Mysteries and Thrillers about Writers and Authors


TREND ALERT: Mysteries and Thrillers About Writers and Authors have surged in reputation within the final 4 years or so. This pattern goes sturdy in 2024 with some new fiction books about

  • authors in peril from stalkers and figures from their pasts,
  • suspenseful books about murderous writer rivals
  • mysteries and thrillers about authors who’re probably … criminals themselves!

Let’s take a look at the historical past and present state of “meta” thriller books by and about writers!

Graphic for Mysteries and Thrillers About Writers and Authors features a close up photo of hands typing on an antique typewriter

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Mysteries and Thrillers About Writers and Authors

The older I get the extra I understand that every part previous is new once more. Thriller Books and Thrillers that function writers usually are not a model new factor.

Early variations of the Author Detective (or Author Character) in Thriller Novels and TV Exhibits

Infographic of mysteries about authors published from the 1920s to the early 2000s
  • Then there was Homicide She Wrote within the Eighties and 90s, a preferred TV present a couple of thriller author who solved mysteries that spawned a tie-in e-book sequence.

Current Mysteries and Thrillers About Writers

I’m dividing the listing into classes:

Fiction about writers with rivals, enemies and stalkers

Person typing on a antique typewriter in a black and white photo

Who knew that writers have been such a petty and backstabbing bunch! Clearly they make excellent (fictional) villains and victims!


Yellowface by R.F Kuang

Sly and satirical, this e-book includes a struggling white author who steals her Asian good friend’s manuscript after their tragic loss of life. Yellowface is a narrative about poisonous feminine friendship, author rivalries, and in addition a takedown of the publishing business. Take a look at my assessment of Yellowface!

A copy of Yelloface by R. F. Kuang on a bookcase with other thrillers and a white mug with a J monogram.

I’m Not Performed With You But by Jesse Q. Sutanto

One other author frenemies story that includes two rival girls writers and all their tangled relationship. This does really feel just like Yellowface however is extra of a intelligent cat-and-mouse story as each writers are alive and current throughout all or many of the story. Right here’s my assessment (with SPOILERS) of I’m Not Performed With You But.

Original photo of a copy of I'm not Done With You Yet by Jesse Q. Sutanto on a bookshelf with a J mug

The Haters by Robyn Harding

I hadn’t had nice luck with this writer, however due to its “author in peril” theme, I made a decision to strive it. I used to be pleasantly stunned. The Haters is a couple of debut writer who begins to comprehend that somebody on the market actually, actually hates her and her e-book. A enjoyable and page-during learn. Take a look at my Evaluate of the Haters!

Original photo of a copy of The Haters on a bookcase next to other pink thrillers.

Dream Lady by Laura Lippman

Laura Lippman stepped exterior her standard procedural, suspense and historic thriller lane to create this creepy e-book that felt lots like Distress. I preferred it, however many Gooreads raters and commenters on my Spoiler Dialogue publish from Dream Lady felt in any other case. Learn it, see what you assume, and be part of our dialogue!

A copy of Dream Girl by Laura Lippman on a kindle

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

A feminine author will get invited to a retreat run by her writing idol. And … shock! Her frenemy is there. And … shock! Everybody attending should full a novel in a month with the winner receiving a publishing deal. Knives out! The Writing Retreat wasn’t my favourite, and I clarify why in my assessment.


The Widow on Dwyer Court docket

An writer who’s going by means of a dry spell is intrigued after which a bit alarmed when a mysterious new girl strikes into her neighborhood. Is she a good friend, frenemy or enemy? Take a look at my Evaluate of The Widow on Dwyer Court docket!

Original photo of a copy of The Widow of Dwyer Court on a bookcase with a yellow mug

Mysteries and Fiction about Crime Writers Suspected of a Crime

A person behind bars in jail or prison with their hands cuffed together with handcuffs.

Genius idea! Who can be higher at plotting (and overlaying up) a homicide than a thriller author? These enjoyable books are about thriller writers accused or suspected of a dastardly crime!


Everybody on This Practice is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

This sequel to Everybody in My Household has Killed Somebody takes place on a criminal offense writing competition on a prepare. Such a enjoyable callback to Homicide on the Orient Specific, and also you’ll see that there are a number of “homicide on a prepare” journey thrillers and I did a publish on them!

