3.5 stars
This was an interesting premise to a book involving a sort of meta retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. The main character is Olivia Fitzgerald, a writer whose second novel was her own retelling of Rebecca, which flopped. As a result, she accepts an offer as a ghostwriter for a billionaire in Malibu whose wife has recently died in an accident. There is a lot going on in this story including a book within a book, a mystery of the wife’s accident, and some romance.

Overall it kept my attention but the twists, subplots, and fleshing out of characters were just mediocre for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.

A contemporary gothic thriller. An homage to du Maurier’s classic Rebecca, Jillian Cantor’s latest, A Fiction Writer, is essentially about a fiction writer researching fiction writers and features a separate novel intertwined among the pages of the primary story. At its core, Cantor’s novel explores the origins of stories and asks whether there are in fact any original tales left to be imagined and told.

Conceptually, the book is intriguing and thought provoking, and the plot is generally entertaining. While I have loved some of Cantor’s other works (especially The Lost Letter), however, this particular story didn’t work as well for me. I did not find the characters to be well developed, and, in part for that reason, the protagonist’s romance felt forced and implausible and I never felt invested in the tale. Nonetheless, those who adore Rebecca will likely find much to enjoy in this gothic tale.

Two and a half stars, rounded up for the intriguing, “meta” content.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Park Row for a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

4.5 stars. Thanks NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. When I saw the description on this book I requested it immediately and was thrilled to receive an early copy. Rebecca is one of my all time favorite novels and I love a good retelling and this is just that - which a few updated twists. I loved the modern gothic feel and the addition of literary ownership - a sub genre I really enjoy. The main character frequently repeats “there are no new stories,” and although this story may not be new it still feels fresh. Definitely a page turner. Highly recommend.

A clever, modern, twisty retelling of "Rebecca". Rebecca" (one of my all times favs); I recommend you read it first if you have never had the pleasure. I loved the premise, the pace and the setting. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks to "Thoughts From A Page" Podcast and Park Row for getting this early copy into my hands.

"The Fiction Writer" by Jillian Cantor is a Contemporary Retelling of Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca"!

Have you ever finished a book you thought you enjoyed but can't think of a single reason why you liked it?

I've previously read and reviewed two books by Jillian Cantor, "In Another Time" and "Half Life" and loved both. I didn't love this one, but the funny thing is I can't stop thinking about it.

The main character, Olivia Fitzgerald frustrates the heck out of me. Is she stupid or maybe just desperate? After a bad break up, a failed second novel, and debilitating writer's block, she is definitely desperate enough to accept a ghostwriting job for an easy $50K. Who wouldn't accept an offer like that?

The client is Henry “Ash” Asherwood, a billionaire and 'People's Sexiest Man Alive' winner twice over. When Olivia goes to L.A. to meet and interview him, it turns into a wine and dine experience between the two of them at Ash's Malibu estate overlooking the beautiful Pacific.

Ash tells Olivia he loves her book "Becky", a modern retelling of "Rebecca" written from the perspective of the first Mrs. de Winter's ghost. Based on this, her failed second novel, he views Olivia as the "Rebecca" expert he's been looking for to ghostwrite his book. Really?

"The Fiction Writer" only gets more convoluted from there...

I remember Jillian Cantor's writing style to be descriptive, expressive, and imaginative and that's not what I found here. This story is trying too hard to be a retelling to the extent of feeling awkward and uncomfortable to read. It stems from over-the-top characterizations of both Olivia and Ash, as neither character is likable nor believable as portrayed.

"The Fiction Writer", as I stated earlier, is one I keep thinking about, however, I've discovered my thoughts are less about liking it and more about not finding what I expected from this author. I was looking for the Jillian Cantor I remember from past reads when her writing style and storytelling was original, unique, and entertaining.

My final take away is "The Fiction Writer" is only okay.

3⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing-Park Row, and Jillian Cantor for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.

4.5 stars

Last night I dreamt I went to Malibu again…

The once-rising literary star Olivia Fitzgerald is down on her luck. Her most recent novel—a retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca—was a flop, her boyfriend of nine years just dumped her and she’s battling a bad case of writer’s block. So when her agent calls her with a high-paying ghostwriting opportunity, Olivia is all too willing to sign the NDA.

Once I read the first line of this book, I knew I would be all in. I love the classic novel "Rebecca" and couldn't wait for this modern take on it.

