I received an ARC of this suspenseful novel through Net Galley.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Undoing, an HBO mini-series that came out late in 2020, based on this author's book, You Should Have Known. (That book has now been republished as a paperback and titled The Undoing.) The series starred Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman and it was packed with an enormous amount of tension and suspense. The series made me very curious about the book and its author. The Plot proves that the author can create that same sort of atmosphere with the written word.

Surprisingly, this book started slow, setting the scene with character development. Another successful mystery/thriller author says that you need to capture the reader in the first 60 pages. That does not happen in this book, but if you stay with it, this story absolutely takes off after its ordinary beginning.

This novel is about a struggling author who, after finally putting out a bestseller called The Crib, becomes accused of plagiarism. So there is a book within this book. Excerpts from The Crib are interspersed between the chapters of The Plot.

Did the author steal this book? What became of the young man who created this, or a similar, plot? Was the plot that was allegedly stolen based on real life characters? If so, what became of them?

It's hard to say more without spoiling things. Suffice it to say this book will quite satisfy readers who love twists at the end.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview THE PLOT by Jean Hanif Korelitz. This novel started slow for me, and I almost thought that i should give up - but not so fast readers...this one picks up steam and doesn't let go. I loved it.
A down and out writer, Jacob, is now teaching a class in a small Vermont college. He once had a best selling book, but that was a long time ago. Now he is set to read his student's manuscripts, short stories, and life is just a bore. There is one student, Evan Parker - a brash young man with interesting pages of a book he will write someday and Jacob is quite intrigued - it's quite good.
Time goes on, but those pages never left Jacob's mind - what ever happend to Evan Parker. Jacob's investigative mind starts to search for Evan Parker - what happened to this young man and the book he said he would write. Jacob learns Parker has died - so he takes those notes and creates a novel - CRIB and all hell breaks lose because now Jacob is a best selling auithor. Everryone loves this book - it's a stunner and Jacob is famous. CRIB's success is astonishing - even Steven Speilberg wants to make it a movie. BUT.....
In the back of his mind, Jacob struggles with success - is it his or his deceased studen's book. Jacob's life changes when he meets a great woman, his book is going into a second print, and he has alot of money - what could go wrong? Then someone starts sending Jacob messages - telling him he's a thief, he stole someone's idea, he's a fraud. Jacob must find out who is trying to ruin his life - Parker is dead - who is stalkiing him? Jacob becomes the detective and starts to hunt the person who is set on ruining his life. And Jacob gets alot more than he bargained for - his best selling novel may just be a true story, and that someone doesn't want that story in print.
Very good - I could not put it down. 5 stars - RECOMMEND..

4.5 stars (but felt giving 5 was more appropriate than giving 4 and rounding up). You can plagiarize a story, but can you steal a plot?

I loved this book. It was expertly paced, the characters jumped off the page, and most importantly, it was entertaining to read. Jacob's dread and guilt once the emails start to arrive is palpable. His need to figure out what exactly is going on feels understandable. I don't want to give too much away, because I don't want to ruin the story for anyone else.

"Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he's teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what's left of his self-respect; he hasn't written--let alone published--anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn't need Jake's help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then . . . he hears the plot.

Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker's first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that--a story that absolutely needs to be told.

In a few short years, all of Evan Parker's predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an e-mail arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief, it says.

As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his "sure thing" of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?"

Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

After finishing The Plot, it seems to me that author Jean Hanff Korelitz has the following:

1. A giant set of cojones. To write an actual novel about the plot of a fictional novel that’s so good it will be a guaranteed best seller, and to include that fictional novel within your actual novel? Yeah, that’s pretty ballsy.

2. Writing chops. This is a well-written *literary* thriller, where form doesn’t heed to function. Yes there’s a great plot to The Plot, but it’s framed with crafty sentences and giant walls of text. Don’t like page-long paragraphs? Too bad for you.

3. A crystal ball. This novel (and ergo the novel within it) will be a best seller. A worthy one, at that.

My thanks to the (ballsy) author and Celadon Books for the advance copy to review via NetGalley.

This is the best book I have read in a long time, maybe in the past three years...I can't remember when I've devoured anything so quickly and with such relish. Oh, wait -- I could describe my reading of You Should Have Known, by the same author, in that way!

I will not stop talking about this book! I read it over 24 hours. I told my husband all about it (he doesn't read), my in-laws, and my friends at work. I will talk it up, up, up to my patrons. It can go out to anyone. Like You Should Have Known, it's a sort of domestic thriller with well-drawn and sophisticated characters. Not your everyday throwaway thriller -- something special. What is different with this one is that it is intensely CREEPY and will appeal to horror lover in you, if you have one! There is menace behind every corner for our main character -- when will his past catch up with him?

