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bricrowder 's review for:
The Ghostwriter
by Julie Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the chance to read an advanced copy of this interesting and complex mystery.
The story centers on Olivia, who is a ghostwriter struggling to regain her career after a legal issue. Her only option to save her home and career is to ghostwrite a memoir of her estranged and dying father, who is a famous fiction writer and the suspect of the double-murder of his siblings as a teenager. She returns to her hometown and must investigate her own family's disturbing history.
The premise is great and intriguing. I really enjoyed learning more about ghostwriting. It seems like a great blend of creative writing and journalism.
The first half of the book felt slow to me. I struggled to connect with Olivia. I wish I had seen another chapter or so of her, particularly with her romantic partner since that is an aspect of the plot.
The book alternates with Olivia in the present, and her father and aunt's perspectives in 1975, around the time the murders happen. The chapters in the past were my favorite part of the book. You see the complex sides of the siblings. These chapters also felt like the only time there was danger. I wish there had been more in the present. It felt like the only thing at risk in the present was Olivia's career and money for her and her father.
It was a creative and interesting book. It was fun getting the glimpses in the past to help solve the mystery. Thanks again to the publishers for the chance to read it.
The story centers on Olivia, who is a ghostwriter struggling to regain her career after a legal issue. Her only option to save her home and career is to ghostwrite a memoir of her estranged and dying father, who is a famous fiction writer and the suspect of the double-murder of his siblings as a teenager. She returns to her hometown and must investigate her own family's disturbing history.
The premise is great and intriguing. I really enjoyed learning more about ghostwriting. It seems like a great blend of creative writing and journalism.
The first half of the book felt slow to me. I struggled to connect with Olivia. I wish I had seen another chapter or so of her, particularly with her romantic partner since that is an aspect of the plot.
The book alternates with Olivia in the present, and her father and aunt's perspectives in 1975, around the time the murders happen. The chapters in the past were my favorite part of the book. You see the complex sides of the siblings. These chapters also felt like the only time there was danger. I wish there had been more in the present. It felt like the only thing at risk in the present was Olivia's career and money for her and her father.
It was a creative and interesting book. It was fun getting the glimpses in the past to help solve the mystery. Thanks again to the publishers for the chance to read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Drug use, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Abortion, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault