Release date: June 3, 2025
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Synopsis:
Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her entire professional life hiding the fact that she is the only child of legendary horror author Vincent Taylor, famous not only for his novels but for being the prime suspect in the brutal slaying of his siblings. On the brink of financial ruin, Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite her father’s last book, not realising she will be forced to reckon with the ghosts that live at the centre of her family.
Review:
This book had such a compelling and unique premise, an estranged daughter reconnecting with her possibly murderous father after years apart to ghostwrite his final book? Talk about original and intriguing! I was immediately hooked by the setup. The cold case murders of Olivia’s aunt and uncle are shrouded in mystery, and the lingering questions kept me turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth.
While the story unfolds at a slower pace( it’s definitely a slow burn) I found myself invested enough to stick with it. There were a few moments where the plot dragged a bit, but overall, it maintained my interest. What really worked for me was the seamless blend of family drama and true crime style mystery. The emotional tension between Olivia and her father added a personal layer that complemented the investigative aspect of the plot. The writing itself was strong, with well drawn characters and a moody, suspenseful tone that suited the story perfectly.
If you enjoy slow building suspense with complicated family dynamics and a haunting cold case at its core, this one is worth picking up.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 