2 disappointing stars

I went into this one with high hopes based on an earlier read by this author. I must say that I was disappointed with this one. The plot is hard to follow, the ending felt rushed and jumped around, and I can’t say that I enjoyed the ride.

Theo and Gus grew up in Australia and Tasmania, although Gus has been in the US for years. Theo decides to leave law school and shows up at Gus’s house in Lawerence, Kansas.

Theo is writing a book and befriends a successful writer at a local coffee shop. The two grow closer until tragedy strikes.

Gus is an attorney and looks forward to spending more time with his sister. However, it isn’t meant to be a sweet reunion as bodies start piling up around Theo, and she becomes a suspect.

Filled with conspiracy theories and murder, this one was too complex and uneven. I did like the big dog in this one, Horsey, and Gus’s friend Mac. There was also a supportive sibling relationship between Gus and Theo.

Let me just say... this story did not go in the direction I was expecting and I think I enjoyed it far more because of that.

Main character Theodosia "Theo" Benton abandons her law studies to seek a career as a writer, moving from Australia to small town Lawrence, KS to live with her brother, Gus. With a tumultuous past lingering the background, Theo soon immerses herself in the world of writing upon meeting famous author Dan Murdoch.

First comes love, then comes murder. Theo is thrust face-first into scandal when she discovered Murdoch's body and a missing manuscript. Now, Theo and those around her are all threatened as they seek to find the reasoning behind the murder and just how far people will go in their beliefs.

Truly, I was not expecting the lesson to be brought out of this. The novel was intricately woven together, a multi-layered masterpiece that digs deep into the world of writers, conspiracy theories, and the power of words and their influence on society and beliefs. This is a timely suspense thriller that starts slow but builds up to a huge finish, tying it all together in a beautiful way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!

I have a habit of automatically requesting books from authors that I have enjoyed before-often without even reading the premise! Next year, I will have to be more discerning, and start reading the synopsis to determine if the particular story is REALLY a fit for me, despite past positive experiences with the author!

Had I done so in this case, (and the synopsis really shares too much!) I wouldn’t have requested this book, as I know that I rarely enjoy a story about conspiracy theories or the people who believe in them. But, unfortunately, the plot wasn’t the only issue that I had with this book.

**

Theo Benton has left the University she has been attending, convinced that her career path as an attorney is the wrong path for her, and shown up on her brother's doorstep in Kansas with two suitcases and an unfinished novel.

She decides to finish her book at cafe/bar called “Benders”, which happens to already have a highly successful “writer in residence”, Dan Murdoch, who quickly becomes her mentor-until he is brutally murdered.

Could his senseless death have anything to do with the Conspiracy Theories he has been researching?
Was he involved or is there another agenda at work?

Theo is determined to find out.

Despite her good intentions, I could not connect with Theo, who comes across as a weepy, naive “damsel in distress” who needs continual rescuing from her brother Gus, and his friend and associate, Mac, whose family are “Doomsday Preppers”.

Also, as written, you would believe that all Americans run around armed with a gun.

In addition, despite 400 pages, the last 30% has several ABRUPT time jumps, to move the story to its denouement, making the ending feel extremely rushed- and over the top!!

“After She Wrote Him” earned 4 stars from me, and “The Woman in the Library” earned 5 stars and a place on my FAVORITE READS shelf for 2022, so I am sure this is a one off and I am still looking forward to seeing what Sulari Gentill pens next.

2 stars ⭐️

Available to those who might be the right audience for this book on March 19, 2024.

Thank You to the Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 11%. I really hated the 'relationship' between Dan and Theo. It feels out of place and a little too predatory for me to be okay with reading. I figured Dan would be murdered because of this and after checking the blurb it seems I was correct. The problem is that the tension and the pull of Theo into Dan's death doesn't need them to have a romance-- even if she just had a crush on him it could have a similar response. Let alone, the fact that he's already her mentor which should be enough of a reason to pull her into the murder investigation. Either way, their romantic relationship is needless.

