and endings in all the books I have read.

I also think this is going to be a compelling read because we are hearing the story from the bad guy’s perspective. We know he has done something bad by stealing the plot of this story. So we want to like him but also hate him for doing it, so yeah this is definitely going to make this story interesting.

As the book continues, we spend the story watching as Jake travels and meets with anyone having anything to do with his former student, trying to find the person who is getting ready to ruin his life. At parts, it went a little slow, but it allowed for many different possible people to be the person who is emailing Jake. Then we not only get to hear from possible suspects but also get to learn about the sketchy history of Evan Parker's past and the deaths in the family. Let me just say there is more than just a plot to be revealed in this book.

Another thing I loved so much about this book was that we actually got to read parts of the book in this book. So, it was a book within a book, if you can get your mind wrapped around this wonderful insanity. There wasn’t a lot of the story in this book but just enough for us to understand what is happening in the book Jake wrote, so we get to skip the boring parts and jump to the exciting parts.

There was nothing special about the audiobook recording for this story. I like the narrator's voice, as it was very soothing to listen to but it just didn't have a lot of variation when reading. I did listen to it at a higher speed, but this isn't anything wrong with the narration because I listen to all my audiobooks at a higher speed.

There is a lot of things I could say about this book, but I am so glad I got the chance to read this book, one of my favorites.

I'm fascinated by the literary world, so was excited for this one and it did not disappoint. This is definitely a slow burn, but it is worth the wait once the suspense amps up.. Each secret that was revealed kept me listening long after I'd told myself "5 more minutes." It was fresh and original which can be hard to do in this genre and I didn't see the ending coming. The narration was well done and I'd highly recommend listening to this one!

What constitutes plagiarism? Theft of words, theft of idea...both?

These questions are at the center of THE PLOT by @jeanhanff- I totally loved it! It’s a smart psychological thriller set in the literary world and I finished it over the course of 2 days.

You have an author, Jake, whose latest novels have failed to live up to the hype of his first. He’s now barely writing at all and is teaching at a 3rd rate MFA program. He’s basically just floating along, unsure if he’ll ever publish again, until one of his students comes to his office and changes his life. He shares the plot of a story he plans to write and claims that it can’t fail- and he’s right. When years later Jake finds out the story never came to fruition he feels like he’s got no choice but to tell that story. Cut to, years later when he's a big success - and someone knows what he did and is not happy about it. The suspense kept growing and growing and I was so uncomfortable! A mark of a great thriller to me. Highly recommend!

The premise of this book centers around “stealing” what is supposedly a completely original story. Sadly, the neither overarching novel itself, nor the stolen plot within it, were very original. The twist becomes obvious fairly early on. However, this is still quite an enjoyable, fast paced read with some unique elements. Overall, I give it 3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book! It wasn't a storyline I had read before so I liked how there was a book within a book! This one was a slow burn for me and I liked the plot. I listened this this as an audiobook and the narrator was great. Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillian audio for the opportunity to listen to this book!

Every once in a while in this galaxy of extraordinary talent and literary excellence there appears an anomaly-someone who distinguishes themselves amongst all the bright stars and excellence.. So today I have the pleasure of writing about a superstar book-The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. The imagination and build in this writing reflect a woman whose architecture and flow deserve many kudos. There are high marks in originality,
momentum ,mystery, timing, crescendoed
tension and character development.

This story within a story is told in easy to follow alternating quasi chapters. The author did a mastèrful job of writing two books actually with a synergy that works well. The book within the book has star power and so does its companion piece-a story a bit closer to the present moment.

This five star starts at an MFA writing program being given in a rural Vermont school by Jacob Frach Bonner whose first book was a NY Times notable but whose subsequent books were pretty unsuccessful. While teaching the course he encounters Evan Parker-an arrogant student who claims he has a plot line which is universally marketable. When Evan shares his plot with Jacob it is not told to the reader. It is, however. The catalyst for all that follows.

Three years pass and Evan is dead. Jacob cannot resist the urge to step in and bring the unknown story he was told to the public. All he needs are the name changes
and to follow the trail of Evan’s narrative.
So a newer version is created as distortions become clearer and lies become truths. The result is an overnight bestseller, movie rights, author interviews et al

With perfect timed revelations the success of the book expands to 39 countries. Then Jacob gets a note from someone who knows of his plagiarism and as the threats of making that knowledge available to the public so does the tension increase with each threat.

Little by little the reader is led into more of both stories. The result is a masterpiece of reader manipulation with twists and turns.

An addictive read.

At the risk of sounding cliché, I have to tell you THE PLOT (you guessed it….) is perfectly plotted. The creeping dread; the steady sense of foreboding; these loom heavy and make for a compulsively readable slow-burn thriller.

Jacob Finch Bonner is an aspiring author who showed promise with his first novel. Lackluster books following his debut leaves him desperate for a best-seller to breathe life into his languishing career. During his tenure as a professor, Bonner stumbles upon a student’s idea for a truly sensational plot. When published, the story is destined to be an instant best-seller. Bonner is faced with a series of small but significant decisions that will alter the course of his life. What lengths will he go to save his withering career?

The novel is uniquely structured as a book within a book which added layers to the mystery. I also found the insight into the publishing industry and the behind the scenes of the writing life so captivating. While The Plot is a work of fiction, it adds to the very real (and important!) conversation of who can tell what stories and at what cost.

RATING: 4.5/5 stars rounded up

A big thank you to @Netgalley and @macmillanaudio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Kirby Heyborne!

