3.5/5 stars rounded up

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the advanced listening copy!

SYNOPSIS -- Theodosia Benton is making a drastic career switch; after giving up her path as an attorney in Australia, she moves across the country to stay with her brother and work on writing her first novel. Though scared at the prospect of failing, Theo dives head first into the task, taking up residence at a local bar day after day to get work done. While there, she's lucky enough to stumble upon her literary idol and *gasp* he's willing to read her manuscript. However, the next day, Theo finds out he's been brutally murdered, and Theo and her brother become prime suspects, thrown deep into the dark and complex world of authors that no one knows.

This book was SO CLOSE to being fantastic. The premise was so there and the plot was a wild ride. There was just something a little bit too haphazard about the story telling for me to fully connect to it. Theo was a great character -- naive enough to get herself into some precarious situations but smart enough to get herself out. Her main supporting characters were likeable and believable. There were some really clever surprises and twists throughout this book that kept me guessing until the end. And the end... what a wild ride! I do think this book was a bit too long and that parts of it dragged way more than they needed to. Like I said, so close to being great, but this one was just solidly... good. I like Sulari Gentill's style, though, and I'll definitely read more of hers if given the opportunity!

This is the second story I've read by Sulari Gentill, and as much as it's very different from the first one I read, I found it equally engaging and intelligently written.

Normally, I'm not into stories about conspiracy theories, but living and working in the publishing world myself, I always gravitate toward stories about books and authors. And this one did not disappoint, even though some of the characters were a bit one-dimensional at times.

As Theodosia Benton begins working on her first novel, she is befriended by well-known writer Dan Murdoch, who takes her under his wing. But when her novel is finally finished, he refuses to introduce her to his agent, which leaves her hurt and perplexed. Before that can be resolved, though, he is inexplicably murdered and Theo becomes the primary suspect.

The more she tries to unravel the mystery of what's going on, the more of a Gordian knot she unveils and the more trouble she involves her brother and his friend in. As the body count increases, it becomes a race to figure out who the murder is before one of them is arrested or killed.

I really enjoyed how the story came together in the end!

Thank you to Sulari Gentill, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for an advance review copy. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This was a good one! I find Sulari’s writing to be fresh and it grabs me in a more unique way than a lot of thrillers. I love that it is set in such a literary world. The audiobook narration was really fantastic.

3.5 stars.

Theo Benton moved to the United States from Australia to finish her novel. She was soon drawn into a literary labyrinth involving unexpected players, where identity was something that could be lost and remade for the sake of sales and readership.

This book started really strong! It was really good at grabbing my attention and sucking me in. I loved reading about Theo’s writing journey, including her process to try getting published. The chat forums between the chapters really intrigued me, as I couldn’t see yet how they could relate to Theo’s world.

Not gonna lie, the middle part lost me a little bit, as the story diverged even further instead of coming together. Theo as a character felt a bit naive and young for her age, and she kept getting into things headfirst without reading the red flags!

Fortunately, when the story finally converged back in the end, it all made sense to me. I still had to suspend disbelief at some details, but this was fiction after all! All in all, it was a fast, fun read (delivered well via a smooth narration in the audiobook format). I’m definitely going to read more books from the author!

I REALLY enjoyed THE MYSTERY WRITER, and I do think I enjoyed it even more than THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY (which I loved) because it was a little easier to follow start to finish with fewer ????s for the reader at the end.
The story is wildly timely in an age when the public is so easily manipulated by conspiracy theories and problematic suspicions and plots. This was a great backdrop for a murder mystery and I really enjoyed Theodosia and Gus' connection and family backstory. This was twisty and full of surprises and I loved how the tension developed. I did want to scream at Theo a bit for not taking the danger of the situation seriously enough, but then I would remind myself that she was young, not in the limelight, and would have been naturally unable to wrap her mind around the fact that she'd landed in the center of a wild plot. This was really good start to finish.
Excellent narrator!

