I did not read The Plot but decided to pick this one up. There seemed to be some key parts that were missing. Maybe that is the reason why this book was just OK. Anna’s husband, a well-known author, committed suicide in the wake of receiving threatening letters accusing him of plagiarism. Since his death, Anna has written her own novel which has also turned to a success. Now, Anna is receiving unwelcoming letters. There were many twists and turns in this story. That is the part that made it fun to read. Most of the characters are unlikable but I think for this type of story it made sense. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job at portraying Anna.

I had not read The Plot, yet but I was intrigued by the storyline and had to check this one out! While this is a sequel, it felt like it could stand alone for the most part—I felt that I may have been missing some important details that built the story’s base, but couldn’t put my finger on what I was missing. You don’t know what you don’t know. 🤷‍♀️

Overall, the characters were interesting and surprising! I didn’t expect the story to reveal so many new ideas about them as the story progressed, so it kept me on my toes watching the characters and plot develop!

The plot is full of thrills and mysteries that take you along, testing to figure out how things could possibly resolve and if the protagonist will make it out on the upside.

Overall, an enjoyable read that left me curious about the first book!

The Sequel, by Jean Hanff Korelitz, follows the previously published mystery, The Plot, by the same author. This story picks up right where the first story left off following Anna, Jake’s widow, and is even more sneaky, conniving and riveting than the first!

Anna is able to live off the proceeds from her husband’s book, but chooses instead to embark on a writing venture of her own sharing her experiences as a widow of the deceased novelist. She has the support of the publishing industry and success seems guaranteed. But similar to her husband’s grim situation, Anna starts receiving threatening messages, as well as passages from a manuscript that Anna thought she had eliminated. We follow Anna’s instant success as she tours and promotes her book and seeks to find the source of the menacing notes she, and those related to the manuscript, are receiving. And it’s a wild, sinister, suspenseful ride and an absolutely addictive tale.

This is an entertaining, suspenseful, anti-heroine featured story. I now feel like I want to go back and reread the first story, The Plot, once again since it’s been awhile. These morally grey characters are intriguing, the scheming kept me guessing, and the audio-narration, by Julia Whelan, is immaculate. She is an outstanding voice actor whose narration is clear, easy to understand, and so realistic. It’s like she IS the person and she’s living the experience in real time, not reading a script. All-in-all, The Sequel is an engaging thriller, that despite the title, can be read with, or without having read the previous book.

I was obsessed with The Plot and The Sequel picks up right where the last book left off. A thriller with lots of plot twists (not all of them believable), but I still found the book to be entertaining. If you enjoyed The Plot, you have to see how the rest of the story unfolds...

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC.

I had the privilege of participating in another Celadon Books Read Together Initiative with The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz.

I hadn’t read The Plot before getting this one, so of course, I had to do that first. Boy am I glad I did. I flew through both books thanks to the wonderful audios done by Julia Whelan and Macmillan Audio.

In The Sequel, we see Anna releasing a book, based on what she dealt with because of her husband’s ‘suicide’. We learn a lot about what she did to get to the point of becoming Jacob’s widow. While she is touring for The Afterword, she starts to get similar threats to her husband about plagiarism and his book.

I enjoyed this one more than The Plot. I’m really glad I chose to participate in this one and buddy read it.

Start with The Plot, and then brace yourself for The Sequel. The Sequel begins with Anna Williams-Bonner, wife of the late novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, as she navigates life after his death, and with her new success as an author herself. Content to enjoy her new found success, and live from the success of her late husband, life is good for Anna, until aspects of her past she thought were handled begin to creep into her life. Filled with twists and turns, and trips back to places Anna never planned to visit again, The Sequel takes readers along for the entire messy adventure. I would highly recommend reading or rereading The Plot if its been a while, so you could appreciate smaller details more as clearly these books are intended to go together. Jean Hanff Korelitz is a gifted storyteller and I very much enjoyed this audiobook narrated by the always talented Julia Whelan. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audiobook, all opinions are my own.

Sequels are “never as good as the first book, are they?” Well, in this case, the sequel is even better! In “The Plot”, Jacob Finch Bonner writes a blockbuster best seller based on a student’s idea. After accusations of plagiarism, he takes his own life. In “The Sequel”, his widow Anna has written and published a book of her own, but her past comes back to haunt her when she starts receiving vaguely threatening messages and excerpts of a manuscript that too closely resemble her own life.

