Jacob is an aspiring author but has yet to strike it big in the publishing world. Needing to find gainful employment Jacob taking a job teaching a writing class at a school. This is where he encounters Evan Parker, a cocky student in the class. Evan tells Jacob he has the perfect plot for a book that he is sure will make him famous. When a tragedy occurs this changes everything for Jacob.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I am keeping my synopsis short. I actually really enjoyed this audiobook a lot. The narrator was great to listen to and had a nice soothing voice. I liked how the chapter alternated between the main story line of Jacob and the story of the book he wrote. I did enjoy the main story line better but both were good. The ending was definitely the best part and certainly was unexpected. I would definitely recommend this in either audio or physical book format.

My fear is that people will stop listening to this audiobook before it gets going. The first 30 minutes were excruciating, narrative that was difficult to become interested in.
Once you get past that, though, the story picks up and is quite good!

The Plot is a witty, twisty novel that leaves the reader wondering who exactly owns an unwritten story. Populated with unlikeable characters facing moral and ethical dilemmas, readers can’t help but ask themselves what they would do in a similar situation, Carefully paced with a steady tension that keeps the pages turning, this title is sure to take summer 2021 by storm.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

In photography there is a term called “frame within a frame”. It allows the photographer to focus your attention, and direct your gaze while framing what they want you to notice. This book defines “plot within a plot,” if there was such a term. But that is exactly what Korelitz creates. She directs the reader’s attention in both the story, and the story within a story. She directs your attention to the aspects of the plot that she wants you to notice, causing you to ignore other key aspects in this compulsive psychological thriller.

Jacob Finch Bonner is a “has been” writer struggling to maintain his dignity while teaching writing at a third rate MFA program. He was the writer that “was” or “could have been”, but is now out of ideas and time. That is, until Evan Parker, a student, tells him the plot of the book that will take the world by storm. Years later Jacob comes face to face with a dilemma. Evan is now dead. What does this mean? Could he save his dismal career and write Evan’s story? Who exactly owns a story? What makes it yours? What makes it someone else’s? Can you own a plot? When a mysterious email shows up in Jacob’s inbox he is forced to deal with a moral judgement - his own, and a mysterious individual who knows what he has done.

This book is the definition of a slow burn, that eventually turns into a raging fire. By the end it had me on the edge of my seat, as I tried to keep up with the incoming information. I solved the mystery early on, but it didn’t take away from the suspense that I felt finding out all the details.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the advanced copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review.

I usually love listening to audiobooks but had to give up on this one after a half hour or so. It sounded like the narrator thought he was reading to children, and he tried to make every sentence SO EXCITING, as if his audience wouldn't realize how important it was otherwise. (And I'm not advocating reading to children this way either!) Occasional excitement is good, but when a description of a vinyl tablecloth gets the same weight as everything else, it's just too much. I did think I'd like the book enough that I still wanted to read it, so I requested the e-ARC also and am grateful to have been given access to it, too. That review of that format is copied below, and the 4 stars are for that, not the audiobook.

When I first read the brief synopsis of this book, I thought, wait, didn't I just read this? It sounded so much like David Bell's upcoming "Kill All Your Darlings," but other than the similarity of an unsuccessful author stealing work from one of his students, it was actually quite different. I liked both, although in the case of Bell's book, it made more sense that the protagonist was afraid of being exposed since he actually appropriated an entire manuscript and had it published as his own after the real author had disappeared. In contrast, in "The Plot," Jake, the main character and struggling author, just takes a plot idea that his now dead former student told him about and actually writes the book himself. So although it’s understandable that he freaks out once someone starts communicating with him and telling him they know he stole the plot, it seems he could have just come clean and said that he was honoring, and yet protecting the privacy of, his late student by writing the book with the fantastic plot shared with him by someone who hadn’t lived long enough to write it. After all, plots are reused all the time. Another somewhat implausible point was that the plot was sold to us as so amazing that it would be a surefire hit, no matter how poorly it was written. Does anyone remember when in the year 2000 we were told that something so fantastic was about to be introduced, something that would change life as we knew it—and then it turned out to be the Segway? I felt the idea of the plot was similarly overhyped; it was good, but not really that extraordinary. I did enjoy, though, that excerpts from the book Jake wrote were interspersed—having two books in one was a nice bonus.

