The Ghostwriter: A Novel

OMG so good!

Everyone has family secrets they want to hide out of embarrassment, shame, or fear. For ghostwriter Olivia Dumont, her father, Vincent Taylor, is not just a horror writer but also a man suspected of killing his siblings, Poppy and Danny. Separated from him by choice, Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite his final book due to financial need. The book, a semi-autobiographical account, delves into Vincent's past through his memories, Poppy's diary, and her films. As Olivia pieces together their family's dark history, she uncovers secrets that led to tragedy and turmoil. This gripping story is so well-crafted it was hard to put down, and I highly recommend it. The narrative flow was seamless, highlighting how secrets can destroy our lives.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Netgalley and Sourcebooks/ Landmark for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Additionally, thank you Julie Clark for crafting such an excellent story.

Ghostwriter is surprisingly empathetic for a thriller. The 70s atmosphere is recreated vividly through Clark’s writing, and I could visualize the distinct shift every time the story moved from the 70s to the current day. At the same time, I found myself wishing for more development of Tom’s character, which felt like a missed opportunity, especially given how central he could have been to the emotional core of the story. Some parts of the plot also dragged, slowing down the momentum, and I would have traded those sections for more meaningful character work. Still, it’s a decent, slow-burning thriller with a blend of moods, emotion, and a strong sense of time and place, which made this a compelling read overall.

I loved how this story came full circle. it still left so many questions but also answered a bunch as well. but I still enjoyed everything and how it happened.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️