Published by Sourcebook's Landmark Genres: Fiction, Horror, Mystery, suspense, thriller
Format: ARC, eBook
There are secrets, and then there are SECRETS. Family secrets are a biggie in this gripping, hard to put down, and captivating book. I was fully invested in The Ghostwriter and wanted to know what happened all those years ago. I was intrigued and glued to the pages! I wanted to know if those rumors were true or if they would finally be put to rest.
Olivia Dumont is a ghostwriter whose career is circling the drain. She reluctantly agrees to be the ghostwriter for her father’s last book. Her father is none other than the legendary horror author, Vincent Taylor, who has frightened many also being the main suspect in his siblings, Danny and Poppy, murder.s It has been a long time since Olivia has spoken to her father and upon returning home, she finds her father struggling cognitively. As a child, her father would often leave her clues and puzzles so that she could solve mysteries to receive treasures or gifts at the end. This time will be a little different as the clues he gives may be affected by his Lewy body dementia. Olivia must use his recollections which may or may not be reliable, his dead sister, Poppy’s journal and films to piece together the truth.
This book sucked me in and never let go. It was a little slow going initially but I didn’t mind it (which is a big deal for me as I struggle with slow burns) as I was so invested in the murder mystery aspect of the book. The Ghostwriter is as much about the murder mystery as it is about memory, recollections, secrets, relationships, tragedy, and drama. This one had some nice twists and turns, and the ending was a bit of a shocker which I always enjoy.
I found this book to be wonderfully written, well thought out, thought provoking, and intriguing. This would make a great book for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss with this thought provoking and riveting book. I enjoyed the dynamics of Olivia and her father’s relationship. I also enjoyed the way in which Julie Clark utilized the past (1975) to tell the story. This book has a nostalgic feel paired with a great plot. The characters are flawed and there was a lot of interesting family drama/dysfunction in both timelines.
Gripping, hard to put down, and wonderfully written!
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