Olivia soon meets Henry “Ash” Asherwood, twice named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, who wants her help in writing a book that reveals a shocking secret about his late grandmother and Daphne du Maurier. He claims that "Rebecca” was his grandmother’s life story, and that she actually wrote it! Ash seems to constantly put up road blocks when Olivia asks for details, never quite fully answering any of her questions. Also, the journals are said to be written in French and he has sent them out to be translated, which keeps getting delayed longer and longer. Soon Olivia starts to feel that things are just not quite what they seem. She starts to mistrust everyone and everything. I loved the tension built and the many twists and turns the story had. The setting was perfect and so atmospheric. I also loved the book within a book themes explored here.

Thank You to Cindy @thoughtsfromapage, Park Row books and NetGalley for the ARC. Another great choice from Cindy's Early Readers Patreon Program. Looking forward to the author chat!

Olivia is a young author coming off a best seller debut novel and a flop of a second novel. When the heir to a retail company reads her flop though, he becomes her biggest fan. He invites her to write a book based on the diaries of his grandmother. Olivia senses something is amiss, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Olivias' second novel is a retelling/homage to the novel Rebecca. The novel Rebecca plays heavy in this book. I know of Rebecca, but have not read it. Readers who have read it will have a better understanding of the allusions and plot twists of The Fiction Writer.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy on Net Galley from Park Row via Thoughts from a Page.

So creative, love everything Jillian Cantor writes. This is definitely One of my favorites of hers! She writes historical fiction like no one else.

I don't think I have finished a book in one sitting in years until now! This is a lot like Rebecca but it is an author who adds a lot of twists and turns. I was glad for an "average looking" protagonist and not one who "didn't realize her beauty" and "was drop dead gorgeous and didn't know it." Her voice was funny and self-deprecating but she was extremely believable. It was better than some other thrillers where you have someone who is gorgeous and smart and happens to know kung fu. I would say more but it would give too much away!


Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Olivia is a writer whose first book was a success, but her sophomore effort, a retelling of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, didn't reach the same heights. After her long-term lover leaves her, Olivia agrees to take on what appears to be a lucrative ghostwriting assignment for Ash, a dashing billionaire who, we are told several times, has been chosen People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive--twice! Ash claims du Maurier actually stole the plot of Rebecca from his grandmother, but he is vague about what he wants the book to be and can't seem to retrieve the promised journals that will substantiate his claim.

I found the characters of both Olivia and Ash to be unmemorable and lacking nuance. And although there are some creepy elements and twists, I don't feel there is any follow-through, resulting in a conclusion that feels forced and unsatisfying. A secondary relationship is underdeveloped and unconvincing. Some of the information about Daphne du Maurier is interesting, but the overall story didn't jell for me. I do recommend Cantor's earlier book, The Lost Letter.

My thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Olivia Fitzgerald’s most recent novel—a retelling of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca—was poorly received, so, when her agent calls her with a high-paying ghostwriting opportunity, Olivia is all too willing to sign the NDA.

She has bills to pay.

Henry “Ash” Asherwood, twice named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, wants her help in writing a book that reveals a shocking secret about his late grandmother and Daphne du Maurier. He is claiming that “Rebecca” was his grandmother’s life story, and the book was plagiarized.

He has his grandmother’s journals to prove it, but they are written in French and need to be authenticated.

Could it be true?
Or, does history just keep on repeating itself?

Whose stories do we have the right to tell?

The most interesting part of this book to me, was learning that Daphne Du Maurier actually was accused of plagiarism more than once.

But, as the story progressed with Olivia spending most of her time drinking and ignoring the red flags 🚩 which are waving all around her, I found that I just didn’t care if “Rebecca” was plagiarized from his grandmother’s journals or not.

Or about anything else that was going on in Malibu.

Just 2 stars from me.

AVAILABLE on November 28, 2023.

Thank You to Park Row books for the gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley in exchange for a candid review.

I love Jillian Cantor’s writing ! I have read a lot of her books and enjoyed them. I was so excited to read The Fiction Writer, especially because of the ties to Rebecca. I thought this book was fast paced and kept me interested the whole way through. I love a good gothic novel. Do not miss this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

Book number one was a relative success, book number two only sold a few thousand copies and her latest novel can’t even make it to print. Add in a severe case of writer’s block along with boyfriend breakup, Olivia Fitzgerald has seen better days. When her agent offers her a gig as a ghostwriter she is amazed. An all expense paid trip to Malibu to write for a rich billionaire who was voted People’s Sexiest Man Alive - (twice!) - its a no brainer. Arriving in Malibu Olivia is initially shy when she first meets Henry Asherwood and even more tongue tied when this handsome charming man demands she call him ”Ash”. He has hired her to write the story of his beloved grandmother Emilia, who died years ago in a tragic fire. Ash discovered a series of her journals written in French and sent them to be authenticated and translated. He believes Daphne du Maurier, the famous author of Rebecca stole his grandmother’s story. Being the last and only heir of this mega wealthy family, Ash wants to vindicate his grandmother by publishing the truth. Strangely, every time they attempt to work Ash is easily distracted and they are off on an outing that feels a lot like a date. They talk about everything except the book and mysteriously a week later the journals still haven’t arrived. Olivia thinks the housekeeper is suspicious and her coffee may have been drugged as Ash continues to irresistibly woo her. Olivia doesn’t know if she is losing her mind or just her nerve. This book within a book within a book is a deliciously twisted mystery that I could not put down. Wholly original and superbly written, this five star fiction writer is a MUST READ!