A writer encounters a murdered friend and must deal with the repercussions. Sadly, I never really got into this. It was a little more literary and less suspenseful for my taste and I wasn’t interested at all in the conspiracy theories storyline. There was too much posturing. I may put this author aside for now as I wasn’t that excited about her first book either. The narrator of the audiobook was ok but this was hard for me to follow.

I primarly read the romance genre but occasionally I like to go outside my reading comfort zone with a good thriller or mystery. This book was perfect for doing just that! I was instantly drawn into Theo's life and the mystery that kept unfolding around Dan Murdock - constatnly wondering how all the pieces would come together. This book kept me engaged the entire time and left me as a satisfied reader at the end. The creativity to weave this story and characters together was superb! The storyline of Theo and Dan and then later the chemistry between Theo and Mac also delighted the romance reader in me.

Katherine Littrell did an excellent job of bringing this mystery read to life. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, which is kudos to her wonderful narrating!


Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an odd book. I went in expecting something entirely different from what I got - for better or worse. I was totally invested in Theo and Dan's relationship and kinship over writing and was definitely surprised with how that played out. I was also really intrigued by the conspiracy theories (which were definitely unexpected), but everything went just a little too far for me.

There were red flags and breadcrumbs that will likely be obvious to a seasoned reader, but even still, I enjoyed how everything played out. There was major suspension of belief but I think listening to the book on audio helped with that for me. I could totally seeing this play out as a Netflix series and I would be GLUED to it!

Much of the novel was focused on a short period of time, but suddenly, years passed. It felt slow and rushed all at the same time which was a little jarring.

This book is unique. Again, not what I was expecting or really wanting but overall I did enjoy it. If it sounds interesting, I definitely recommend the audio.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Press, and Dreamscape Media for the copy.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill is a literary thriller about an aspiring writer who meets and falls in love with her literary idol—only to find him murdered the day after she gave him her manuscript to read.

I initially picked this up because I like metafiction and I really enjoyed the author’s last book, The Woman in the Library. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as enthused by this one and I DNFed the book at 21%.

Since it’s mentioned in the publisher’s blurb, this book heavily features the concept of conspiracy theories, and that’s never really a hook for me. I also couldn’t really relate with our main POV character, Theo. To steal from another fandom, she often acted TSTL. The story felt pretty convoluted to me, and the pacing was so slow I quickly became disinterested.

I still plan to try the next book Gentill puts out, though.

I don't know, I enjoyed this book on one level. The characters are likable, and the story kept my interest, but something about this book... it was so outlandish! SO OUTLANDISH. Like.... [A gang of shamed authors controlled by an all consuming agency?! Like What? Writers who had been through controversy eventually turning to murder and intimidation tactics, because their publishers had complete control of their lives? Too much Gentill, too much. (hide spoiler)]

I wanted it to be more believable. For a story that spans years... I wanted more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance copy given in exchange for my honest review.

Theodora Benton, has just decided she needs a career change. She has left her law school in hopes of becoming an author, she knows she can do it, she just needs some time to write, and show everyone what she's capable of. So her brother is the one she reaches out to, and he is there to support her in her efforts. While Theo is writing at her brother's she begins looking for somewhere other than his house to write. Her favorite place is a local Pub, which she soon takes up daily residence. Ironically, there is already a resident literary star there, and coincidently is one of Theo's idols. So as she befriends him, he offers to help her navigate some of the hurdles in the literary world. However, the day after Theo shares her brand new manuscript she discovers him dead in his house...

This is truly a bizarre book that takes you for a journey. It covers so much ground so quickly its easy to get sucked in, but also a little lost. I am still trying to figure out the purpose of some of the characters and details even after finishing the novel. It reminds me of an action movie meet book lover... The publishing industry is also not painted in a positive light. Overall, I will say the audiobook was well-produced, and the narrators were good and easy to listen. The story line however was a bit too spread-out and very far-fetched (at least for my liking).

Sulari Gentill is a new to me author, but I've heard good things about her prior book, The Woman in the Library, so I requested her new book.