I was also hoping that she'd use the murder investigation to write her book or her book as a method to help her solve the mystery, but no she just writes it in it's entirety before anyone is even killed. Which means that 1) the book writing becomes a subplot, when it could be excellently woven into the A-plot (the murder) and 2) that the murder takes way too long to begin. If I'm reading a murder mystery of course there needs to be some introduction to the plot, but I feel like this one had too much before the actual plot started.

Overall, I can see ways to make these problems better-- like if it's discussed later on in the book just how the relationship is problematic or her book gets rejected and she has to rewrite it. However, I just can't deal with these problems long enough to see if those things do happen.

The point where I officially gave up on this one was when it started going into some weird pro-American statements about how kind Americans are.

I really enjoyed "The Mystery Writer" by Sulari Gentill. The reader had to pay close attention to unravel the mystery in the plot, which was very intricate. The writer's style was excellent and the characters were very believable.

I would recommend it to fans of mysteries, thrillers, and writers. I also enjoyed the author's previous book "The Woman In The Library" and look forward to reading more novels by this author.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

I enjoyed the author's last book and was looking forward to this one, which started out okay and then took a drive off a cliff. I held on to the end but wasn't enjoying the ride all that much. My favorite characters were Gus, Mac, and a dog named Horse but with a plot that went haywire, I didn't have all that much fun with them.

Theo has dropped out of school and had shown up at the doorstep of her brother Gus and the sweet dog, Horse. There is a will involved and Theo is breaking the stipulations of the will. But Theo wants to write, to be a great author, and she's come to Gus for a place to live.

Life turns very bright when Theo meets the famous author Dan Murdoch at the coffee shop where she writes. He becomes her friend and mentor and life is good until it's not good anymore. Someone has murdered Dan and Theo and Gus are suspects!

Throughout the story we see social medial posts from some strange usernames saying strange things. Since I couldn't connect the dots there wasn't much I could do with those posts. But then the whole story goes strange on me. I need more of an explanation to enjoy such a long book when I've for sure lost the plot (maybe I never had it?) and feel totally at sea. And then there are some very unpleasant time jumps. There is too much book in some places while there are also places where a lot of years have been left out. The moving forward in time are the quickest and most jarring time jumps I've read. By the time I'd gotten to the end, it was hard to care that I got there.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you for allowing me to read this advance copy. I finished the book in one sitting because I enjoyed the characters. I thought that the end premise was hard to believe. I’m sure some people will like it more than I did.

Sulari Gentill creates a winding web of deception. It took me a while, but I was sucked right into the conspiracy that Theo and her brother Gus faced. There were so many different parts, and I was left constantly trying to piece this puzzle together.

In The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill, protagonist Theodosia Benton abandons her legal career to pursue writing, leading her into a hidden literary world where identity can be reshaped for the sake of an audience. When her mentor, a successful author, is murdered, Theo becomes embroiled in a complex mystery. As suspicions fall on her brother, Gus, Theo takes unconventional steps to protect him. The novel expertly navigates the labyrinth of literary conspiracies, introducing eccentric characters and weaving familial dynamics into the plot. Gentill's deliberate pacing builds tension, offering readers a cozy mystery thriller without gratuitous gore. While the story lacks a dramatic twist, the explanation is satisfying, and the well-developed characters, particularly the sibling relationship, add depth. The Mystery Writer is a captivating blend of mystery, family bonds, and the intricacies of the literary world, ensuring a satisfying and engaging read.

Another intriguing and unique plot from Sulari Gentil. Good follow-up to The Woman in the Library.
I very much appreciated a story that doesn't feel like I have ever heard it before.
Theodosia is the heroine who shows up at her brother's home in the US. She abandons her career in law and wants to be a writer. The back story of Theodosia and Gus is revealed as the story progresses and it was most interesting .
Theodosia connects with a published writer and others in the literary world. The writer is murdered just as they seem to be beginning a romance.
I found the plot clever and shocking! The conspiracy part of the story was at first confusing but the reveal of the significance was pretty amazing. There are little blurbs/exchanges on social media scattered through the story that build to this.
What I did not particularly like was the bit near the end where Theodosia "disappears" for a very long time. I thought this detracted from the impact of the story.
I really enjoy the author's plot process and character development.
Very unique book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC to read and review.