Like many other readers, I figured out the big reveal very early in the book, although this didn’t really detract from my enjoyment. Generally, I thought the writing was very good, and I particularly liked the author’s thought-provoking musings about writing. What did drive me a little crazy, though, was that in the early chapters parentheses were used WAY too often, to the point of distraction. It seemed like an unnecessary crutch. Similarly, in the first excerpts of the novel within the book, italics were used way too often, and I found that equally distracting. Still, all in all I very much liked "The Plot" and will gladly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book.

What would you do if you came across a book idea that was so original that you knew it should have been your idea, to begin with? It lives at the top of the best sellers list for weeks, is an Oprah book club pick, and is being turned into a movie with Steven Spielberg at the helm. If the plot was somehow dropped into your lap for the taking, would you? That is the opportunity for Jacob Finch Bonner and he decides that he is willing to put everything on the line including his career to take it!

This book was fantastic! Jean Hanff Korelitz pulled off a real winner with The Plot. It was a slow, psychological thriller with an ending that blew me away. Korelitz has a brilliant mind and this book is evidence of that. I listened to this one on an audiobook, and the narrator Kirby Heyborne did a wonderful job with all of the characters and the dual storyline. I loved how Korelitz not only gave us Jake’s story but that we also got to hear some portions of his ‘stolen’ book, Crib. Crib was just as mind-bending as The Plot was, and I find it so intriguing that Korelitz was able to do that to us twice all in the same book. Some parts of this book were slower than others, mainly in the middle sections, but overall, I enjoyed that slow build-up to the ending! The Plot was a very enjoyable book. It was delightfully dark and addictive with a great plot, providing some engrossing insight into writers’ minds. I want to leave out a lot of what the bulk of this book is about because I feel it is better to go into it blind.

Overall, if you’re intrigued by dual storylines and a slow psychological thriller, you won’t regret checking out The Plot. I have to thank Netgalley & Celadon Books for my gifted advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The overall story of The Plot is interesting, but when picking up something that falls in the thriller category I expect it to be on the edge of my seat throughout a good portion of the work. This book is much more of a slow build. It took almost half way through to really get to the story you expect from the back cover blurb, and ultimately it wasn't until the last third that I truly felt to desire to keep listening. Before that point I was simply chugging along because it was a NetGalley selection I wanted to review. The final few chapters however, really saved my perception. The conclusion is great, and I'm glad I made it to the end for that. The epilogue did take a turn I feel didn't mesh with the character it focuses on, but that didn't completely ruin things, just left me questioning. The inclusion of parts of the book inside the book was also a nice addition, and it did help to give a deeper understanding of the broader story going on.

The narrator of the audiobook seems like a good choice. His voice, and delivery style makes a lot of sense for the Jake character, but overall the story, even the faster parts, was slow. So if you decide to give this book a try, be prepared for the drawn out feeling it gives.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an early copy of the audiobook for The Plot in exchange for an honest review.

While I get that books can have unlikable protagonists (especially in mystery/thrillers), those protagonists need to be supported by a really strong or compelling narrative to make sure you end up hating them and not the actual book and Jacob Finch Bonner is such an unlikable protagonist that it made this book feel really, really, long.

I think a lot of the problem comes from having the narcissistic, judgmental protagonist be a writer because inevitably, it becomes very difficult to draw a mental line between what's the character showing those traits and what's the author. For example, after spending the books opening hearing Jacob judge everyone around him and think about how he's destined for greatness he is finally humbled through reading the work of a student that he describes in narrative as one of the best written things he's ever read. I assumed that was going to work as a summary for what the student wrote but then the next chapter, we read the perfect piece ourselves which (unintentionally) moves Jacob's narcissism to the author since we just read paragraphs of them praising their own work through Jacob's judgmental lens. This book is a whole lot of Jacob feeling awful with the real mystery not really kicking in until the 60% mark and at that point, I was so frustrated with the narrative that Korelitz could have told the best mystery of all time and I still wouldn't have been able to get invested.

This story was very interesting well thought out! I enjoyed it. The audio was a little off so it was slow but overall I enjoyed it

This was a psychological thriller that initially took its time setting itself up but then became a fast paced, gripping read. As the tension built, I found myself increasingly eager to know what was going to happen.

