Jean Hanff Korelitz does it again with "The Sequel"! If you loved "The Plot," you’re definitely going to want to dive into this one. Though I’ll admit, I didn’t love it quite as much. But don’t get me wrong, it’s still a wild, twisty ride worth every page (or in my case, every minute of the audiobook, thanks to the brilliant narration by Julia Whelan.

Here’s the gist: Anna Williams-Bonner is living the high life as a "literary widow" after the death of her husband, Jacob Finch Bonner. She’s enjoying those royalty checks, and oh, by the way, she’s written her own bestselling novel. NBD, right? Except... it turns out her past isn’t quite as buried as she thought. Someone’s out there, stirring the pot with some very creepy skeletons from Anna’s closet, and it’s threatening to blow her perfect new life to bits.

The story kicks into high gear when Anna starts getting excerpts from a novel that should’ve disappeared along with her late husband’s secrets. Korelitz serves up some seriously delicious suspense, weaving in clever satire about the publishing world while peeling back the layers of Anna’s devious and ruthless side.

Now, let’s talk about Julia Whelan—she’s one of my favorite narrators, and she absolutely nails it here. She has this amazing way of making you root for a character, even when you know they’re up to no good.

While I didn’t love The Sequel as much as The Plot, it’s still packed with the same kind of twists and tension that made Korelitz’s first book so addictive. The pacing is spot-on, and there were definitely moments where I had to pause and think, “Wait, WHAT?!” The only reason it’s four stars and not five is because The Plot set such a ridiculously high bar. But honestly, if you enjoyed that first book, you’re going to get a kick out of this one too.

Special thanks to Macmillan Audio for a copy of the audiobook via the NetGalley app. Go grab a copy—you'll enjoy it!

Two words: Julia Whelan. She is just fantastic. I really enjoyed this audiobook and couldn’t stop listening. I was hooked from the first minute! The narration was wonderful. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this audiobook.

Well this was fun!

I really enjoyed both THE PLOT and THE LATECOMER - different books (and genres!) to be sure, but Jean Hanff Korelitz's writing just works for me. So I was cautiously excited for THE SEQUEL.

This is, naturally, a sequel - I skimmed the last two chapters of The Plot before getting into it; I think I may have felt lost otherwise.

Between Julia Whelan's narration and JHK's writing, it was easy for me to get into the book. There was one part in particular in which I struggled to stay engaged via the audiobook and was glad I had the print to switch to (I'm not sure if that's due to the voice Whelan was doing for a certain character or the way the scene was written). Otherwise I don't think you can go wrong with either mode.

The plot and characters were pretty dark, but deliciously so. If you need a likable main character, this may not be a book for you.

I burned through this puppy real fast and really enjoyed the ride. Our MC is such a likeable yet unlikable character struggling to keep her past under wraps while living in the spotlight as a new author riding on the buzz of her late wildly successful husband's suicide. Shocker, her past just won't stay under wraps... I'm hopeful for a third installment. You can't tell me our MC Is going to keep her nose clean.

Riding on the fame of her late husband’s coattails, Anna Williams-Bonner has written her own novel. A novel that quickly becomes popular, a novel that has brought someone out of the woodwork of her past. Hadn’t she put the past behind her? Hadn’t she insured that nothing could touch her? She’s missed something along the way and now someone is tormenting her, someone that knows the truth. Setting out on a journey into her past, she’s determined to find out just exactly who she’s dealing with and to settle the score once and for all no matter what it takes. This was a dual read/listen that was narrated perfectly by Julia Whelan making it a great listen as well as a great read. Thank you to Celadon Books, MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and an ALC of this book.

Although I usually like Korelitz's books, I really didn't like The Plot. I don't remember why exactly, but I know I didn't like the main character, Jacob Finch Bonner. A few months ago I started reading about The Sequel. People were excited...and I began to be excited myself. When I saw the audiobook on Netgalley, I decided to give it a try.

I'm glad I did.

Anna Williams-Bonner is the widow of author Jacob Finch Bonner. She has been inspired to write her own semi-autobiographical novel based on her husband's death by suicide. He had been driven to despair by anonymous accusations that he had plagiarized his best selling book and now Anna is trying to pick up the pieces. Although to outsiders Anna is a sympathetic, tragic figure finding unexpected success after tragedy, this outward persona is just a disguise for the ruthless person beneath.

Readers will be taken on a thrill ride as Anna's devious plans play out. She's definitely not a likeable character but I did enjoy watching her story unfold.