The Mystery Writer was an easy-to-read, quirky story. The action was steady and there were several surprising twists and turns leading to a good mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.

"Perhaps the dead are afraid to live as much as we are afraid to die."

I might have rated it more if not for the ending. This is a story of Theo, who left her promising career as a lawyer to become a writer. There is not much plot building for her passion so this feels rather spontaneous decision than a thoughtful and provocative one. At no point we come to realise how powerful of a writer Dan Or Theo herself are because to be honest , there is not a single thing to prove so other than how their books are instant international best sellers.

Characters are many , the plot is confusing and when I was quite intrigued in the mystery, the story took a turn for the worst. It was like after writing and giving so many twists and characters, writer was not sure how to end it to make it interesting. Even though ending is full of action, I had lost interest with sudden twist which was just not so interesting and did not even make any sense.

It's like she did not know how to add up everything in the end. Even after about 400 pages of writing, we did not know for sure who had actually committed the first murder which led to whole story. This felt overthought and pointless even. The whole publishing conspiracy theory did not add up.

Also Theo is one of the most infuriating and frustrating character I have come across. She is dumb, falls in love with every man she comes in contact with and totally attention seeking. I mean if she did not want anyone to know anything then why did she leave the clues towards the end?

Mac and Gus were good but I wanted them to move on from Theo coz she might have got them killed with her stupidity.

Overall okay read but not great.

Thanks Netgalley and poisoned pen press for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I enjoyed this one. Siblings living far from their parents in Australia become tied up in a murder mystery. Theo decides not to pursue a career as a lawyer and chooses to follow her dream of becoming an author. Unfortunately, she becomes caught up in a murder mystery that threatens her family and her future.

I found this to be a quick read that kept my interest and the till. I liked the characters and although some of the plot seemed far fetched, I was into it. This story took a look at the things people are willing to do to keep their secrets and pursue their dreams.

I extend my gratitude to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc., for granting me access to an advanced copy of this novel.
As I ventured into Sulari Gentill's literary landscape for the first time, I was immediately entranced by the author's distinct writing style and narrative finesse showcased in "The Mystery Writer." The story's intricate web of unexpected developments kept me thoroughly engrossed. I look forward to reading additional books from this author.
The story follows Theo (Theodosia), who boldly steps away from her pursuit of law to embrace her passion for writing, embarking on a journey that leads her to visit her brother Gus unexpectedly in the heart of Kansas. As she immerses herself in her writing at a local coffee shop, she encounters the renowned author, Dan Murdoch, sparking an unlikely friendship that holds promise for her aspirations. However, her hopes for a coveted introduction to Murdoch's editor and publisher are dashed when tragic circumstances befall the author, plunging Theo into a gripping mystery.
Simultaneously, an enigmatic online conspiracy forum, led by the elusive figure Primus, creates an atmosphere of impending conflict as their leader inexplicably disappears, leaving the forum members in disarray.
Theo finds herself entangled in the ensuing police investigation, becoming a focal point of suspicion. With her brother Gus rallying support from Mac, an investigator from his law firm who boasts doomsday prepping skills, the trio endeavors to uncover the truth behind the unsettling events. Yet, as they delve deeper, adversity befalls Gus, with job loss, break-ins, and inexplicable occurrences adding layers of complexity to the already intricate plot.
Gentill masterfully crafts a narrative rife with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that readers remain constantly engaged and surprised throughout the journey. In conclusion, Sulari Gentill's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this enthralling novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the intricacies of the plot and the well-crafted characters, and I eagerly anticipate sharing my recommendation of this captivating read with fellow book enthusiasts.

6/10

I was really intrigued by the title and premise of this story. It actually starts off pretty damn good.

Theodosia (who goes as Theo) just left law school in Australia and has surprisingly showed up on her older brothers doorstep in Lawrence, Kansas. She's had enough of law school. She doesn't want to be a lawyer, she wants to be a novelist.

