A review by thereadingraccoon
The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Sequel is the follow up to the 2021 thriller The Plot. 

Anna Williams-Bonner is now a “literary widow” and carrying on the work of publicizing her late husband’s books. After being the subject of both her (now dead) brother’s manuscript and her husband Jake’s successful novel she decides to try her own hand at writing. But messages are starting to appear at her book signings, to her in-laws and finally her editor that make it clear that someone knows where Jake’s inspiration came from and Anna can’t let that her out. 

Anna is not a good person. The reader should not root for her or cheer on any of the murderous lengths she’ll go to. But her sly humor and ability to cut through b.s. make it impossible not to be curious about what she’s capable of doing. Everything from her observations around book signings, dealing with the publishing industry and her ruthless dissection of both her brother and her husband is hilarious to read despite knowing that they were her victims. I love Jean Hanff Korelitz’s way with words and she’s become a favorite writer of mine. 

Disclosure: a copy of The Sequel was provided by the publisher for review purposes but all thoughts and opinions are my own.