Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her entire career avoiding the shadow of her infamous father, Vincent Taylor—a legendary horror author known for his chilling novels and his even darker past, being the prime suspect in the brutal murders of his own siblings. But when financial desperation forces Olivia to accept a job ghostwriting her father’s final book, she finds herself dragged back into a world she thought she had escaped. As she delves into her father’s twisted storytelling and the unsettling family secrets he’s hidden, Olivia is drawn into a haunting game of revelations—one that will force her to confront the ghosts of her own past.

I absolutely loved The Ghostwriter! It’s a perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and family drama that kept me hooked from start to finish. The “scavenger hunts” Olivia’s father set up for her as a child were such a clever and emotional touch, and I loved how they wove into the central mystery. The 70s flashbacks were atmospheric, and the multi-POV flashbacks gave the story incredible depth—I felt like I was right there, trying to piece together the truth alongside Olivia. I’ll admit, I guessed a few twists and “incidents,” but that didn’t take away from the experience at all. Instead, it made me even more invested, trying to see how it would all come together. This is one of those rare thrillers that’s not just twisty—it’s deeply heartfelt. I’m not even surprised it’s already one of my favorite reads of 2025. Julie Clark has officially become an auto-buy author for me.

Other Julie Clark REviews

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP |★★★★★

The Ghostwriter comes out May 20, 2025. Huge thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.