It focuses on Theo, who impulsively quits law school in Australia and moves to the U.S. to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist. To save money, she moves in with her older brother. While writing daily at a local establishment, she meets and befriends a famous male author, who becomes her mentor. Shockingly, Theo goes to his house one day and discovers he has been murdered. From the beginning, the book also weaves in a message board of Internet conspiracy theorists, which play a larger role later in the story. This part of the book moved at a good pace and kept me intrigued.

I did not really enjoy how the story progressed after the initial murder. Of course, Theo and her brother Gus become prime suspects, and then additional murders start to occur. Like some other reviews mentioned, I had difficulty connecting with and relating to Theo, as she just seemed so naive and made some unrealistic choices.

Overall, this book started out strong and if it had remained that way, I would have given it 4 stars. However, the time jumps, abrupt ending, and unrealistic villain at the end did not work for me. I am still willing to give her other book a chance, however.

I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy:
*BIPOC authors
*Books about authors & writing books
*Conspiracy theories
*Anti-establishment

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Poison Pen Press for an advance copy of this book.

I was listening to the audiobook and found myself confused and irritated. The narrative seems to be shifting between three different perspectives, and one seems to be a book within a book. Problem is, that book within a book is not for me at all. There’s conspiracy and defiling the dead and an unknown villain, and it’s not my cup of tea at all.

I didn’t love the book inside a book idea. The narrator was okay and kind of took away from the book.

"The Mystery Writer" captivates readers with its enthralling thriller narrative and meticulously crafted plotline. Sulari Gentill, in her debut novel, showcases remarkable storytelling prowess that instantly captivates and leaves a lasting impression. As a newcomer to Gentill's work, I find myself drawn into the intricate world she has created, eagerly turning pages and eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. It's evident that Gentill has a unique talent for weaving suspenseful tales that keep readers on the edge of their seats. "The Mystery Writer" not only establishes Gentill as a notable author in the thriller genre but also earns her a devoted fan in me

Hm, I was hoping to love the book within a book vibe like The Plot but I didn't as much here. I liked the idea of meeting a famous author writing a book in a coffee shop and learning etc and finding them dead but I didn't love either character and it was all a bit random. There was like bonus borderline cult stuff happening hahah. The whole thing felt a little disconnected and I didn't feel like the plto was all that cohesive.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill might be seen as a scathing denouncement of the publishing industry if one were a cynic. Whatever the message, it was an excellent mystery, full of murder, threats, veiled or otherwise, and intrigue. It was comprised of a group of misfits lurking on the Internet to a young writer, hoping to publish her first work. Theodosia Benton, (Theo) had left law school in Australia and arrived on her brother’s doorstep without a real plan. She knew she didn’t want to return to law school. She and her brother were part aborigine, Australia. Their parents were vagabonds but wanted the best for their children. Gus was a lawyer, in Lawrence, Kansas. Theo would never be a lawyer. She took to spending her days in what was a cafe by day and a bar by night, writing. There were others writers there although they didn’t interact much. Until one day one did. Dan Murdoch. They became friends, then they made love, then he was murdered.

What a good story this was, if a little overboard, but most fictional murders are, aren’t they? Theo’s problems stemmed from immaturity, until they didn’t and she handled something, if not well, better. She trusted her publisher. Why wouldn’t she? They had published Dan’s books. They wanted what was best for her, didn’t they? What a good character. Her brother Gus, was as well. Both pretty clean cut young adults. Her parents were odd, but? The plot was improbable but interesting and well-thought-out. It kept me wondering. I figured out a little of it early on but hardly to the full extent. The only issue I have with the fabulous book is that the ending seemed a little rushed. It was like she didn’t really know how to end it and had a word limit. That didn’t negate the quality of the whole, however. Thanks, Sulari Gentill!

The narrator was Katherine Littrell who was excellent. She kept the momentum and made me want to keep listening. She was the perfect narrator for this book. Couldn’t have asked for a better one.