Jacob Finch Bonner is a creative writing teacher at Ripley College. After he authored The Invention of Wonder, Jacob's career has petered out and he's struggling to write another noteworthy novel. Enter Evan Parker, a pretentious student of Jacob's, who claims he has the plot to the next great American novel. And after hearing it, Jacob knows it's sure to be a hit.

A few years later, Jacob discovers that Evan has died, but his book what never published. Deciding to not let a good thing go to waste, Jacob writes the book, it becomes an instantaneous best seller and his career rockets. But when he starts receiving threats from Talented Tom with the truth of his book, Jacob must figure out his identity in order to keep his secret buried.

I really enjoyed The Plot. This thriller felt fresh and original. The story is told between the present and then gives excerpts from Jacob's book that slowly helps the reader put the pieces together. There are subtle clues along the way, but you never truly get the full and twisted picture until the very end. The author certainly makes you work for it.

I am normally not a thriller reader. I tend to get antsy not knowing what's going on and I just want to solve the mystery quickly. The Plot definitely builds slowly, but the book keeps you invested so you want to keep reading.

I enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. For the app, I didn't like how there weren't chapters numbers listed (it just kept saying "The Plot" for every chapter). This made it hard to switch back and forth between the audiobook and a physical copy. The echoing was still not super enjoyable, especially since I needed to put the speed up to 2x for this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon and Bookishfirst for the #gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

Well well well this author just does not do it for me. The second giant miss for me. The Plot was incredibly slow moving. I wanted to dnf so many times up until the 45% mark and then it picked up. The ending...well let’s just say I saw it coming. While I did love the writers insight and thoughtful conversation it adds to plot ownership the story was just not thrilling or entertaining enough for me.

4.66 stars

We meet Jacob “Jake” Finch Bonner released a critically acclaimed novel in his youth, but his career has been stagnant since. He is frustrated with his life when we meet him in the present. Being a teacher in a third-rate MFA program is as low as Jacob thinks he will go. That is until he meets Evan Parker, an arrogant student who brags about not needing Jacob's help because he has THE next bestseller. Unfortunately for Jacob, Evan can back it up. After hearing his plot outline, Jacob is jealous, and his life is consumed by waiting for Evan Parker's first novel. Months and years pass, and nothing.

Digging into Evan's life to figure out why he never released his book, Jacob finds out he has died not long after they met. What does Jacob do? He tells Evan's story, of course! After all, stealing a plot is not illegal. Or is it?

Well, Jake's gamble paid off. Jake is now an accomplished author of Crib, a novel published in the US by Macmillan and translated into many languages. Crib has brought him wealth, worldwide fame, recognition and led him to find love with Anna.

Jacob's life could not be better, but all good things must come to an end. When he receives an e-mail accusing him of thievery, he knows that is just the beginning.

I listened to The Plot on audio, and I have to admit I am a big fan of Macmillan Audio productions. They have excellent narrators working for them, and Kirby Heyborne delivered! His narration was terrific. He did a great job bringing each character to life, and his narration style served the story well: I knew where I was in the book at any given time; and never confused characters. Kirby’s pace was very consistent with and respectful to the story’s flow. The audiobook for The Plot was easy to listen to and impossible to put down.

Korelitz built a great atmosphere in The Plot. The book started slow, but this choice allowed us to understand Jacob and get invested in the outcome. Once the threats began, The Plot started picking up speed, and it did not stop until the end! The slow start took away a little bit from my enjoyability, and I can foresee some people not giving the book a try because of it – but I promise you, the wait pays off.

Korelitz developed Jake’s arc well: I felt that I knew him and understood his motivations. Anna was also a character that Korelitz created well. However, some minor characters felt like they were just there to move the plot along, and I wish I got to know some of them better. The characters in Crib, however, were also intense and vivid. I also loved the idea for the plot, though I feel the story took a while to find its groove. Alternating between Jacob’s life and his book was a great choice as this allowed for the breadcrumbs to be placed throughout the book and gave the reader a fair shot to solve the puzzle by themselves.

I will constantly screech like a schoolgirl when I read something remotely easter eggy or meta in a book. Maybe I liked it more than I should, but I cheered and laughed out loud when, in the book, Crib's publisher was Macmillan (Macmillan Audio publishes The Plot audiobook). I wonder if this changes depending on the edition! I will be checking it out as soon as it is published! It is such a small thing, but it thoroughly contributed to my enjoyment.

I am a big fan of books within books and books about authors. And let me tell you, The Plot hit the spot. I loved being privy to the creative process and struggles of Jake. Furthermore, I loved following him in his journey to figure out what happened to Evan and understand the story he wrote. The mother and daughter relationship within Jacob's book was excellent. Every time the narrative shifted back to Jacob's life, I just wanted to go back to Crib. But also, every time I was reading Crib, I just wanted to go back to "real life." The suspense building worked for me; it kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. I enjoyed how both worlds came together at the end. Even though I solved the puzzle way before Jake, I was thoroughly satisfied with the ending.

I recommend The Plot for fans of Magpie Murders, Malice and The Stranger Diaries.

Disclaimer: I first read it as an ARC. In exchange for an honest review, I am thankful to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Jean Hanff Korelitz for providing me with a copy of The Plot.

#FrostaWingsIt #FrostaHeat #JeanHanffKorelitz #MacmillanAudio #ThePlot #Thriller #NetGalley