I really struggled with Cantors last book, Beautiful Little Fools, and probably should have not requested this one as a result - although I was so captivated by the concept that I was drawn in despite my better instincts. I really love the idea of taking classic literature like The Great Gatsby or Rebecca and turning it on its head with a new interpretation. Unfortunately her writing style just doesn't work for me. I struggled fairly early on to connect to the characters and to find them relatable or engaging, and unfortunately the book within a book did not help here either. This one just wasn't a good fit for me..

The premise of THE FICTION WRITER is simple but eerie, a combination that always appeals to me. I didn't realize going in that this novel is, in a way, a retelling of Daphne Du Maurier's REBECCA (not a favorite of mine). In fact, it's sort of like three retellings in one. Very meta, as the main character thinks at one point. This is actually a fun set up for a mystery novel; if done well, it could have led to a clever, twisty, pageturner of a book. Unfortunately, the execution in this one is just...subpar. The different storylines felt confusing and a bit chaotic.

Olivia is a likable enough heroine. She's sympathetic and her money woes make it easy to understand why she needs a lucrative ghost writing job and is willing to give it a go despite warning signs that everything isn't as it seems. Still, for someone who—as she keeps saying—is perfectly capable of saving herself, she seems awfully naive and susceptible. As for Ash, he just feels like a total cliché, although I liked that Cantor made it tough to tell if he was innocent or guilty of killing his wife. Plotwise, the novel moves rather slowly, gathering some momentum toward the end and then fizzling into a very anti-climatic finale. Since there aren't a lot of characters in the story, it's pretty obvious who's messing with Olivia, even if not every plot question is clearly answered. In spite of all this, the novel did keep me reading. I finished it because I wanted to know what was going to happen next and what had really happened to Angelica. Overall, though, this one ended up just feeling like a meh read for me.

Also, this is the second book I've read that gives a laughably inaccurate depiction of driving a Tesla! If you're going to describe driving one in a book, authors, I would strongly suggest first driving one in real life or at the very least, watching a YouTube video that shows how it is done. Unlike how it is depicted in THE FICTION WRITER, you can't start an engine on a Tesla since it doesn't have one, Teslas are not driven with keys or fobs (although I'm told there were fobs in the early days as a back up measure) and they don't have gear shifts, start buttons, or seat memory buttons. We're hardly billionaires, but my husband and I both drive Teslas. We do so using an app. As long as our phones are in our cars, anyone can drive them, no fobs involved (although we do have cards we keep in our wallets as backups that are used only rarely). Tesla interiors are very minimal and sleek because all the controls are performed using a touch screen. Gears are changed using a small lever next to the steering wheel, not a gearshift that would require one person putting their hand over another person's in order to help them change gears. ANYWAY, Cantor's description of Tesla driving made me roll my eyes. Getting small, easily checked details like this wrong not only makes me doubt an author's ability to get other things right but it also throws me out of the story, which is irritating. Note: I did read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book, so it's possible these inaccuracies will be fixed in the final book. It doesn't come out until late November, so we'll see then.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Fiction Writer by Jillian Cantor. All opinions are my own.

Take a struggling writer, a mix of unreliable characters (are they telling the truth), a possible murder, and a sketchy billionaire who also happens to be People's Sexiest Man Alive, and you will have the premise for The Fiction Writer in a nutshell. Our main character Olivia is hired as a ghost writer for the very handsome billionaire to write a story about his family, that after signing a NDA, still has no clue what she will be writing. Once the story begins to unravel Olivia doesn't know who to believe and trust.

I enjoyed this book very much, found it to truly be a page turner, and finished it in two days. Once the story gets to rolling, there are many twists and turns that keep you on your toes till the very end. I liked the main character and how her story evolved. I also enjoyed the setting and environment of the story which helped set the tone and sometimes unsettling vibes of the book. Great, easy, fast weekend read that will keep you guessing. The Fiction Writer will be out November 28, 2023. Be sure to keep your eye out for this one.