Jean Hanff Korelitz is a brilliant storyteller, and The Sequel is just as clever and creative as I expected. Anna is so compelling as an anti-heroine; she’s self-centered, sarcastic, and more than a touch sociopathic. The plotting is tight and the prose is riveting; twisty, dramatic, and deliciously meta (those chapter titles - *chef’s kiss*). This is the kind of book where it’s hard to say too much without giving anything away, so I’m just going to tell you to go read it! Or better yet, listen to it! Julia Whelan is phenomenal as Anna, perfectly conveying Anna’s narcissism and sociopathy as well as her vulnerability. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for the advance copies and for giving me the opportunity to participate in the read-along.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this wonderfully addictive eARC in audiobook format.

The Sequel: A Novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz, narrated by Julia Whelan, is a captivating continuation of the literary intrigue that began with The Plot. This audiobook delves into the life of Anna Williams-Bonner, who is now navigating the aftermath of her husband Jacob Finch Bonner’s tumultuous career and the accusations of plagiarism that once haunted him.

Anna, now a literary widow, finds herself basking in the success of her own debut novel, The Afterword. However, her newfound peace is shattered when she starts receiving excerpts from a novel that should no longer exist. This mysterious manuscript threatens to unravel the carefully constructed life she has built, revealing secrets about her late brother, her late husband, and potentially herself.

Julia Whelan’s narration is a STELLAR feature of this audiobook. Her expressive and nuanced performance brings Anna’s character to life, capturing her vulnerability, determination, and the underlying tension that permeates the story. Whelan’s ability to convey the suspense and emotional depth of the narrative enhances the listening experience, making it immersive and engaging.

Korelitz’s writing is sharp and insightful, blending dark wit with suspenseful storytelling. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep listeners guessing. The exploration of themes such as identity, authorship, and the power dynamics within the literary world add depth and complexity to the narrative.

Anna is portrayed as a multifaceted protagonist, grappling with her past and the moral ambiguities of her present. Her journey is both compelling and relatable, as she navigates the treacherous waters of literary fame and personal secrets. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic figure behind the mysterious manuscript, add layers of intrigue and tension to the story.

The Sequel is a must-listen for fans of literary thrillers and character-driven mysteries. Jean Hanff Korelitz’s masterful storytelling, combined with Julia Whelan’s captivating narration, makes this audiobook a true standout in the psychological thriller genre.

Having read and loved this author's previous book The Plot, when I saw the audio of, well, The Sequel, available from NetGalley, I requested it right away. As discussed in the book, as well as being kind of general knowledge, sequels usually aren't as good as the first book, but in this case, I'd call it a dead heat.

Anna Williams Bonner mourns her husband of only 1 year. Jake Bonner was a writer and his last book CRIB was a huge hit. No one can understand why Jake would take his own life after writing such a successful novel. The grieving widow decides to write her own book, The Afterword, about her experience as the wife of a writer and about her shock at what he did. Surprisingly, her book also becomes a big success. As she heads out on book tours of her own, and learns to deal with her new fame and fortune, she receives pages of a manuscript in the mail. A manuscript that is very familiar and should have been wiped off the face of the earth. What is on those pages? Why are they scaring Anna so? You'll have to read this to find out!

I know it's cliche to say a book is un-put down able-but this really was. Well, in my case I did not want stop listening. Julia Whelan is the narrator here and I think her performance was outstanding. The character of Anna is rich and complicated and Julia voiced the hell out of her.

As this mystery unfolds, turns, twists and turns again I was holding on for dear life. Anna's character goes through so much and every single bit of it was deserved. Told in such a way that the truths are dropped like little bombs throughout the narrative, I just found myself thinking WTH about 15 different times. I can't say any more about the plot without spoilers, so I guess I'll wrap it up here.

I can't help but wonder why The Plot hasn't yet been made into a film because I think it could be incredible. As it stands, this book, just like that one, was compelling reading, fast paced, and filled with surprises at every turn. Is it too soon to request the author write another? Please? And as soon as possible? Thank you!

Highly recommended!

*ARC from publisher.