And the twists and the turns. I am a pretty careful reader but I couldn't always keep up with them all. There were so many characters -- and versions of characters because this is meta-fiction -- with various authors! -- that I couldn't imagine how this book would ever come together in a satisfying way, I just knew that it would. And it so did.

I can't say enough good things about this book. The fantastic premise makes it an easy, quick, compelling booktalk. And the twisty, cut up narrative structure makes it satisfying to literary fiction readers who want a thrilling summer read they can also sink their teeth into. Thank you so much for sharing this excellent book with me!

This was an intriguing thriller. This novel has several plots in it, layer upon layer of plots. It's very clever in that respect. This is also a novel about writers and writing. I enjoyed reading about that. Jake was a familiar character very much like one from a Stephen King novel. I figured out a major plot point early in the novel, so the big twist didn't surprise me. Still, I appreciated the clever plot(s) of the story and am glad I read this book.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I had hopes based on the synopsis, but it fell flat fast. The writing was wordy, in fact, too wordy. For an example - the first main was given paragraphs to explain his three part name. I don't feel like I needed that in depth explanation for the middle name Finch that he gave to himself. The last name derived from a Jewish name. Who cares that much ? It held nothing in regards to the plot.

Sadly, about 25% I gave up. The style and length was just overboard, in my opinion. I will also say that I love mystery novels.

la·gia·rism
/ˈplājəˌrizəm/

noun: plagiarism; plural noun: plagiarisms
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own.

Jacob Finch Bonner, author of one fairly successful and well received novel and one which quickly moved to the remainders stack would kill to have a commercially successful critically received book. Nearly broke he moves from his Manhattan apartment having been relegated to teaching at an MFA program that’s crushingly unfulfilling. Except for one student. One cocky, obnoxious self involved student named Evan Parker who claims to have the story that will launch his career, make him a household name, and reach the literary pinnacle, the endorsement of Queen Oprah. So one night Evan spills the story in broad strokes to Jacob who indeed understands how this book could do all Evan claims it would. Some time later, Jacob back to his life learns that Evan Parker has died with no living relatives, and more importantly, no published book. So Jacob writes a story, Evan’s story, and like Aladdin rubbing the lamp, his literary dreams come true. He gets everything he could possibly want and more. That is until the day an email arrives with four simple words: You are a thief.

Jean Haneff Koreff, has written a smart, slow burn thriller that pokes gleeful fun at the egos, eccentricities and ambitions of writers. Jacob thinks near the beginning: “He had supported other writers he’d known and admired (even the ones he hadn’t particularly admired)by attending their readings and actually purchasing their books (in hardcover! At independent bookstores!)” There’s a delicious schadenfreude that happens as the book progresses, because while Jacob doesn’t come off as particular unlikeable (which he absolutely could) he has placed himself in a soup of his own making, the temperature rising exponentially with each subsequent chapter. And although I figured out who was the culprit behind the threatening texts, it didn’t dent the overall enjoyment of the read. Thanks to @celadonbooks and @netgalley for the advance copy.

4.5 Stars

This was the first book of Jean Hanff Korelitz’s that I have read and boy was I impressed. Like many other reviewers have stated it was very compelling to read a book about a book and the fact that it was a book within a book was even better. Although the first few chapters were a little slow I found myself quickly absorbed in the plot of The Plot.

Told from the first person perspective of the main character Jacob Finch Bonner Jean Hanff Korelitz has weaved a suspenseful and haunting story that had me questioning everything. The Plot is a literary masterpiece full of complex details and an inspired storyline and I just adored that ending.

I did, however, figure out the "who" less than half way through the novel but it didn't take away any of my enjoyment while reading. Jean Hanff Korelitz is an amazing writer and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book out in May!
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What I liked: I loved the idea for this book. Once the mystery really started moving, I enjoyed the tension in the story. The author writes well and the tension is thick at times, as well as, the feeling that our main character is on a downward spiral. Though I could figure out one of the twists, and to be honest I think it is intentional, there are other twists that were well done. I enjoyed the ending as well!

What I didn't: The pacing was slightly slow in the beginning and it seemed to drag to start. Once it got going it was great pacing, I wish it just would have picked up a bit.

Highly recommend!

