I usually enjoy Carol Goodman’s books, but I couldn’t get into this one. I wasn’t interested in any of the classics and mythology stuff. This was a DNF for me.

The striking cover! The locked-door mystery! The gorgeous setting! Writers and Liars immediately grabbed my attention and I wanted so badly to love it. I was hoping for a thriller that would immediately pull me in, but this is more of a slow burn. The reader spends a lot of time with Maia's thoughts and memories, which is fine, but definitely slowed the pacing for me. I generally love classical references and books that really incorporate them (If We Were Villains, The Bones of the Story), but in this case, it took kept pulling me out of the story rather than grabbing my attention.

They’ll kill for inspiration…. Fifteen years ago, Maia Gold attended a prestigious and very exclusive writers retreat hosted by billionaire Argos Alexander on the Greek island of Eris. It’s where she wrote her first book, the one that should have launched a brilliant career. But something dark happened on that island, a betrayal that has hung over Maia ever since! Good book! This book had suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery, a good who done it and a few crazy twists and turns! The story was interesting, it wasn't one of my top favorite but still worth reading! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Author Goodman continues her string of gothic suspense thrillers with Writers and Liars, which is a heady cocktail of dark academia, classical mythology, feminism, and Dame Agatha Christie And Then There Were None.

A group of writers returns to an isolated Greek island after a 15-year absence, during which they have achieved varying degrees of success. Heroine Maia Gold has written one vengeful bestseller, based on the best friend and lover who betrayed her. She then became a museum arcivist, continuing her academic father's work. Once on the island, Maia is reunited with her former friend and lover as well as others who were part of the writers' group. Everyone has dark motives for revenge and bodies begin to pile up. The answers lie in a feminist twist on the subservient role of women in Greek mythology.

In fact, there are many, many references to classical mythology, mostly explaned by Maia, and, while enlightening, they can bog down the narrative flow a bit.

Nevertheless, Writers and Liars is an entertaining page turner that will draw readers into its intricate labyrinth.

Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

#WritersAndLiars #NetGalley
One of her best till date.
Carol Goodman delivers a masterful tale of suspense and intrigue with Writers and Liars, a psychological thriller set against the idyllic yet haunting backdrop of a secluded Greek island. This novel takes readers into the high-stakes world of mystery writers, where betrayal, ambition, and revenge blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Likes :-
1 Compelling Premise: A writers' retreat that turns into a murder mystery? Goodman expertly taps into the intrigue of a closed-circle whodunit, reminiscent of Agatha Christie, but with a modern twist.
2 Atmospheric Setting: The Greek island of Eris is beautifully described, its remote and sun-soaked landscapes juxtaposed with the dark, sinister events that unfold. The isolation amplifies the tension, creating a sense of claustrophobia as the characters are trapped with a killer.
3 Complex Characters:
a) Maia Gold: A relatable protagonist whose personal and professional struggles make her journey engaging. Her past betrayal and longing for redemption add depth to the narrative.
b) The Guests: Each writer at the retreat brings their own baggage, secrets, and grudges, making every character a potential suspect—and victim.
4 Layered Plot: The novel's meta element—writers crafting mysteries while living through one—adds a clever and self-aware dimension. Goodman’s ability to weave past and present events keeps readers guessing.
5 Pacing and Twists: The story moves briskly, with revelations and misdirections strategically placed. The contest adds an extra layer of tension, pushing the characters to reveal more than they intend.
Dislikes :-
None.
Overall :- Writers and Liars is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will appeal to fans of classic murder mysteries and modern psychological suspense. Carol Goodman combines sharp characterization with an evocative setting to craft a story where everyone has a motive and no one can be trusted. This is a must-read for lovers of literary thrillers and closed-circle mysteries. Goodman’s exploration of ambition, betrayal, and creativity is as sharp as the murder weapon itself.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.