I picked up The Plot, the first book in the series, after seeing this new release narrated by Julia Whelan. I would highly recommend reading The Plot first; otherwise, you might feel a bit lost jumping into this one. Despite Anna being a very unlikeable main character, I still enjoyed the book. The storyline is dark and twisted, which adds to its intrigue, though it doesn't have quite the same impact or shock value as the first book, especially now that we know Anna better. That said, I’d still recommend this one—especially as an audiobook!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Julia Whelan Did an awesome job with this audiobook.

I do think it’s best if you read the first book, The Plot first as it will give you a lot of background information which will make this one easier to understand as there are a lot of names and relationships that can get confusing.

In this one we meet Anna who is now an author after her husband took his life. Soon she receives pages from a novel that shouldn’t exist and could get her in trouble. We follow Anna as she tries to find out who is sending these pages, what do they know and what do they want.

Overall enjoyable listen but the ending was chef’s kiss.

In this captivating sequel to The Plot, Anna Williams Bonner is enjoying the spotlight as a famous literary widow and now a best-selling author in her own right. Life couldn’t be better, that is until she feels an unwelcome situation from her past. It turns out a “buried” manuscript still exists, and someone is sending pages not just to her, but to her in-laws and editor. In order to keep her darkest secrets under wraps. she sets out to find out who’s stalking her and destroy the manuscript once and for all. Now Anna knows someone has knowledge about her late brother, her husband and likely her.

The Sequel is Anna’s story. It is immensely satisfying, very suspenseful, an anti-heroine I cannot believe I was rooting for by the end. This book far exceeded my expectations.

I recently read The Plot and so I was eager to read The Sequel while it was fresh in my mind. I love the plot twists of the first book and the unconventional ending of it. Where was the Sequel going to take me?!?

I was pulled in right away and brought right back to the mysteries surrounding The Plot. That was a crazy ride and we were just getting started! The events and people that unravel in The Sequel will keeping you reading well past your bedtime to know what happened next.

Also pay attention to the chapter titles. One of my favorite features, is that each is a sequel itself!

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC

The Sequel
Jane Hanff Korelitz
Available now

Riding the coat-tails of her late husband, a woman embarks on a literary journey of her own. But someone knows her secret, and threatens to unravel everything.

💭 The Sequel cleverly blends a twisty mystery with biting commentary on the literary world. The main protagonist is marvelously and intentionally unlikeable, and is executed just brilliantly. This story is sharp and witty, deliciously meta, and utterly captivating, showcasing Korelitz's immense skill as a writer.
🎧 The audio of The Sequel is definitely the way to go! Julia Whelan brilliantly encapsulates the protagonist, delivering a knockout performance through and through.

** Actual book rating 4.25 stars.
And a 5 star audiobook performance

✨Pub Day Review ✨

Happy Pub Day to The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

The Sequel is truly a sequel to the author’s first book, The Plot. I highly suggest reading that first book before diving into The Sequel!

I love going into my thrillers for the most part knowing as LITTLE as possible! I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone. So, IF you’d like a book synopsis, swipe to read. But what I will say is ….

Pick up this Series if you love:
✨Fast Paced Thrillers
✨ An Atmospheric Read
✨ Rooting for the Anti-Hero
✨ Dark Comedy
✨ Drama on Drama
✨ Messed Up Family Dynamics
✨ Books about Books & the Writing process
✨ Behind-the Scenes in the Publishing World
✨Twisty Twists

A HUGE thank you to Celadon Books as I read this one as a part of their Read Together Initiative. My Reading Buddies were
@kristis_literary_corner
@bookishboujeeandbossbabe
@drea_looks_atbooks
@lifewithasideofskincare
Over on Instagram

I’d also like to thank Macmillan Audio, NetGalley netgalley and the author for my gifted copy and my ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE an immersive read and being able to read this physically while listening along to as the Award Winning Voice Actress and incredibly talented Julia Whelan narrated and brought this story to life! It was next level amazing! I mean who better to bring Anna to her fullest potential as the classic villain.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I loved The Plot, so I was nervous starting this one, and guess what? The Sequel was even better! The story is dark, twisty, a bit disturbing and I love that wicked sense of humor. It’s just one of those addictive thrillers you can’t stop reading.

Thank you so much Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for this gifted copy and complimentary audiobook.