When we meet Jacob Finch Bonner, it's safe to say that he is not a likeable or sympathetic character. As the storyline unravels I found myself rooting for him as he struggled to defend himself. Once a fairly well known writer, Jacob has fallen from New York City Publishing grace as he has been unable to complete a new novel. He makes ends meet by teaching in a third rate MFA program in Vermont.

Jacob spends a lot of time complaining and very little time teaching and mentoring in Vermont. Serendipitously, he hears of a great plot from an aspiring writer in his class.. When the story doesn't subsequently hit the shelves.Jacob decides to "borrow" the idea. The novel is a hit, a best seller, as it was sure to be. But someone is threatening to share where Jacob really got his ideas....

What a book and a FANTAST IC PLOT ! Really, the plot of this novel as well as the plot discussed in the novel will keep you up all night. This may be the only book I have EVER read where I did not truly like the characters but I still enjoyed the book, the journey and the ending.

Highly recommend.

4.5 Be Careful What You Wish For Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
When I saw this blurb, I clicked immediately. As a reader/reviewer, the art of writing is near and dear to me. I started it, dug in, and was captivated by the two major points of this book. Yes, it is a mystery/thriller and I loved that...but it also put out there this bare, raw, and vulnerable reveal of what it is like to have that need, that desire to write, to appreciate the wonder of what words can do.

Our main fella isn't really a hugely likable character. The main thing about him is his early understanding of words and stories. He was advanced in his observations and decided to read books way more advanced for his age. He grew to realize writing was something that needed nurturing, devotion, and a focus to the point of sacrifice. He worked harder, applied to all the necessary programs, awards, scholarships, anything that would advance him in the writing field.

And then it happened, after all the years of schooling, programs, and dedication, he was published and recognized as a promising new voice. He experienced that feeling...it was a high like no other. His book had made a little mark for him and then he needed to do his second book to hold onto his place among those who were considered worthy.

It was that second book curse, he experienced it and never really recovered from it. He was published after many submissions, it never being anything to be proud of. He was on that ugly spiral, the downward journey that had him becoming what many shift to...a teacher.

It is as this teacher for a program for those who wish to write and come to for guidance. It was almost a joke to have him teaching this as he had no real concern anymore for these minds. He did when he first was hired for the program but now he was just marking time and cashing the small check.

This story starts to move forward when we get to the major set-up for this book, an arrogant, entitled guy is part of this session, and his attitude in how he behaves has us immediately disliking him. The joke, of course, is he won't talk about his project when the group first meets and it seems the only reason he is here is to try to get an agent and put a program on his resume. Full of himself would be the perfect description.

This guy has a scheduled time to meet with our teacher and before the meeting, our teacher searches for the required submission needed for the course. It is read, then re-read because it isn't the usual drivel he gets. No, this is different. It is descriptive but with few words. You feel the place and who the people are...the conflict and pain just under the surface. Prepared to deal with this ass, the meeting starts.

It is during this meeting, our author is juggling, dancing back and forth with this guy. It finally comes down to the challenge from the guy daring him to ask about this "Sure Thing" plot for his book. After a back and forth of mental gymnastics for the power play, the guy tells the teacher what is his plot.

It is devastating...It is something that defies all the rules of plotting, of how there are only so many that can happen. It is perfect and everything the jerk had said that would happen when he writes this, will come true.

This is the first part of the book. Heady, right. The book is done in parts and the next one is three years later and our writer has continued down his spiral of non-writing becoming a manager for a writers retreat. It is while he is there when his life will be presented his writing crossroads.

I could not stop reading this, even when I needed to do other things. It presented an interesting theory about the responsibility of words and how the gift of something given needs to be taken seriously, how there is this purpose that must get them out, to not turn your back on them. To revere them, nurture them, and take on their responsibility.

Yes, there is so much more than the concepts of writing, there is a terrific mystery/thriller story too. Our fella took on so much more than he ever could have thought when he decided to go on his path with his new book

Thank you NetGallery, Celedon Books and Macmillan for the free Advanced Readers Copy! The following voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
Wow! First of all, I couldn’t put it down. It does take a minute for the storyline to pick up momentum but once it does, it’s a fun read. If you do not like when a timeline shifts or when there are varying perspectives, this is not the book for you: There are leaps of 2 and 3 years within the first three parts, then the story oscillates between the main character’s life and the book he wrote, also there is an entire book within this book. I felt all of this was well written and well organized.
Jean Hanff Korelitz is so very gifted in character development! At first, I was annoyed by the main character, but by the end I was rooting for him. All of the human behavior, the interactions, felt completely believable.
This will make an excellent movie or TV series. (Personally, I would love to see Alyson Hannigan as Anna!) Be forewarned that this is one of those stories where you as the reader/watcher will want to yell at the characters. I could see some of the pivotal moments coming and yet when they arrived I still felt a sense of shock, even dismay.
Overall, I highly recommend this book!

