3.75🌟

Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has attempted to conceal the fact that she is the daughter of renowned author Vincent Taylor. Back in 1975, Vince became the prime suspect in the violent murders of his brother and sister. Trying to raise Olivia on his own became difficult, and he shipped her off to an international boarding school, leading to their lifelong estranged relationship.

Now, her father is sick and writing his memoir. With few other options, Olivia has agreed to be the ghostwriter for the book. Back in her hometown, she is trying to figure out who is telling the truth about what happened that fateful day.

I enjoyed this. It kept me interested, and I finished it quickly. The chapters alternated between Olivia's current POV and the different siblings in 1975. It's hard to tell where things will go and if her dad is actually telling the truth, which made me want to know more. I would definitely read another book by Julie Clark.

Recommended for readers who enjoy alternating POVs, mysteries, and family drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

✍️ Book Review ✍️

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publication: June 3, 2025

Rating: I enjoyed it!

I wasn’t a huge fan of Clark’s first book but this was way different! I was sucked right in and found myself flipping pages late in the night! Overall, a fun gripping mystery!

For fans of:
🖊️ First person POV
📖 Multiple POVs
🖊️ Dual timeline (present & 1975)
📖 Cold case
🖊️ Dysfunctional family
📖 Slow burn
🖊️ Red Herrings

THE GHOSTWRITER
Julie Clark

The summer thrillers are here, and I want to start with an excellent one.

Olivia is a ghostwriter. One day, she receives a request from her agent. Her father, Vincent, would like her to ghostwrite his latest project.

She reluctantly agrees.

If you’ve seen the publisher synopsis, you know my hands are tied. So, I’ll leave it there.

No Spoilers Here!

I enjoyed my time reading THE GHOSTWRITER. There are two storylines. The main one is fully fleshed out and explored. The secondary storyline felt a bit rushed, which was my only complaint.

The characters are constructed well, the writing is great, and the pacing is pitch-perfect. This would make an excellent Father’s Day gift for someone who is stuck in a thriller rut.

THE GHOSTWRITER instantly reminded me of the show HAPPY FACE. If you like that show and the dynamics it presents, I would recommend checking out THE GHOSTWRITER.

Thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for the advanced copy!

THE GHOSTWRITER…⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The Ghostwriter” is a twisty, suspenseful story that kept me guessing every step of the way. The uniquely intriguing premise pulled me in from the very start and held me captive right up until the very end.

Though a bit of a slow burn, it is a cleverly written, emotionally-layered mystery composed of dysfunctional family dynamics and long-buried secrets just waiting to be unearthed.

This is the second book by author, Julie Clark, that I’ve read to date, and she has proven—yet again—that when it comes to writing thrilling, masterfully compelling stories, she hits the mark every time!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this advanced copy!

I could NOT put this book down! I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this book. The suspense builds slowly but not so slow that you lose interest. It’s very hard to find that perfect balance and Julie Clark Mastered it here. Throw in complex relationships just to add a little extra to the story.

This is my third book by the author and I’m looking forward to reading more!

Olivia Dumont has agreed to ghostwrite the latest novel by legendary horror author Vincent Taylor, her estranged father. No one knows he’s her father, and she’s reluctant to take the contract but feels she has no choice due to financial obligations. As a child, Olivia and her father played many treasure hunt games. Vincent appears to be carrying those games on, which frustrates Olivia. She wants to finish the book and leave. However, the more clues she finds, the more answers she wants. Did her father kill his two siblings or was it someone else? And why?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Olivia Dumont because of financial problems agrees to ghost write a memoir for Vincent Taylor, a horror author, prime suspect in the 1975 murder of his brother and sister Danny and Poppy in Ojai California, and Olivia's father who she has kept secret from everyone including boyfriend Tom and literary agent Nicole 

A page turner in my opinion, I never would have guessed the plot twist and how the story came together, the characters were well thought out and showed the depth into each one. My favorite was Poppy. The setting was also well done I'm happy that I read The Ghostwriter and can't wait to read another Julie Clark novel. I think fans of Lisa Jewell would enjoy The Ghostwriter"

I received an ARC of this book. Excellent story, full of suspense and secrets. A family mystery with many twists. Highly recommend!