Jacob is a one hit novel wonder. He wrote a book at the start of his career that somewhat took off. Since then, he has been teaching writing at a mid to lower end university program, trying to replicate his success without any luck. He’s stuck in a rut and his self esteem is suffering. Then comes Even Parker, a narcissistic student who claims to have the perfect plot idea for a best selling novel. Evan is protective over his idea. He scoffs at Jacob and the university saying his idea is so good, he really doesn’t need any help in crafting his book. But in a rare moment of Even letting down his guard, he shares the plot idea of his book with Jacob. And so the story continues from there....

This is a book that delves into the writing profession and publishing industry. It is both plot and character driven in that the reader is given an intimate glimpse into Jacob’s psyche and his transformation as things start going horribly wrong. I was taken with this book but will be honest and say that I guessed the ending. I had a hunch early on and sadly for me, I was correct. However, the ending is fantastic and it appears that I’m in the minority of guessing the reveal as I don’t think it’s super obvious. Regardless, this was a book full of tension and edge-of-your-seat moments as the mystery grew. Absolutely recommend!

A gracious thank you to MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for copy of the audio galley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Jacob Finch Bonner is teaching in a low-residency MFA program when one of his students tells him about the sure-fire hit plot in the novel he is writing. Jacob is jealous, which is understandable given the path of his own lack luster career that he held so much promise. Years later, Jacob learns of the death of his student, and that the student had never completed the novel. Jacob decides to write his own novel using the same plot. That’s when the trouble begins. After Jacob’s novel becomes the bestseller it’s destined to be, someone begins to send him threatening messages, and the psychological portion of this thriller begins.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I listened to the audiobook, and initially the narrators voice seemed whiny and entitled. However, as the book progressed, you realize that it is actually perfect for Jacob, whom I found difficult to like, but at the same time felt a bit sorry for. I did enjoy the “book within a book” take the author used. While I felt the identity of Jacob’s tormentor was fairly obvious, i was a little surprised by the twist in Jacob’s novel, as I was with the ending of the book. I found this book to be medium in its pace, although I have seen many reviews that refer to it as a slow burn. Either way, it is nice to read something fresh in this genre, and I look forward to more from Jean Hanff Korelitz in the future.

This book was great! I liked the combo of mystery and writing about writing. The main character was a bit of an unreliable narrator, which I also enjoyed.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: A washed-up author finds an easy way to get a book published - steal the "plot."

BRIEF REVIEW: Jacob Finch Bonner once a somewhat respectable author, hasn't written anything in years. His life is moving in the wrong direction and he is now teaching in a MFA program at the not to popular Ripley College in VT. It is a college with a student population that is rapidly dwindling. When Jacob learns that one of his former students has died he sees an opportunity for quick success. The former, now decreased student, Evan Parker was an arrogant obnoxious sort who couldn't resist bragging about what he called a never-fail "plot." Evan had shared the storyline with Jacob and it appears that it has never been published. Jacob can't resist the opportunity to pass the Evan's work off as his own and is sure to bring him success.

Three years laters later The Crib has sold 2 million copies in less than a year. Things looking up for Jacob, he even meets a young woman on the book tour circuit that he ends up marrying. Life is good, he has money, success and an international bestseller. But, suddenly it appears, the deceit is about to catch up with him. Emails and tweets from someone calling themself "Talented Tom" letting Jacob know that they know he stole the storyline start to arrive. The frequency speeds up and even reaches the publisher who calls him in to explain. Jake, desperate to put and end to this and avoid controversy decides to begin his own investigation into Evan Parker and where he got the idea for the storyline.

The Plot, had an intriguing premise which I loved listening to. The audio was read by Kirby Heyborne who did a great job. I did have mixed feelings about this one as it seemed to take forever for this one to get going. The first third of the book was slow but, then things really took off in the right direction and the story gets intriguing. At this point it was hard to put this one down. I thought it was pretty easy to guess who was behind the emails and tweet taunts but, that was okay as the way the story ended was quite satisfying. Overall. not perfect but, I'm quite happy I had an opportunity to listen to this one. The author had written another thriller that I read called, You Should Have Known, which inspired a recent miniseries called The Undoing starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant - both book and series were quite good.

Really great plot, somewhat of a slow burn to start, but then couldn’t put it down. I think many will love this one!

Just finished listening to THE PLOT and I loved it. Admittedly, the book hooked my right away with it's literary and author references, but then it went on to have a great plot (imagine that!).