I loved The Plot by this author so I was excited to read this follow up novel. It picks up with the main character Anna Williams-Bonner, who is recently widowed and living off of her late husband’s money from his famous novel. When Anna decides to write her own novel, “The Afterword”, she is surprised by its reception as a literary bestseller. While on tour for her book, Anna starts receiving threatening letters from someone who claims to know her secrets. Who could it possibly be..as she has eliminated all those she had considered a threat in the past. But this person is persistent and Anna finds that she must find out who is behind the threats before her true past is revealed and she loses everything. A great read that I gave 4 stars!

Since I loved The Plot, I was thrilled to find out there is a sequel called The Sequel. I had to go back to The Plot before starting as I remember there were a lot of twists near the end I was going to need to remember. The author does a great job of jogging your memory if you need it though. Anna is a great character that you love to hate.

As with The Plot, it would be far too easy to inadvertently throw out a spoiler, so I’m keeping this intentionally brief. The story is a great continuation of the story and I truly enjoyed it. Julia Whelan is as always simply brilliant in her audiobook performance.

In this propulsive follow-up to The Plot, Korelitz expertly weaves a tangled web that antihero Anna Williams-Bonner must find her way out of to be able to live her life on her terms. Much like the first book, I found a lot to enjoy concerning the plot and satire of the publishing industry, but I find myself rooting for Anna simply out of a lack of anyone else to pull for and not because I find her wholly sympathetic. It helps that I completely understand why she is doing what she does, and I can't help almost admiring her ruthless efficiency throughout the book.

Julia Whelan is an absolutely fabulous reader for this particular book. She not only nails the false exterior warmth and brazen internal contempt of Anna, but Julia also does a great job embodying the rest of the motley crew of characters in the book, both male and female. I can highly recommend the audiobook if you enjoy reading in this format.

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for providing a copy of this audiobook for review purposes.

Loved this sequel. I was torn between rooting for the protagonist or wanting her to get caught!
Definitely read the first book before this one, you would miss a lot if you hopped right into this one.
The narrator was fabulous for the audiobook.

I started listening to The Sequel, expecting to take it in short chunks like I usually read my audiobooks. But the narrator, the story, the twists and turns in the plot, and the unfolding revelations kept me listening every time I was alone. Is there a likable character in the book? Not really. But I couldn't wait to find out how messed up Anna was, ultimately.

I will always reach for one of Jean Hanff Korelitz's books when I'm looking for a story to get lost in.
Many thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the free audiobook to review.

Thank you @macmillan.audio & @netgalley for the ARC. I absolutely loved this book. I also loved the authors previous novel The Plot. I did revisit the last four chapters of the plot before starting this, but they do review relevant items here. Anna Williams Bonner is living large as Jacob’s widow and writing her own novel, The Afterword. Once published, her past is once again coming back to haunt her. Anna thought she took care of everything and everyone before, but somehow there is still a copy of the manuscript her husband was accused of plagiarizing. The novel mirrors Anna’s real life. She must find out who holds the manuscript and destroy it once and for all. Available October 1st, grab a copy and enjoy the ride!
Julia Whelan does an excellent audio narration as always.

After reading and enjoying The Plot, I was thrilled to get a copy of its sequel, The Sequel. In the same spirit as the first book, the second takes readers on a twisty ride to eventually solve a mystery. Someone is sending excerpts of the original book that Jake stole and plagiarized. But Jake is dead and his wife Anna has written a bestseller about her grief. Anna needs to figure out who is behind this blackmail and what they want before her past is discovered.

The writing was both compelling and inviting. I was pulled into the story immediately. However, with that said, I found the storytelling itself to veer off course into tangents that were off topic and some of the prose too wordy.

The first third of the book was slow but it picked up as the story progressed. The ending was unpredictably satisfying. The audio narrator kept the plot engaging. She is a favorite of mine. Good range of voices and an animated performance.

Thank you ##NetGalley and #MacMillanAudio for an advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
#TheSequel

4.5 stars.
Listened to this audiobook immediately after The Plot and I’m glad I did. The Sequel was interesting and kept my attention from the beginning. Also, the narrator was great at the story telling. There was quite a few plot twists and I didn’t know how the story was going to end. I like how everything was tied together from the first book to the second, but if you never read The Plot, this still made sense alone. The ending has me wondering if there will be a part 3… I don’t think I would be mad if there was. I listened to The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz in exchange for an honest review- thank you Netgalley. The Sequel hits shelves on October 1, 2024.

The Sequel starts off slowly, with the majority of action happening in the latter part of the story. After the conclusion of the first book, The Plot, Anna has become a writer herself, and the start of the book revolves around her successful foray into writing. Now a highly praised author, we are privy to her inner thoughts as she repeatedly one-ups those who try to demean her success. Her inner monologue reminds us that she is the morally grey character from the first book.