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I STAYED UP UNTIL 2AM FINISHING THIS BOOK. I tried going to sleep, I really did. But every time I closed my eyes, I just kept thinking about this book, and I neeeedddddedddd to know how it finished.
This book practically wrote itself! Olivia Dumont is a ghostwriter, and the only daughter of the infamous horror author Vincent Taylor, whose siblings were murdered in 1975. Vincent decides to tell HIS version of what really happened that night. But can we trust him?
This story has complex family dynamics and a twisty mystery. Julie Clark is a MUST read author for me! The Lies I Tell was one of my favorite reads. Many thanks to the author, Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheGhostwriter #JulieClark #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #SummerBooks #NewThriller

I am blown away! Having never read anything by this offer and deciding to go to this book blind was the best idea.
I absolutely loved everything about it, and while it was my first book by this definitely will not be my last!

Great tale. Dual time-line and I must admit the "past" held more narrative appeal, but as always, Clark did not disappoint. I'm a sucker for father-daughter stories, the more dysfunctional the better, and this one is a good one.

I loved The Last Flight, but found The Lies I Tell to be just okay so I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Ghostwriter. The premise was intriguing and felt unique which is what drew me in. However, I wasn’t a fan of the writing style or execution. The first half of the book is an extremely slow build while the second half picks up slightly with more flashbacks that help move the story along. I found Olivia to be a dull and unengaging protagonist with no real character growth. Of all the perspectives, Poppy’s was the most compelling. Vince’s chapters, on the other hand, read more like a teenage girl than a boy which pulled me out of the story. It was frustrating how often information was repeated as if the reader couldn’t connect the dots on their own. Many side characters seemed to appear out of nowhere and felt underdeveloped. The last 15% of the book is where the action finally kicks in and the ending was decent. Overall, I don’t think Julie Clark’s writing style is for me.

The best ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me so far this year! The Ghostwriter is an engaging, compelling, complete book from start to finish. This book was so well thought out and written, I could not put it down. I loved the surprising twists and drama, the determination of the main character and the personal growth she achieved. The ending was amazingly satisfying and completely unpredictable. I wish I could read it again for the first time, and I don’t do that with many books. Highly recommend!

The premise of this thriller is immediately engaging, drawing readers in from the very start. The plot unfolds with well-timed twists that are both surprising and satisfying. The mystery takes a slow-burn approach, but the pacing is spot-on—never dragging, always keeping the momentum going. The dual points of view add depth and intrigue, effectively maintaining suspense throughout. It’s a book that’s easy to get lost in, and just as easy to finish in a couple of sittings.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of suspense and thrillers!

The Ghostwriter is another excellent thriller from Julie Clark. I absolutely loved the author’s previous two books, and was super excited to have the opportunity to read an early digital copy of her latest book. The Ghostwriter is a suspenseful, riveting, emotional read. I didn’t want to put this book down until the very end. It truly had me on the edge of my seat, A huge thank you to Source Landmark Books, the author and Netgalley for the eARC of the book.

Olivia Dumont is a struggling ghostwriter. One day her agent calls her with an offer to ghostwrite the last novel of one of the top horror writer, Vincent Taylor. But Vincent is not just a well known author, he is also notoriously known for being the main suspect in the horrific murders of his two siblings back in the summer of 1975. Vincent has never spoken a word about the murders that happened that ominous night, so long ago. However, the secret in all of this is that Olivia is his alienated daughter. And when she figures out that it’s not the actual novel her troubled father really wants her to write, but a memoir instead, an accounting of that night. Olivia knows the only way she can write this novel is to truly investigate what took place on that murderous night, fifty years ago. Is she ready to untangle the lies that her father might be hiding? Olivia will have to determine whether she wants to lay bear her own past life with her father, and the prospect that he could certainly be a murderer. Will Olivia be able to deal with the fallout of what she uncovers about her own family?

The Ghostwriter is a blistering, twisty, shockingly unforgettable story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. If you are looking for an amazing summer thriller/mystery, this is the one. The Ghostwriter definitely should be at the top of your summer reading list.

I really enjoyed 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙮 @julieclarkauthor ! This is a thriller that pulls you in and makes you feel something, not just race through the pages for the plot twists. It follows Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter who’s hit a rough patch financially and ends up taking on a job she never wanted: ghostwriting a memoir for her estranged father, Vincent Taylor. And not just any father…Vincent is a famous horror author who’s been haunted by suspicion for decades, ever since his teenage brother and sister were brutally murdered back in 1975.