I was invited to read The Mystery Writer by Poisoned Pen Press and listen by Dreamscape Media. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PoisonedPenPress #DreamscapeMedia #SulariGentill #TheMysteryWriter

3.5⭐️
( Audiobook - 4⭐)

When twenty-two-year-old Theodosia “Theo” Benton drops out of law school in Australia, she ends up in Lawrence, Kansas, at the home of her older brother Gus, a practicing lawyer. Theo is an aspiring writer and Gus is supportive of her goals, encouraging her to pursue her dreams. At Gus’ insistence, she finds a place to sit and write - a bar named Benders where she meets Dan Murdoch, a best-selling author whom she quickly befriends. Dan encourages Theo and from him, she begins to understand how the publishing world works. But when Dan is brutally murdered, Theo, Gus, and their friend Mac are drawn into a complex web of conspiracy, lies, deception, and murder. As the narrative progresses, Theo realizes that all was not as it seemed right in Dan’s world and that sometimes the truth can be stranger than fiction.

I was intrigued by the premise of The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill. Cleverly crafted and well-paced, with a solid mystery at its core with some interesting twists along the way, this novel surely held a lot of promise. My first problem with the novel was the fact that I wasn’t a fan of Theo, who is portrayed to be a bit too naïve for my liking. I did like the other characters and especially loved reading about their lives in Tasmania and the bond between the adult siblings even though they didn’t spend much time together growing up. The conspiracy theories and doomsday preppers added to the intrigue (and the entertainment value) in the story and I was eager to see where the characters finally landed. I also wasn’t a fan of the time jumps (yes, more than one) toward the end which made me feel like I was missing parts of the story, despite the narrative feeling a tad too lengthy. Usually, I love complicated mysteries and enjoy trying to guess the identity of the culprit and don’t mind suspending disbelief. However, the plot became too convoluted (laughably so) toward the end and way over the top for me to appreciate the direction of the story or the final revelations.

I really enjoyed The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill and was eager to read the author’s new book. While the premise of the novel is enticing, and I found some of the characters and plot twists definitely interesting, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I had hoped.

I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Katherine Littrell. The excellent narration breathes life into the story and the characters and makes for an engaging immersion reading experience. The audio narration definitely enhanced my overall experience with this novel.

Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy and Dreamscape Media for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The narrator is great but I just couldn't get into this one. I thought it was slow going at the beginning and while the blurb made it sound exciting, I didn't find that to be the case with this book. I didn't like the FMC, I found to be ridiculous at times. The ending had me confused as all get out.

Parts of it also reminded me of the author's first novel:
1) Australian woman moves to the U.S., (acts like she moved from Mars to Earth)
2) There are coffee shops
3) Friends made along the way

Definitely not for me.

A big "Thank you!" to Sulari Gentill, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for an eARC of The Mystery Writer.

I want to start off by saying I L-O-V-E-D this book! The plot was so interesting, the narrator was great, and I honestly did not want this book to end! It was one of my favorite books of 2024 so far!

Things I loved:

The plot was so multi-layered. Gentill sets up the reader to think there is something fishy going on with Dan's murder, but as we learn more we start to truly wonder if Dan's research into conspiracy theories actually really got him killed. Was it an aggressive fan, did Theo or her brother actually kill him, or was it someone from the Frankenstein Project?!

The characters were so relatable and lovable. Theo is just trying to make it by after some horrific events. Gus is being a great older brother by being there for her, even when she made some unfortunate mistakes. Together they grew up under less than ideal circumstances, but it brought them together and I loved how they were both constantly thinking of each other.

The twist about 3/4 of the way through had me so confused. After all Gus, Theo, and Mack had researched and fought for, to have Theo just vanish?? Seriously?? But it made for a great ending and really tied up some loose ends.

Things I didn't love:

That this book ended! I got so invested in the characters that I wanted to read more about how their lives turned out and if another agency like Day Delos appeared in the future! Also - did Mack's crazy family ever get charges dropped on them? This book definitely has potential for a sequel and I, for one, would definitely be here for it!

4.5 stars rounded up!