This a debut novel and I was really impressed!!!! The premise was great, the characters were well developed and the description of Morocco was transporting! The novel flowed beautifully and I turned the pages rapidly to see what would happen next! I would call this a suspenseful novel with a thrilling ending!

I am always drawn to books about writing and the publishing industry, so that was the main reason I chose this book.

We first meet our main protagonist, Florence Darrow, who is living in New York working at a publishing house as an assistant editor. She is a want-to-be writer who hails from a small town in Florida. She thought if she got to New York possibilities would unfurl, but nothing much exciting has happened YET!!

Unexpectedly she is called to meet a famous author, Helen, who is looking for an assistant. She writes under a pseudonym because she likes her privacy. Florence immediately takes to the job and she and Helen seem to hit it off. She also loves this remote house and the beautiful setting.

Helen wants Florence to accompany her on a trip to Morocco while she does research on her new novel. Of course Florence jumps at the chance.

What transpires in a small town in Morocco is a story within a larger story. While Florence relishes the new atmosphere and even makes friends, Helen is often gone for long periods of time. They are staying in an old home that has its charms and there is a cook/maid who takes care of the cooking and cleaning. Florence is enjoying her stay until . . . . . . .the unimaginable happens!!

We next find Florence in the hospital, recovering from an automobile accident. She has no memory of what happened.All she can recall is “Everything got quieter. As if underwater. Sounds were swallowed up by the water. She felt lulled by a swift current, swept away by the waves, pulled back by strong hands . . . .”

The plot just gets more and more twisted until we don’t know who the villain is or if there is a hero in this complex story. To tell you any more of the plot would spoil the read.

This was going to be a solid 4 read until the ending which was complicated and explosive enough to push this up to a 5*. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick moving novel with a WOW ending. I will certainly watch for the next book from this talented new author!!

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley
This novel is set to publish on March 2, 2021

Will post to amazon upon publication

(Note I am Dorie 4 on BarnesandNoble)

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Who is Maud Dixon by Alexandra Andrews.

Florence Darrow is from a small town, and desperate for more. She believes that she has what it takes to be a big author but everything seems to keep holding her back, including people that only want the best for her.

After a mishap that gets her fired from her job, she gets a call from the assistant of the mysterious and best selling author Maud Dixon. Florence has been vetted to be the assistant of the reclusive writer. Enthusiastic, Florence cuts all ties with her previous life, and goes to start her new one, hoping to find inspiration for her own writing career.

But working for Maud Dixon isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's off putting, secretive, and sporadic. She isn't doing the work that Florence is there to assist her in, and Florence is running a lot of interference between Maud and the people who are making money from her. But all of that changes when Maud suggests a trip abroad to gain inspiration for her next novel...

This strangely reminded me of the Anna Delvey scam a few years ago, except a bit more sinister. Very few of the characters in this book are likable, but that's what makes it fun and satisfying. It goes in strange directions, and changed flavors a few times, but I was stoked about the ride the whole time. Very fun book.

This is a smart, innovative and page turning read.
‘Wanna be’ writer (Florence) lands a job as an assistant to the reclusive, pseudonym named author ‘Maud Dixon’ (Helen). This is an opportunity that Florence could never have dreamed of. Florence is invited to travel with Helen to Morocco on a research trip for her next novel. Here, Andrews beautiful prose describe the sights and sounds of Morocco and the words jump off the page. When Florence wakes up in a hospital after a automobile accident and Helen is dead, with the hospital staff and care givers referring to her as Helen, Florence wonders if this is her moment, her opportunity to become ‘Maud Dixon’. With twists and turns and plots within plots this is a most exciting read.
My thanks to Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company for an ARC in exchange for an hones book review.

As someone studying Publishing and looking to get into the industry once I graduate, I found this insight into the publishing world fascinating. The way Morocco was described was so accurate, and I couldn't put the book down during the plot twist at the end! Overall it was an exciting read.