When a mid-30's author, Jacob, struggles to write a decent follow-up to his first book that got good reviews he turns to teaching at writing workshops. He has an obnoxious student who tells him the plot to a book he plans to write, and brags about how the plot is so good it will be an instant best-seller. Jacob recognizes that it really is a good plot and waits a few years for the book to get published, when it discovers that the writer he met died shortly after their meeting, he writes the book himself.

Someone know the truth and starts harassing him online, that's when the book really kicks in. Told through excerpts of Jacobs book and real life you learn the truth of the plot. I don't want to give away any spoilers, I will just say that if you like twisted plots told very well with strong characters, read or listen to this book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for this honest review.

2.5/5
How do I even begin to describe The Plot without giving away the plot (of the book)? Struggling author-turned-professor, Jacob Finch Bonner, is put in a predicament. A student of his has a brilliant plot for a novel he is writing. So brilliant that even someone who can't write can't possibly ruin the plot. This book will be so good that everyone everywhere will want to read it. It will be made into movies, Oprah will have him on her show. It will literally be everywhere. There is only one problem for this student and his book, he is dead before he writes it. The question for Jacob Finch Bonner is now what to do with this infallible plot?

The book was discouragingly slow throughout the first half. This was made worse by the almost robotic/mechanical voice of the audiobook reader. If I wasn't reviewing the book, I'm not sure I would have continued. The book did pick up in the second half, and while I wouldn't call it a thriller or a suspense novel, there was a degree of anticipation to the book. I expected the ending, so "the plot" The Plot (I literally mean both the plot of the book and the book itself, geesh its confusing) was a little bit of a let down for me. If the book is about a completely new plot, then I expect to be floored. I was still sitting....not floored.

Thank you NetGalley and Celadon books for granting me a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This was an interesting read - a book within a book. The protagonist is a published author who had a bit of success with his first book but hasn't been able to follow it up with anything even remotely successful. He hears a story that has The Plot - a story with such an amazing storyline that it's guaranteed to be a runaway bestseller. When circumstances provide the opportunity to put that plot together and publish it himself, how can he resist? And what might the consequences be? It's an interesting story not only for that plot, but also for the insights into the writing process and publishing industry - the good, the bad and the ugly. I listened to the audio version and Kirby Heyborne's narration is excellent.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

What a fascinating premise for a book. I was immediately intrigued by the premise, Professor finds success by stealing his dead student's novel, and then things get complicated. The book starts out great with this original story that reads like a conversation with the reading, lending itself nicely to audiobook format. At first the pacing is a bit slow, and the narration feels a bit slow as well, but the writing is so well detailed that just delving into the character's psyche that it keeps it interesting throughout.


I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Jake is a struggling author come creative writing teacher who has a student with a plot idea that he thinks will make him an instant bestseller. Jake is inclined to agree, so years later when Jake discovers that the student died before ever publishing the story he is tempted to use the plot for himself.

This audiobook was incredible! I had both a physical copy and the audio and initially alternated between the two but as i got further into it I proceeded with solely the audiobook as the narrator was just excellent and made the story so, so intriguing.

I had a sneaky suspicion where this was going from quite early on so I wasn’t surprised by the twist but this didn’t dampen my enjoyment in any way.

This one has a slow build up and I was probably around 25% in before I was hooked but it’s definitely worth sticking with it, literary mystery at it’s best. I’ll definitely be looking for other books by this author and other audiobooks read by this narrator.

Have you ever really thought about the plot of a book? What it’s composed of… how it hooks you? Well, this author comes in swinging with not just the plot line of <i>The Plot</i>, but she wrecks all writing norms by including the plot to another book she titles <i>Crib</i> within <i>The Plot</i> that equals/ rivals the main storyline. Yes, this author comes out with TWO novels in one and both are sure to be hits! This thriller starts out slow, but by the time you get comfortable, she shakes you up like ants in an ant farm - yes, my reading friends- there are ant bodies flying everywhere while you try to ferret out who is doing what and will this fictional author (because our real one absolutely got away with it) get away with stealing (borrowing/ resurrecting…) someone else’s plot. This is a solid read to pick. Anyone who just loves masterful storytelling with be thrilled by it. The audiobook narrator is good for keeping your attending, but let’s face it, this author needed no help- there would be no bad narrator.

A huge thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio as well as this author who came to dominate the thriller genre Jean Hanff Korelitz ( @JeanHanffKoreli ) for providing an advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest opinions. I’m so excited for her next book set to be published in 2022.

You can find my reviews at http://www.OceansOfBooks.com