I am so devastated. This could not possibly be written by the same author as The Woman in the Library. This felt as if it was pieced together. The writing style was not at all the same as her first book. Why????????

Thank you so much to Poisoned Press for the ARC!

After reading and enjoying The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill I was so excited to get my hands on this one- especially with that incredible cover! As an avid reader and thriller lover, the idea of a thriller about writing really enticed me.

The prologue definitely grabbed my attention as did the first few chapters as I was introduced to the characters. The storyline was definitely unique and as soon as Daniel was introduced, I knew there was going to be a lot more going on than meets the eye.

While I do think that the twist was creative, it just didn't connect with me and I struggled to understand what was going on at times. While there was so much going on, it still didn't hold my attention in the way that I hoped it would.

I still think this will be a big hit for a lot of readers!

This will be available on March 19th!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for an ARC of The Mystery Writer!

This book was overall good. The synopsis definitely overshares. It gives entirely too much away and the book is 400 pages.

I love a good conspiracy but in real life I'd be wearing a tinfoil hat if I went along with this one.

Theo was a typical 22 year old in this book - she was too smart to be that dumb and I found it frustrating but I think that might've been the point! Gus and Theo had their hands full lol

The pace of the book was great, it was easy to read but the last 25% it felt like it was scrambling to finish the story (again it's 400 pages) and I don't really enjoy the time jumps. The end left hanging.

I enjoyed myself and will look into some of the authors other books. 😊

I loved a previous book by the author and admit I was totally drawn in by the cover and title. Unfortunately the story for this one isn’t working for me and I decided to DNF. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.

Theo moves back to the states to finish her novel. HEr beloved husband and mentor is brutally murdered and she must find the murderer. When she discovers the murderer, Theo changes tactics very quickly to cover everything up. This was a fun read!

This is an author I will continue to follow. The story is compelling. It is written with detail, where it's needed, but doesn't belabor larger chunks of time, simply stating Years that have passed.

Here is an Australian girl (Theo) who is studying to be a lawyer, because her grandfather wants this, and is footing the bill. But, she doesn't want it, so she drops out and takes off to be with her brother in Kansas (who did finish his law degree and is a partner in his law firm). What Theo does want is to be a writer. Her brother wants to support her in her goal, and support her, he does. Through thick and thin, along with his "private eye" friend, who has secretly fallen in love with Theo. But when Theo disappears into thin air, her supporters don't give up on finding her. The author chooses to follow the story of Theo's brother and friend, rather than flip back and forth, to detail what has happened from Theo's perspective. In the end, all threads are tied up perfectly.

The first half of this book was excellent. Theo is writing a mystery at a bar. She meets an author there who she becomes close with - then the bodies start piling up.

At first, I found the prose well done and the pacing nice. In the second half, the author started to jump around in time, telling telling TELLING what had happened in the months/years since the last unexplained hop.

The editing seemed much less thorough in the second half as well. Like, how does Theo, who reads books and is literally writing a mystery, not know what a burner phone is?

I understand why the American nuts were necessary to the storyline but those characters were a one-dimensional, plot-forcing stereotype that no American - left, right, or center - will relate to. (Also, no American adult is confused by the expression "Cheers.." It's a thing in the US. My 4-year-old does cheers when we are both eating carrots.)

I liked Theo and Gus.

The resolution was too unbelievable for me. (How could such a thing be profitable??)

I fortunately hadn't read the synopsis, but yikes it gives away 90% of the story. If you're on the fence about reading this book, just read the back, add some weak romance and vague anti-American nonsense, and you know the story.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I can say this is my first read from this Author and I really like this mystery. This book drew me in front the start. The conspiracy theories, I enjoy a-lot and the plot was informative, Plus the writing was good..
Thank you Net galley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful well crafted story.

This book was certainly a ride. I can't say that it is particularly a murder mystery that is up my alley. The initial premise of the book was so exciting. I had really high expectations for what this book could become, but they all eventually fell flat. The actual plot of the mystery just felt so dragged out, that by the time the action began, I was already bored and starting to forget what the original issue was to begin with. Also, I did not like the ending of the book. It felt messy, disconnected, and confusing.

This might just be a me issue, but I truly felt so lost in the last 1/3 of the book. The beginning of the book was quite slow and by the time we got to the end, we were going way too quickly. Big plot points would happen, but it felt like the story just quickly glossed over them. Also, maybe I'm just not smart enough for this book, but I'm really confused about the ending. It just didn't fit the overall tone of the book at all, and felt like it could be the ending of some YA dystopian story instead of a small-town murder mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

I really liked the flow of this book. The way conspiracy site comments were intertwined with the narrative was interesting and well done. Mac, Gus, and Theo are great main characters and they were developed well. I’ve previously read a different book from this author, The Woman in the Library, and liked this one more. I do like how the author consulted a friend familiar with Kansas to set the scene because it felt more real and made it easier to get engrossed into the setting.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

I love books about writing and the world of books in general, so when I saw that the author of "The Woman in the Library" had written another book involving writing and publishing, I jumped at the chance to read it. I wasn't disappointed.

