What a fun topsy turvy ride of a thriller.  Completely innovative and compelling.  Florence, who works in publishing gets the chance of a lifetime to work for the elusive and secretive author of Maud Dixon and from there an intricate web of deceit and death ensues.  A five star read!

I’m always worried when books are compared to best sellers or famous authors.  In this case it’s recommended for folks who enjoyed The Silent Patient and Patricia Highsmith’s works.  Will it live up to the comparison? 
 Florence fancies herself a writer but isn’t actually writing.  She’s one of those young   people who sort of floats through life, working a job she doesn’t like, having sex with a married man. She takes a job as the assistant to a writer, hoping to learn from her.  But then she sees an opportunity and snatches it.  And one thing leads to another.  I love the premise of this book.  But did we really need the entire first half of the book to set up this premise?   The book’s description manages to do it in several short paragraphs.  Now, by comparison, the second half of the book is like a tornado.   Andrews whips things up and I had no idea where they would come down.  It’s got a great ending. Tightened up, this could make a great movie.  
I appreciated the two main characters here.  Both Helen and Florence are fully developed.   Not likeable, mind you, but fascinating.  
My thanks to netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book.

I was on pins and needles reading this. Will she or won’t she. Oh, she did. Maybe that was a bad idea. Nope, go for it. It was a battle. Loved it so much. Can’t wait for the movie!

This book was so good!  This book is a literary thriller, both the plot (publishing industry) and writing style (thank you Alexandra Andrews for your vocabulary). Florence starts working as an assistant for bestselling but anonymous writer Helen (pen name Maud Dixon) under a strict NDA. Florence and Helen fly to Morocco, get in a car wreck, and then everything goes sideways. The synopsis calls Florence a "striver" - perfect description of her character. She's not exactly likable but she is compelling. And it's so nice to read a smart thriller! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Florence is a frustrated publishing assistant who starts to go off the rails when one of her fellow assistants gets her work published before Florence. After getting fired for a stalking incident, she randomly lands a job as assistant for the latest literary sensation, Maud Dixon, a pen name for an anonymous, sassy woman named Helen Wilcox, who lives in the country in upstate New York.
When Helen is killed in a freak accident, Florence thinks no one will be the wiser if she just becomes Maud Dixon. But Florence may have bitten off more than she can chew, as Helen's publisher wants her next book, like, last week.
I found this book to be absolutely hilarious. The tone reminded me of the movie Death Becomes Her. I don't think too many readers will like Helen or Florence, but the way their personalities play off each other is great because they are both weirdos. I was cracking up when a lawyer told Florence a jury wouldn't find her sympathetic, and when she stole Helen's phrases and tried to casually use them.
A very refreshing and unique entry into the thriller genre!

Hard to put down, this slow burn of a literary thriller was the perfect mix of excellent writing and compelling plot.  I wasn't skimming ahead to find out what happens next, because I wanted to enjoy the writing too.  It also achieved my preferred ratio of shocking moments to "oh no, I know what's going to happen next - why are you doing that - don't do that!" moments.  (Too many of these moments and story is predictable and boring, but when I have a few of them, I feel more engaged and included in the story - plus I feel smart for figuring things out :) ) Despite having its share of suspicious or untrustworthy characters, I found them all to be at least some measure of relatable, with actions that made sense to me, even if I didn't agree with them - these are not the outlandish behaviors of your average drunken, unreliable narrators trying to ruin their lives.

My one complaint is that Helen/Maud reads too old.  I know that Florence says Helen seems older than she is, but everything about her reads at least forties, not early thirties. She even makes a seemingly earnest comment about her "old bones" and about Florence being a young person in contrast to herself... and those comments feel super off for someone her age.  I understand that being close in age was a critical plot point, as was Florence's inclination to idolize her as a mentor, but I think that her manner of speech could've been more slightly more believable.

With all that being said, I'll end with an unimportant line about recipes that caused me to yell, YES HELEN PREACH: "If I'm told one more time to serve my dish with some good, crusty bread and a schmear of butter, I'll scream."  She and I may not have a ton in common, but on this we certainly can agree!

Fun, engaging, compelling literary thriller.  Read it if you like the genre.

I really enjoyed this debut novel.  I love books about writers and publishing and this story about Florence and her journey to Morocco and what transpires is SO deliciously twisted!  It kept me very entertained and was very unpredictable!  Highly recommend!  My thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the ARC!