I loved this book. An incredible psychological thriller that will literally keep you going to the last page. This is one of my favorite books of the year. Original plot line great characterization, it has it all! I highly recommend it

Wow, oh wow!!! I didn't quite know what to expect when I started reading this novel, but it quickly had me on the edge of my seat. Twists and turns every step of the way. Florence has dreams of another life, and when the opportunity presents itself to assume a totally different identity, she takes it....but to what consequence? I highly recommend this excellent work of fiction. It'll keep you turning the pages well into the night!

The writing was too clunky for me -- I didn't get very far into this one.

(My reviews are short by design)

A twisty and hard to guess suspense filled mystery. I loved this one! You will enjoy the twists and turns all the way through. I read it one day!

I read this book is one sitting because I could not put it down. Florence is a down on her luck aspiring writer who is working in a low-level position at a New York publisher. Her gaffes are mounting, including having an affair with a higher up that buys her nothing but a restraining order. But then a dream job lands in her lap – to be the assistant to the elusive and successful Maude Dixon, a very famous writer who uses “Maude” as her pen name. Florence jumps at the chance to disappear into Maude’s world and learn from a literary hero. It turns out, “Maude” doesn’t only write suspense novels, she’s living one and drags Florence along with her for the ride. This book was such a fun journey, taking the reader all the way to Morocco. It’s a dark comedy whose twists and turns mimic the roads in Morocco. A wild ride about writers, mystery, travel, suspense and what it means to start over. Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for the advanced review copy of this book.

"Bene visit, bene qui latti." He lives well who is well hidden. Maud grabbed me from the beginning, and wouldn't let go. What a terrific read, one of the best, for me, this year. Florence, our main girl, isn't very likable, but she is relatable. Insecure, needy and hungry, she meets her match in Helen, a novelist who hires her as an assistant. As their story plays out in Morocco, it's hard to say who is more despicable, who will go furthest to achieve her ends. Interspersed with dark humor and lots of whiskey, red lipstick and cigarettes, take notice when Helen teaches Florence how to make coq a vin. "She peered into her dish...and notice several mushrooms she'd bled all over bobbing on the surface..."

P.S. thanks to #netgalley for the advance copy. #mauddixon

This book is bananas. I loved it. Who is Maud Dixon? is everything you want in a page-turner: smart, inventive and chock full of twists and turns. Alexandra Andrews's debut novel will undoubtedly spawn copy cats because it's the real deal with real character development, exotic settings and some totally believable relationships. Not one false story beat. It's also a book about books and writing and storytelling, so a winning combination for me. Well done. Loved it.

Who is Maud Dixon by Alexandra Andrews is a suspenseful novel about Florence who gets a job assisting a famous, but a mysterious author. This isn’t a faced paced thriller, but a slower story that kept my interest and I’ll be curious to see what Alexandra comes out with next. I loved her writing style!

The plot:

Florence Darrow is a low-level publishing employee who believes that she’s destined to be a famous writer. When she stumbles into a job the assistant to the brilliant, enigmatic novelist known as Maud Dixon — whose true identity is a secret — it appears that the universe is finally providing Florence’s big chance.

The arrangement seems perfect. Maud Dixon (whose real name, Florence discovers, is Helen Wilcox) can be prickly, but she is full of pointed wisdom — not only on how to write, but also on how to live. Florence quickly falls under Helen’s spell and eagerly accompanies her to Morocco, where Helen’s new novel is set. Amidst the colorful streets of Marrakesh and the wind-swept beaches of the coast, Florence’s life at last feels interesting enough to inspire a novel of her own.

But when Florence wakes up in the hospital after a terrible car accident, with no memory of the previous night — and no sign of Helen — she’s tempted to take a shortcut. Instead of hiding in Helen’s shadow, why not upgrade into Helen’s life? Not to mention her bestselling pseudonym . . .

Coming in March, pre-order here.

I thought I had this book figured out, but boy was I wrong. Florence was a sociopath and Helen was a bitchy one-hit wonder. They were perfect for each other. And, when you don’t identify with either character (they’re both complete and utter asshats), it makes it fun to watch them self-destruct. I really enjoyed this story and want to see what the author comes up with next!

