"The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz
There was a time when Jacob Finch Bonner basked in the
spotlight of penning a popular novel that earned him the
honor of being called an up-and-coming, promising, new author.
But writers are only as good as their next book in progress.
Jacob hit writer's block a long time ago, and now finds himself
teaching in the MFA program of a mediocre college in northern
Vermont, living the monotonous life of a has-been, always hoping
inspiration will strike him when he least expects it.
His job is to guide and mentor students who aspire to excel in his
creative writing class. He reads and critiques their submissions,
then encourages others to provide honest, constructive advice.
Most days, Jacob can barely do what his paycheck requires, but he's
good at pretending, and a smiling face pays the rent.
Then arrogant Evan Parker arrives for the requisite meeting with his
once illustrious professor, scoffing at any help Jacob gives him, insisting
that his novel-to-be has a plot that will sell millions and make him
famous.
When Jacob finally reads the rough draft, he knows Evan is right. How could
an amateur with a lousy attitude and raw talent come up with a winner like this?
And so Jacob waits for the book to be published, but it never happens, spurring
him to find out why. A little research reveals that Evan Parker met an untimely
death, undoubtedly taking that incredible story with him to his grave.
So, three years later, Jacob takes the story and makes it his own. Crib brings him
a level of success he always dreamed of, with packed book signings, radio
interviews, and adulation from fellow writers. When a silver-haired beauty later
becomes his wife, life seems to be pretty close to perfection. He justifies what he's
done by telling himself that he, and he alone, took a fascinating story and turned
it into a tale that millions are flocking to read.
But then comes the day when Jacob receives a cryptic message saying
"You are a thief", that suddenly changes everything. He continues to enjoy fame,
and the whirlwind of meeting admiring fans, while experiencing the pressure to
grind out another hit release. A persisting, nagging feeling that the past is catching
up to him just won't go away. Secretly, he begins to delve into the tumultuous life
of Evan Parker in an attempt to learn who is behind what appears to be extortion.
And as the pieces begin to fall into place, a chilling discovery turns Jacob's
uneasiness into terrifying fear.
This gripping thriller takes the reader on a suspense-filled ride that is truly hard
to put down, especially as the "Plot" begins to slowly unravel with its brilliantly
shrewd twists and turns. It's an incredibly good summer read.
Kirkus Reviews predicts this one will be flying off the shelves, and I couldn't agree
more.
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