So she starts writing a novel.

Suddenly, and mysteriously, her mentor gets murdered. Life begins to unravel in crazy ways. The murder mystery becomes really darn intriguing as Theo, her brother and his friend all try to figure out what the heck is going on.

That last for about 80% of the book, at which point it jumps the shark.

Here's what, to me, it seems like happened... Sulari came up with a really good premise for a story and did a general outline of it. She then began writing the story and kept thinking of intriguing new elements to bring in.

She got 80% of the way through the book and suddenly realized she didn't have a way to end it and didn't have a simple way to tie all the different characters into some sort of simple conclusion. So she spent the next 20% of the book finishing the story in a way that was so incongruent with how things happened in the first 80%. Still not able to bring it to a close, she came up with a complicated explanation in the last few pages for each character that, frankly, required too much thinking for me to care about.

I sure wish this book had stopped 80% of the way in. It would've been so much better.

#netgalley #themysterywriter

Giving up her studies to become a lawyer, Theodosia Benton leaves Australia to join her brother in Lawrence, Kansas, with the dream of becoming a writer. She soon meets and becomes romantically involved with renowned reclusive writer Dan Murdoch. When Murdoch is brutally murdered in his home, Theo and her brother, Gus, find themselves in grave danger as the body count rises.

I’m a huge fan of Gentill’s Rowland Sinclair series but have so far been disappointed in her standalone mysteries. This story feels disjointed, the pacing is off, the characters feel flat, and the plot is convoluted and confusing. The plot involves doomsday preppers and conspiracy theorists, an angle that should have been interesting, but they weren’t well integrated into the story. Most of the action takes place in the last 20% of the book when things move very quickly and are confusing.

The characters felt flat and overall I just didn’t really enjoy my experience with this novel. I don’t think I’ll pick up further standalone novels by Gentill but continue to highly recommend the Rowland Sinclair series.

This was an interesting read. Different from what I normally read, but was still enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫3.5/5

Dive into a conspiracy theories-fueled thriller with multiple cadavers and plot twists! After deciding to leave her studies in law to pursue a career as a writer, Theo Benton finds herself living with her brother Gus in Lawrence, Kansas. A chance encounter with a famous writer, who eventually becomes a mentor, throws Theo into a spider web of narratives that she struggles to understand and control. Can she find out who is the killer in time?

🗺️ Set in unassuming Lawrence, Kansas that plays a central role in this book, with doomsday conspirators and pubs named after serial killers (look up Bloody Benders 😲). The location serves as a getaway for aspiring writers and folks who want to escape their pasts.

👥 Gus Benton, Theo Benton & Mac Etheridge form the unlikeliest of protagonists with unconventional backgrounds. Two Australian-born siblings with hippie parents and a friend with doomsday preppers for a family, these characters set the tone for the book quite early on.

🔏 Packed with a series of unexpected events, this entertainer rapidly evolves into an extraordinary and grand narrative. It's sure to captivate your attention right up to its conclusion.

🖊️ Sulari Gentill's engaging, plot-driven style shines in this book. She cleverly adds unexpected twists (like a sudden dead body) to revitalize the plot, as she revealed in an interview. Her observational approach, placing characters in varied scenarios to see their reactions, is effectively showcased here, keeping the reader hooked throughout.

💥 Snippets from conspiracy theory chatrooms add an intriguing aspect to an otherwise engaging tale, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

💫 This heart-racing entertainer with a unique premise and non-traditional characters, makes for a fast-paced read with a few plot holes. A great book for both thriller and crime fiction lovers.

Lots of twits, interesting characters. I don't want to give anything away, but this is a must-read.
Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this book.

Theodosia Benton abandons her pursuit of a law degree and her home country of Australia when she has an altercation with a professor, which mirrors a childhood trauma. Theo appears unannounced on her brother Gus’ doorstep as she looks for a new start. She meets author Dan Murdoch while working on a novel at a coffee shop. Murdoch helps Theo with her writing and as their friendship grows, Murdoch is murdered. Theo is pulled into a a dark conspiracy that threatens to destroy her career and life.