When Theodosia Benton decides she'd rather be a writer than a lawyer, she leaves university in Australia. She appears on her brother Gus's doorstep in Lawrence, Kansas, all set to begin a new life. She quickly falls in with a crowd of local writers, including the mysterious Dan Murdoch, who becomes her mentor and lover. When Murdoch is brutally murdered, Theo becomes the prime suspect. She also becomes the target of a conspiracy group and finds her own life in danger. Feeling her options are limited, and with the focus of the police investigation shifting to Gus, Theo decides to forfeit her ambitions and try and save her brother by confessing to a murder she didn't commit. But will her plan work?

This is an imaginatively plotted book with many subplots and red herrings. The reader is kept in the dark as to how Theo's plan of confessing to the murder will help find the killer, and with the slow reveals, I was kept guessing until the end. "The Mystery Writer" is a fast-paced murder mystery with a glimpse of the world of conspiracy theorists and doomsday preppers that is both a captivating and rewarding read. 4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is March 19, 2024.

This was an enjoyable read. It’s a bit slow to start but then picks up. The characters are relatable and nicely developed. I especially liked Theo’s brother. The background has an interesting storyline running through it that definitely had its roots in some current issues. I was especially intrigued with that layer of the story. While this had me questioning the characters throughout the book, this was not a nail biter for me and I never found myself amazed by any huge twists. In fact, just when it felt like things were picking up and the author was going to give us some intense moments, the end rushed in and explained itself rather than allow me to experience it.

This was unfortunately not my favorite. The ending felt rushed and I just couldn’t get into it. Thank you for this ARC!

This dramatic and satisfying mystery starts out slowly but by the end is ricocheting off the walls and around the room at breakneck speed from one thing to the next - it was great. Not necessarily believable and yet still so much fun. But then again, what do I know about conspiracies? A young woman decides to abandon law school and become a writer by leaving Australia and moving in with her brother, an absolute golden retriever of a young attorney in the midwestern town of Lawrence, Kansas. She starts writing at a local coffee shop/pub and meets other writers, and is soon pulled into a web of conspiracy and murder in the face of tragedy.

Fun and impossible for me to put down once I hit the last third of the book.

There were WAY too many working parts of this book to keep straight and actually enjoy it. Theo gives up on being a lawyer and shows up at her brother’s house with the dream of being a writer instead. Involving herself romantically with an experienced writer, ultimately leaves him turned up dead. Throw in some conspiracy theories, and some even pacing, and you stay enthralled, until the ending totally tanks the whole book for me.

I absolutely loved this author's previous book, 'The Woman in the Library' so I was excited to pick up this one.

The book's about an Australian woman, Theo, who drops out of law school to move in with her brother in the US and fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Her brother Gus is supportive and encourages her to spend her days writing. She meets a fellow writer who she admires and everything is going peachy until people start getting attacked, shot at and murdered.

Conspiracies abound and Theo, Gus and their friend Mac find themselves at the centre of it all. It's a little hard to parse the conspiracy stuff and I have to admit to confusion, even after all was revealed at the end.

The characters were interesting and I loved the Australian-isms. It's just that the plot had my head spinning and I felt the ending was rushed.

I would still read anything by this author as the style and pace is excellent.

I'm going to give this one 3.5 stars rounded up to4.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4.5/5

I loved this book! I live in Australia, and most of the books I read are set in the US, so I don't get to see references to things I know that often. But here the MC was Australian, even though she went to the US, so I had all those little references to things I know - and I loved that. I also really enjoyed the amusement/confusion she had when learning about American ways - like guns! I thought it was very funny.

So many parts spoke to me - I have never highlighted a book so much. I loved how the conspiracy theories were described (even more when I realised why they were described that way!). The way the little details were brought together was fantastic, I had no clue what was going to happen and I loved it! Although I was nervous and worried about the characters.

The intricacies of the mystery were done so well that after I found out who did what, I knew I should have guessed it by picking up the little details - but I have to admit this time I had no idea to the very last second! And even then, I did not figure out how more complicated things were. So yeah, this book surprised me and I loved it! And I kind of fell in love with all of the characters, Mac in particular.

I only wish there was more at the end about the conspiracy theories (maybe there is going to be another book?). I need to know what happens next - and how all this worked so well. I need more! I'm definitely going to read all the other books by this author.

The Mystery Writer is a complex mystery with a unique plot that, at times, challenged me to follow along with the twisty story. Theo Benton has left law school to finish her novel while staying with her brother Gus. When she meets and builds a relationship with renowned author Dan Murdoch, she hopes that he will be able to help her get her novel published. Unfortunately, Dan is brutally murdered, and what follows is both unexpected and distrubing. As her brother gets pulled into the murder investigation as the prime suspect, she is presented with a publishing opportunity from Dan's former agency. There as several odd coincidences and a scary conspiracy theory group that play into the overall story. I enjoyed the story, however, I felt like I never completely understood some motivations and I wanted the ending to be explained more completely. I have enjoyed Sulari Gentill's previous books and am looking forward to what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Do you love a good mystery? Are you looking for a new twist on your everyday murder mystery? Then mystery writer is for you. This is not a cozy mystery but one steeped with action, intrigue, and conspiracy.
Gentil will keep you on your seat wanting to know what is happening to Theo, Gus and Mac. Will everything work out for these characters?
There is some romance involved but it is fairly clean and closed door. Other than some mild language this is a great read.