At first I didn’t realize that Jean Hanff Korelitz’ The Sequel was itself, a sequel. But a quick search will point you to The Plot and I highly recommend you read this book first. While I’m sure Korelitz’ includes enough bread crumbs for The Sequel to stand on its own, the protagonist Anna Williams is so intriguing it’s worthwhile to dive in to both books in the series to better understand her complex psyche.
Both novels center around the creation of a novel with a too true to life, gruesome plot line and a blackmail scheme to expose it. Korelitz writing is so effortless to read. I was frequently awed, experiencing her mastery of the written word, much like Stephen King. I guarantee you’ll have a book hangover after this one and other author’s attempts at prose will pale in comparison.

Korelitz creates a heroine and villain that readers will cheer for with a driving plot that you won’t be able to walk away from. I highly recommend it!!

Considering I loved the Plot, I figured I would love The Sequel. I was right.
This book grabs you from the get go, like the first, and keeps you invested and entertained along the way. I have to say, I didn’t loveeeee the end, but I loved following Anna through her new found fame as an author herself. Would totally recommend! I enjoyed the journey she goes on to keep her secrets so much. Thank you Netgalley for the AAC! Great first read of October!

"Anna Williams-Bonner watched...the writers, as they...offered up laughably shallow praise to the man who'd just read to them. Then, before her eyes, the group defaulted to their eternal topics: the shortcomings of their former teachers, the inadequacies of the publishing world, and inevitably the writers they knew who happened not to be present...And she thought: If those idiots can do it, how f$cking hard can it be?"

So begins our journey with Anna, the debut author, widow to a renowned writer, and the catalyst for the bestselling The Plot by clever plotting author Jean Hanff Korelitz. Now this brilliant writer gives us The Sequel, where Anna is truly the entitled star.

Though the author does a seamless job explaining what happened in The Plot so you understand Anna's determination to keep her deadly secrets, reading or listening to it before The Sequel will only enhance your enjoyment of this twisty WTF thriller.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Reading how Anna so easily dismisses, and just ends, those who may try to end the life she has meticulously created is a fascinating study of entitlement. She believes in her right to live at the cost of everyone else. Yet I often rooted for her despite her murderous ways. My reaction is a testament to the creative brilliance of this masterful storyteller.

Having the award winning voice actress Julia Whelan, a favorite actress, performing the words of a favorite author, is pure joy. There's no one better to bring Anna to her full potential as a classic villain.

I haven't really told you The Plot because The Sequel deserves to be experienced with all its surprising twists. Just know you will be entertained, shocked, and impressed by this perfectly crafted, brilliantly plotted sequel.

I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Sequel (The Book Series #2)
By Jean Hanff Korelitz, narrated by Julia Whelan

Following on the heels of the first book, The Plot, we now have The Sequel. This second story works fine as a standalone because the necessary to know past events are explained here, actually adding more information due to a different POV, but for the full experience, I would suggest reading the first book before reading this one. This is Anna Williams-Bonner's POV as she navigates and manipulates life after the death of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner.

Anna is not torn up about the death of her husband. Oh no, being the extremely dysfunctional nutjob that she is, Anna's husband being dead is a "feature, not a bug". Anna is very happy living off her husband's perpetual earnings and the fame that comes with being the grieving widow of a famous man who has committed suicide. She does throw a glitch into this easy to float through life when she flippantly mentions she is writing a book, something she had no intention of doing. But once she's said this enough times, she knows she needs to cough up the goods and being the grieving wife of a famous suicided author grants her instant passes into workshops and such that allows her to fake it until she makes it, book wise.

Once Anna has written her novel, with all the literary acclaim that comes with having her husband's former backers backing her all the way, Anna is living the life of a exalted published author. But, the past comes back to haunt her. Just as her husband was accused of plagiarism, now it's happening to her. She's seeing excerpts of a novel she thought she's wiped from existence, just as she's wiped certain people from existence, to keep her past a secret. This can't be happening! Who, among the living, can possible know of this damaging novel that is haunting her now, again? Never fear, Anna is not to be deterred, she's on a mission to wipe out any knowledge of her past and no one will stop her.

Julia Whelan's narration is just what is needed for the POV of Anna. She sounds like herself when narrating Anna, which is just the way Anna needs to be narrated, so matter of fact, so calm and firm in her justifications for all that she does. But then Julia does a great job with the other characters, too, giving each one a distinctive voice. I was able to both listen to the audiobook and have a physical copy of the book on hand, best of both worlds when enjoying a book. This was a really good addition to the first book and I wonder if there is more to come in the future.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Celadon Books, and NetGalley for the print and audio of this ARC.