The plot of WHO IS MAUD DIXON? centers around the ambitions and deeply-held resentments of Florence, who desperately wants to become a successful writer but is stuck working a crappy, low-paying job for an even crappier boss. Florence is very bitter that her lack of pedigree, connections, and life experiences have hindered her goals. After discovering an insufferable work colleague scored a book deal at the publishing house where they’re both employed, Florence decides to take drastic action that results in her stumbling upon a new job as an assistant to Helen Wilcox, a best-selling author who writes under the anonymous pen name Maud Dixon. Under Helen’s tutelage, Florence thinks her dreams of becoming a published author may finally come true...but then during a trip to Morocco with Helen to do some research for Maud’s new book, a horrible car accident occurs leaving Florence jobless and mentorless. Florence suddenly realizes, however, that she can turn tragedy into opportunity by stealing Helen’s identity and writing Maud’s next book herself.

I can’t say anything else without giving away spoilers, but this witty story had a bit of everything. I thought Florence would be a character I’d love to hate, but I found myself commiserating with her at times and *almost* cheering her on. While the plot twists and ending were a little predictable, this was a very entertaining escape read. (Like Florence, I can’t get the image of an octopus being bashed against the rocks out of my head! Haha!)

Many thanks to the publisher for letting me read an eGalley before the book goes on sale March 2021. All opinions are my own. I wanted to read this book because I love a good Ripley-esque story, especially if it’s centered around writing and publishing. This story was everything I hoped it would be and more! I want to read more thrillers with these types of female characters please. It is so refreshing to read about women doing interesting things and going interesting places instead of the usual trope where their entire life revolves around their existing kids or the kids they wish they had.

This was fun! This was a fresh twist on the Imposter trope & I couldn't stop tapping my screen for the next page. I don't want to give away spoilers because that's the real fun here but do know that it is a little slow at some points. Honestly, the parts when Florence had any sort of hookup liaison felt like it lingered aimlessly for a bit. They both reached purposeful ends but I felt they could have arrived there sooner. The first especially has a good payoff that propelled her trajectory worthily. Helen proved a good character and by about the midway point of the book, things take an interesting turn between the women and things get even wilder in the final quarter of the book.

I highlit a fair amount and Andrews definitely has a wonderful turn of phrase on display here. I can't do a favourite quote for an ARC review because something may change in the final version but there are many I hope make it to the final cut because they're gems.

As I've mentioned in past reviews, I enjoy a good ingratiator book as such types both fascinate and repel me so I was likely just the audience for this one. In book likes this reminded me of Anna Pitoniak's Necessary People , Tara Elizabeth Burton's Social Creature , Stephanie Clifford's Everybody Rise and of course Highsmith's Ripley. I can't stress enough though that I haven't come across a book before that had this particular twist but I surely hope I run into it again. I look forward to more from Andrews.

Great debut. Recommended.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.

Andrews's debut novel has such an enticing premise. It's a psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator. The plot revolves around a famous yet anonymous author, her assistant who has grand career expectations and great envy, set mainly in Morocco. For a book nerd, what's not to love??

The book grabbed me quickly but I felt dragged a bit in the middle. The descriptions of Morocco were wonderful. There were many twists and turns but I found them to be fairly predictable. In addition to envy, greed and revenge were major themes. All great themes for book clubs.

This is a fun, fast read that is coming out at the perfect time - March 2021. It will definitely be a hit for summer beach readers. It could also be easily adapted for TV or a movie.

Who is Maud Dixon? is a debut novel by Alexandra Andrews.  I don't think I've read anything quite like it and I find that very refreshing.  At the beginning of this book you meet Florence Darrow.  Florence lives in New York City and works in the publishing industry.  She is trying to make a name for herself but is going about it in all the wrong ways.  She is soon fired from her job.  No worries,  she is soon presented with the opportunity to become the assistant for a writer who writes under the pseudonym of Maud Dixon.  People have been wondering who Maud Dixon really is for years.  Florence moves from the the city to the "sticks.."  She finds it strange that a successful author is living such a reclusive life but Florence finds it somewhat refreshing.  Soon, Florence and her boss travel to Morocco to do research for an upcoming novel.  But what soon transpires is not what Florence had expected.  There will be twists and turns throughout this trip.  There will be secrets revealed. .  There will be murder.  How does this all play out?  Does the book get finished?  And who exactly is Maud Dixon?  The answer may surprise you!!!!!

I would recommend this book for anyone who likes suspense!  This one releases on March 2, 2021

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for letting me read an ARC of this book. The synopsis sounded so good. After all, it was about a famous author and an aspiring author! However the first 20% of the book was an odd  introduction to Florence . It was written in a way that seemed dated so I was surprised when I realized it was contemporary. When the main story finally started, it was really  good. It was well-written and kept me reading as Florence was getting to know Helen. One issue was Florence and Helen were not sympathetic characters, which is hard for me. Then in a strange turn of events, Florence and Helen take a trip and the book got a little weird. What are they doing there? We find out and the book gets really great. The best part about this book was the ending, when we find out what has been going on and why. If you're willing to stay with this book until the end, this book is for you.

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!