This was a very entertaining book, with clever plot twists that resolve in a smart, satisfying way. Even though the main character, Florence, wasn’t completely likable, she was believably drawn and it was possible to understand the choices she made. I will be on the lookout for the author’s next book! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC for review.

This is one off the rails entertaining read! Florence knows she’s meant to be an author, it is her dream. She gets the chance to be an assistant to an anonymous best selling author and when her boss is presumed dead after a car accident, Florence thinks this may be her chance to shine. However, Florence has no idea just who her boss really is. Be careful what you wish for.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Who is Maud Dixon?

I love these kinds of books; a reclusive author with secrets, a naive young woman (or man) who is hired to help the author and drama ensues.

When Florence Darrow loses her job after doing one of the stupidest things ever, she is hired by the agent of a famous, reclusive author as an assistant.

Florence is immediately entranced by the author, her real name Helen Wilcox, and seeks to emulate her in all the ways she can; image, personality, attitude.

But, when a tragic accident during a work trip ends up with Florence injured and her employer nowhere to be found, she discovers this may be a blessing in disguise.

From nearly the get-go, I guessed a lot of the 'twists' perhaps because I've read books with similar premises or I just have a devious mind. More of the latter, a bit of the former.

Florence was a tough person to like so I didn't. I get she's only 26 and grew up with a single parent in a hardscrabble environment but she was shallow, snotty and lacked personality.

She was starved for attention and to be noticed, yet had no identity of her own. She was not very smart, interesting or amusing. She was a one-note character.

Sometimes, I was struck by how silly or unimaginative Florence was but again, she's young, so I let it go.

I did like that the conflict was between two women, without a man involved. It made for a stronger story, but there was some hard to believe moments yet I allowed my belief suspension meter to reach its pinnacle without falling off entirely to see how the story would reach its conclusion.

I think some readers would really enjoy this, especially if disbelief suspension is easy for them.

I would read the author's next book.

I almost loved this book but it just fell a bit flat for me, personally.

Who is Maud Dixon is a psychological thriller set in the world of publishing, anonymous authors, and intriguing settings. Our protagonist, Florence, is an outsider: she doesn't have the "right" pedigree, she can't seem to get her own writing on track, she misses the mark on so many decisions, and we just can't seem to feel any empathy for her. Perhaps we aren't supposed to.

Florence makes so many bad decisions and the entire time I just felt exasperated and tired of her. Many will find this characterization strategy intriguing and will hang on for the comeuppance. Strictly personal preference.

When Florence loses one job and immediately lands another, a job of her dreams, opportunities arise for more terrible decisions. We meet another character we don't particularly care for, the anonymous author whom Florence wants to emulate. A partnership of sorts begins.

I don't want to give any spoilers; many will love this book, it just wasn't for me. I'm not intrigued by predictable plot twists or endings that you see coming so early in the novel..

I am quite grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was drawn to read Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews because of the description: a wanna-be author gets a job as assistant to a successful but reclusive author who writes under the pseudonym of Maud Dixon. Fast forward to Monaco a few months later when Florence, our assistant, wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the previous night. The police and hospital staff are calling her "Helen" aka Maud Dixon, and Florence begins to think, "Why not?" And that is only the beginning of the twists in this psychological thriller.

I loved this book. The twists and turns kept my interest, the characters were flawed but compelling, and the plot was deliciously clever.

Readers who enjoy a twisty thriller as well as anyone who has ever wanted to be in someone else's shoes will love this.

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company as well as NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is a really great novel. There are twists and turns and levels of unpredictable events that kept me glued until I finished it. Elaborate plots within plots and unexpected devious actions fill this book. I complain that too many mysteries are predictable, not this one!

Florence gets a fabulous job offer from the reclusive and unknown author, Maud Dixon. The old adage, too good to be true comes to mind as this intricate plot unfolds. Who is the villain? Who is the victim? What is justifiable revenge? I’m thinking about this, after this ultra-engaging read. I highly recommend this to readers who want a well written and utterly engaging novel.

Thank you Netgalley for this absolutely captivating read.