3.5 rounded up.

I mostly enjoyed this one. There was something about the writing that took me a while to get used to, but once I got into the story I didn’t notice it as much.

Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising author with a nod in the New York Times New & Noteworthy column. Now he’s teaching Creative Writing in a third rate college’s MFA program. To say he’s burnt out would be an understatement. He doesn’t expect much from his students and from their writing samples, it doesn’t seem like they’re going to disappoint. That is, until his smug student tells him the plot of his planned novel. Then, even Jake has to agree that it will be the next big thing.

Years go by and still this story with the fail-proof plot has not been released. One night Jake looks up his past student to learn that he is now dead, with no surviving relatives. One thing leads to another and well, Jake writes the story and it lives up to everything he imagined it would be from the moment he heard the plot from his student.

Everything is great until he starts receiving the messages from someone who knows... but who could it be? From there, there are snips of the story Jake published interspersed in with Jake’s current life as a best selling novelist on tour and working on his follow up book.

I did expect more from the “unimaginable” plot that was hyped so much, but it did make for a good story. I did see the ending coming and I am not usually one who does, since I tend to just let the author tell the story and not spend time trying to figure it out. It pretty much has to be obvious for me to see it coming and I did. Overall I enjoyed this and I will read this author again!!

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A fun ride of a novel about a writer and a deception. I enjoyed the first 25% and then my interest waned as I predicted the storyline which, for me, was over-the-top and almost a farce. I had high hopes! Maybe if I had read it on the beach on vacation I would have been more willing to take part in the ride? A miss for me.

I'm fruit grateful to NetGalley and Celadon for the copy of this book.

Started slow and I was wondering about the fuss, then as I read I understood. Very well written and kept me guessing until about midway when i guessed correctly! good book!

This is a book that I was anxiously waiting for! One that all my friends loved. I couldn’t wait to get started! The premise sounded amazing!

But oh my, this book started off so slow and by midway I really just to finish it. I found it difficult to read d/t all the parenthesis. It became so distracting I found myself getting frustrated.

I am very much an outlier. There are so many five star reviews for this book. Wish it would have been a different experience for me. But sadly just wasn’t my cup of ☕️.

Thank you to Celadon Books for the ARC to read and review.

I was completely enthralled reading this, but once "the plot" was revealed, I was disappointed. The whole book we're told about this incredible twist in the plot Jake stole that literally nobody saw coming but for even casual suspense/thriller readers, I highly doubt the reveal will pack much punch. I read this in bed and actually said "that's it?" out loud to myself at like 1:30am when I got to it.

And then I predicted the ending to Jake's story as well. So while I really liked the writing and idea and pacing and all that, the reveals weren't strong enough to warrant the way the book was written.

I am always hesitant to give 5 stars to thrillers, but I think Jean Hanff Korelitz and The Plot earned it.

The Plot is a very readable and deeply satisfying thriller. I will warn that it is a bit of a slow burn but is also 110 percent worth it. I was quickly gripped by Jean Hanff Korelitz's storytelling and immersed in the book.

I found Korelitz's prose a bit more like that found in literary fiction than most of the thrillers I read. But I liked it. It felt like the sole purpose of the book was not simply to take me on a wild ride but to also immerse me in the protagonist's life and feelings. I understood his motives and actions, although whenever a character makes dumb decisions repeatedly that fill me with anxiety, I do become frustrated. However, I think this is an intended mechanism that makes you more invested in the ending.

The Plot, as the cover shows, is a book within a book. Korelitz did a fantastic job executing this and slowly unfolding the mysteries. Ultimately, The Plot was addicting and unexpected. If you read a lot of thrillers, you may not be completely surprised by the plot twists, but I think The Plot is very much worth reading.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Plot and think, without a doubt, this is going to be a bit hit. I predict it will be a big beach read for this summer. I highly recommend picking up a copy and setting aside time to devour it in one setting.

I originally saw this book on Bookishfirst and read the sample. It sucked me in immediately and I was disappointed I did not win a copy. Luckily, I was approved for this book here on NetGalley and I was extremely overjoyed to get to finish this book. I read this book quickly and i enjoyed the whole thing.

The Plot has a double meaning that you will understand once you read the book. I went into the book already hating the main character based on the blurb about the book but extremely curious to see how it all played out.

I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to more books by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Thank you NetGalley and Celadon Books for an advanced copy of this book.