The setup is enticing: a daughter with a ton of unresolved anger, a father finally ready to spill his secrets, and a murder mystery that’s been left to rot for years. But what I love is that the author doesn’t just give us a crime story. She gives us this layered family drama underneath it all. The book flips between timelines, bouncing from the tense present-day writing sessions to the events of that long-ago summer, and slowly, we start seeing how the truth is way messier than anyone’s been telling themselves.

Yeah, there are twists and reveals. I guessed a couple, but a few caught me off guard, which made it all the more satisfying. If you’re in the mood for a slow burn thriller with real depth, one that gives you characters you can chew on along with the mystery, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳 is a super pick.

Thank you @bookmarked & @netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was more of a slow burn thriller compared to Julie Clark's other novels. However, I never found the pace to drag. She did a great job dropping just enough clues along the way to keep me fully engaged. So don't let the phrase "slow burn" scare you off.

I really enjoyed the unique storyline and the way everything was woven together. It’s the kind of plot that sticks with you, and I could absolutely see it as a limited TV series or movie. The emotional depth and character development were strong, which helped me feel truly connected to the characters.

Told through multiple POVs and timelines, the structure added a lot of depth and kept things interesting without ever feeling confusing. It’s suspenseful and emotional in equal measure and makes for a perfect summer read.

Solid 4 stars from me. If you’re looking for a thriller with substance and heart, this one’s worth picking up.

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The Ghostwriter - Julie Clark

Julie Clark has done it again—and this one might just be her best yet. The Ghostwriter is a high stakes, emotionally charged thrill ride that blends psychological suspense with family drama in the most addictive way. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but at its core, this is a story about family—how secrets ripple across generations, how trauma festers, and how the truth can either destroy you or finally set you free.

The premise? A ghostwriter reluctantly agrees to pen her estranged father’s final book… only to discover it’s not fiction he wants her to write. It’s the truth. Or at least, his version of it.

Told through multiple POVs and shifting timelines, this one delivers on every level. I was hooked by the central mystery, but what really stuck with me were the raw, emotional undercurrents running through every chapter. It’s part family drama, part psychological suspense, and 100% a must-read. Every reveal had me second-guessing everything—and staying up way too late to get to the next piece of the puzzle!

If you loved The Last Flight or The Lies I Tell, prepare yourself: this one hits harder.

What’s your favorite thriller that mixes family secrets with murder?
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#TheGhostwriter #JulieClark #SummerThriller #Bookstagram #MustReadThriller #FamilyDrama #GhostwriterMystery #ReadThisBook #ThrillerAddict #TwistyReads #BookReview #BookRecommendation #NetGalley #FlatironBooks

From the very first pages, The Ghostwriter completely captured my attention. Julie Clark has crafted a chilling, emotionally layered thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The premise alone is fascinating—what would it be like to be a descendant of a serial killer, or someone accused of horrific crimes? Clark dives deep into that question, unraveling the psychological and emotional weight such a legacy carries.

The main character felt especially personal to me. As someone who also has a strained relationship with my father, I found her journey and the way she navigates that complex dynamic to be deeply resonant. Her vulnerability, strength, and need for truth made her incredibly real, and I appreciated how her past informed her choices without defining her entirely.

One element I struggled with, however, was the inclusion of strong political overtones. While everyone is entitled to their views, I’ve always believed that fiction—especially thrillers—can serve as a bridge between different perspectives. When a story leans heavily into one political side, it risks alienating readers who might otherwise connect deeply with the characters and plot. As an author, wouldn’t we want everyone, regardless of belief, to find something meaningful in our work?

That said, the tension, pacing, and emotional depth of The Ghostwriter made it a standout read for me. Julie Clark continues to impress with her ability to blend suspense with soul, and this book is no exception. I’ll be recommending it to friends who love twisty thrillers with a strong emotional core.

The Ghostwriter is a haunting story of legacy, trauma, and the ghosts we can't outrun. A story perfect mystery lovers - atmospheric, emotionally rich, and packed with family drama.

Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her career hiding her infamous lineage. She's the daughter of Vincent Taylor, a legendary horror author and the main suspect in his siblings' brutal murders. Desperate & broke, Olivia agrees to ghostwrite his final book, only to find herself entangled in the twisted roots of her family's past.

I loved this book and devoured it in two sittings. The story alternates timelines between present-day and 50 years ago, painting a suspenseful picture that keeps you guessing until the end.

Huge thank you to @bookmarked for the advanced copy for the @thrillersbythebookclub.mke May pick!