If something sounds too good to be true…

Olivia Fitzgerald has writer’s block, her last book was panned, her boyfriend moved out and her fish died. So when her agent offers her a job writing a book about the grandmother of a handsome (People’s Sexiest Man Alive twice) billionaire for $50,000, she takes it. Of course she does. And with it comes the beautiful, isolated clifftop home, the mysterious housekeeper and the complete attention of Henry “Ash” Asherwood. Over a dinner he cooks especially for her, Ash tells her how his grandmother wrote the novel Rebecca but, before it could be published, it was plagiarized by Daphne Du Maurier. He has proof in her diaries, he says, and tells Olivia he chose her because her second, much criticized novel was a version of Rebecca. In the days that follow, Ash’s proof does not materialize. The journals are being authenticated. Or translated. Or lost in the mail. Why is Ash so intent on keeping her with him?

Echoing Rebecca, The Fiction Writer begins “Last night I dreamt I went to Malibu again.” This clever novel within a novel is full of fiction writers, Olivia, her best friend, the grandmother, Ash’s dead wife, Charlotte Brontë and Du Maurier herself. The gothic themes are all here - the remote house, portrait of the gorgeous dead wife, the unfriendly housekeeper. This multilayered mystery is a delight. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Jillian Cantor for this ARC.

I haven’t read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, so I felt a little out of the loop—despite Cantor explaining bits of the novel. But I did enjoy the premise and the fact that du Maurier did actually have accusations of plagiarism tossed at her. I thought that was a really nice touch.

The use of excerpts from another novel was also clever. It kept me on my toes and second-guessing myself when I thought I had it all figured out.

However, there were a few things that kept me from truly enjoying the story. The main one was unfortunately the main character, Olivia.

While I can understand being kind of swept up by the reclusive, attractive author, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes every time the fact that he was voted “Sexiest Man Alive” by Time is stated. It’s something I would expect out of a high schooler, not a 30-something adult who supposedly understands that this deal will make or break her career. Despite all the inner reprimanding for falling for his charms and being unprofessional, the ease with which she just throws caution to the wind was confusing.

Along that same vein, once things start getting more crazy, her reactions just didn’t feel real. There were so many, not just flags, but huge, red, wacky waving inflatable tube men just flailing right in front of her face that she just…shrugs off? All of this in spite of her own inner conflicts with the weirdness going on and her beloved best friend’s pleading.

The best friend was the only character out of all who felt genuinely real to me. The only one that made any sort of sense.

Besides the main character, there were a couple of other things that bothered me a bit. One was some of the repetitive phrases being used, which overall isn’t terrible. But if it was often enough that I noticed and it didn’t help with the immersiveness. The other thing is the formatting. I typically wouldn’t mention anything like this considering I read an ARC, not the final product, but the poor formatting made it extremely hard to stay engaged with the story.

Overall, I was satisfied with this story. The premise and plot was intriguing enough to carry the book in spite of my general dislike of the main characters and the lack of immersion due to the formatting issues. I will likely give it a reread once the book is formally published to see if the polished version improves my current stance!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am not being compensated for this review.

(This review will not be posted on my public platforms—Standing Tree Reads blog, Goodreads, and StoryGraph—until the official publication date of November 28, 2023.)

Really enjoyed this book within a book novel by Jillian Kantor.

Olivia is at a crossroads in both her writing career and her love life. She takes a high paying job as a ghostwriter for a handsome billionaire who claims he has a story about his well known family to tell. Olivia meets employees and family members but has a hard time getting any real information. Things get complicated with old friends and weird occurrences and the plot thickens.

Well told story which I highly recommend!

What if Daphne du Maurier’s novel <I>Rebecca</I> was based on someone else’s life, and that person had started her own novel about her experiences. That is the basic premise behind Jillian Cantor’s novel <I>The Fiction Writer</I>, which I received as an Advanced Reader’s Copy through Net Galley. The book starts from a fascinating premise, presenting a novel within the novel as Olivia Fitzgerald is brought out to Malibu by Henry Asherwood III to write the story of his grandmother Emilia, who left behind journals about her life as the second Mrs. Asherwood in a story that remarkably parallels the story told by du Maurier. Cantor provides many twists and turns as the story progresses, leaving the reader frantic for Olivia’s safety as she tries to understand what Ash’s goals are with this project. The final twist caught this reader by surprise, though the circumstances leading up to the story’s denouement provide multiple opportunities for book club discussions on the aspects of revenge that lead to the book’s Epilogue. This is a book to be enjoyed even by people not familiar with du Maurier’s story or the movie versions of it; however, that familiarity definitely provides an additional layer of appreciation to what Cantor adds to the story.