Once the story picks up there are constant twists and reveals that kept me entertained and, at times, shocked. Many things have to go right for the story to play out as it does which was a little hard to believe. This, however, did not detract from the overall enjoyment factor of the book. Anna is a shocking character but that just adds to the thrills.

I was lucky enough to listen to this one as an audiobook. Julia Whelan has done a wonderful job as narrator. Her portrayal of Anna conveys the personality and mind of the character well.

Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced listener copy. This is my honest review.

Definitely read The Plot before The Sequel. This book takes the point of view of one of the main characters from The Plot.

Recently widowed, Anna is enjoying the royalty checks and luxury life from her late husband’s popular book. Anna decides to ride on this fame and write her own novel, despite never writing anything. She publishes her book and karma comes.

She starts to receive letters that reveal someone knows about Anna’s dark past and everything she’s worked for is threatened to be destroyed. Anna investigates in her own to stop her blackmailer and keep her life.

This was captivating and made you almost root for someone that you hated book 1. Well done! As usual, Julie Wheelan powerfully narrates this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Out October 1!

The Sequel is the second book in The Book Series by Jean Hanff Korelitz, following The Plot, and dare I say... I liked this one SO much better! The Plot is told from Jake's perspective, and don't get me wrong, it's a very good read. The Sequel is told from Anna's perspective, Jacob's wife, what with Jake being unavailable and all. IYKYK! This book is the epitome of thrilling edge-of-your-seat story telling. I could not get enough. And although this could work as a stand alone, I would strongly urge you to read The Plot first so that you can connect all the evil and delicious dots The Sequel offers. And don't even get me started on Julia Whelan as the narrator. She was AMAZING as usual! A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Celadon Books for an ARC and an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was so excited to receive this book as an advanced copy because I read the first book in this series and was really intrigued by it! Just like the first book, you get pulled in by the “what next” and “did that just happen” thoughts!! The way this book is written really keeps you going and I flew through it in less than 4 days! The main character is horribly unreliable, but her inner monologue is on point. I honestly think this sequel was better than the original!! This book comes out on 10/1/24, so I suggest reading book one (The Plot) now so you’re ready!

I can’t tell you the book-jam-happy-dance I did when I saw The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz as an August selection for Macmillan Audio Influencer Program. Appropriately named, the book is a sequel to The Plot (2021). This is a dark take on ‘books about books’ and I’m here for every single bit of it. An edgy, sardonic dive into plagiarism, theft of idea, writers, publishing, wrapped in a layered, complex family drama that plays out both in the book and writing within the book.

It’s not often that a sequel can live up to the first book. Jean Hanff Korelitz manages to pick up from the Plot, weave in the original storyline making it fresh, while giving us an entirely new perspective, a new view we didn’t know was missing. My strong recommendation is to go in with as little information as possible. Inherently The Sequel spoils certain plot points for the first book (The Plot), it’s unavoidable.

Audiophiles take note, The Sequel is narrated by Julia Whelan. Her intonation, sarcasm, pacing is second to none. I’d longed for Korelitz and Whelan to team up again after The Latecomer (5/22, also recommend!). I listened to this at 1x speed just to make it last longer. I know I’m not the only one that follows narrators in the same way I do authors so was thrilled to see her narrating this. It made the difference between grabbing this in print and audio. I will eventually get the ebook and print versions of The sequel as well, but if you have to choose one I strongly suggest audio!

**Do I need to read The Plot first?**
Rarely to I highly recommend reading the first book before the second. Usually there’s enough context to get the gist for the second book to stand on its own…and it does…but… I’m still bringing this to you a month before publication (10/1) so you have time to read the first in preparation. These books are so layered, so twisty, nuanced, that I truly feel you miss out on a huge part if you haven’t read the first book.

Jean Hanff Korelitz's follow-up to the "The Plot" was everything I hoped it would be and more! I do believe I am leaning to "The Sequel" as the better of the two books, which I did not expect at all considering how much I enjoyed "The Plot"! I will keep my review as general as possible so as not to ruin anything!

The story had a great flow and I loved being inside Anna's head with all of her commentary, sarcasm, and madness! Narrator Julia Whelan, one of my absolute favorite narrators, gave this book even more life than it already had. I could not stop listening, it captivated me from the beginning to the very end.

If you haven't read "The Plot", you should definitely ready it before you pick this one up so that you understand all of the backstory. The author takes us through events of the first book from Anna's perspective throughout the book as we ride along with Anna soon after "The Plot" takes place. Now an author herself and out on her own book tour, the parallels she experiences are not unlike those her husband Jake experienced...but Anna refuses to be taken down and will do whatever needs to be done to keep her secrets safe...

The writing and the audio are simply superb, and this is one sequel I will absolutely recommend in my library! Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this digital ARC.