Copy of Everyone on This Train is a Suspect next to a computer and airline tickets

Previous Mendacity by Val McDermid

I LOVED this installment within the Karen Pirie procedural sequence a couple of thriller author who might need dedicated the proper crime. I beloved it a lot that I went again and skim the opposite books throughout my summer season trip AND watched the present primarily based on e-book one, which is free on Amazon Prime with a BritBox trial subscription.


The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

I type of wonder if this e-book a couple of writing instructor whose pupil says he has an unbeatable idea for a e-book … after which dies. Can this instructor let this wonderful idea die together with him?? Take a look at my Spoiler Dialogue of The Plot, a really enjoyable e-book. And the sequel to the plot, known as the Sequel (haha) is coming quickly!

The Sequel (Plot #2) by Jean Hanff Korelitz: coming in October 2024

Keep tuned for my assessment!!


Verity by Colleen Hoover

Verity is a like it or hate it e-book that has divided each the romance and thriller communities. I really like Gothic fiction and although it was an incredible trendy Gothic story. Whether or not you passionately beloved or hated the e-book, be part of my Spoiler Dialogue for Verity by Colleen Hoover!

Verity new hardcover with new epilogue

The Final Phrase by Taylor Adams

A girl staying in an remoted home along with her canine writes a detrimental assessment of a e-book she learn and instantly she’s being stalked and terrorized. Is the writer accountable? Take a look at my Evaluate of The Final Phrase by Taylor Adams!


Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

The author on this creepy home suspense story isn’t a predominant character, however nonetheless a mysterious presence. Did he kill anybody and did anybody kill him? We debate this in my Spoiler Dialogue for Rock Paper Scissors, so be part of us! Rock Paper Scissors may also be coming to Netflix, so learn it now!


Finish of Story by AJ Finn

I preferred this e-book by the writer of The Lady within the Window greater than just about everybody else. It’s a couple of well-known writer who has had quite a lot of misfortune and now desires his story advised. Is he responsible of one thing? Learn my Evaluate of Finish of Story.

Original photo of a copy End of Story on a bookcase of thrillers and next to a mug with a J on it.

Run Time by Catherine Ryan Howard

A younger actress excited for her massive break will get the a part of a lifetime. However is she starring in a film, or a real-life horror scene masterminded by a madman? Take a look at my Evaluate of Run Time by Catherine Ryan Howard!

A copy of Run Time on a Kindle next to succulent plants and a cup of coffee

Twyford Code by Janice Hallett

An iconic British writer (assume Enid Blyton) might need been sneaking secret messages in her books? This epistolary story is diabolically advanced and studying it’s like placing a puzzle collectively. Take a look at my Evaluate of The Twyford Code

Photo of The Twyford Code next to a stack of colorful book spines

Mysteries with Author Detectives

Typewriter and papers. An old typewriter sitting on a table surrounded by books and papers.

The Essential Character Jaclyn Goldis

This wasn’t my favourite, however has a extremely cool idea a couple of thriller writer who organizes a prepare journey on the Mediterranean. Homicide is on the itinerary! Take a look at my Evaluate of The Essential Character!

Copy of The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis next to a computer and airline tickets

The Lady within the Library by Sulari Gentill

This e-book had such an incredible premise. It appeared like a sport of Clue and was a couple of group of writers working within the Boston Public Library when … there’s a bloodcurdling scream. Take a look at my Evaluate of The Lady within the Library.

Copy of The Woman in the Library next to a cup of coffee and some fruit

The Fiction Author by Jillian Cantor

I LOVE Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and made a complete listing of books and movies impressed by it. Whereas The Fiction Author was not my favourite, it was an intriguing and vibe-y e-book. Take a look at my Evaluate of The Fiction Author.

A hand holding The Fiction Writer on a sandy beach

Mysteries with Writers who’re Crime Victims

NO SPOILERS right here. On this books, the premise is an writer who turns up lacking or lifeless. Who did it?

Reporter at a crime scene

A Very Unhealthy Factor by J.T. Ellison

A Very Unhealthy Factor was a BANGER of a suspense story. It’s filled with enjoyable tropes and is extraordinarily page-turning. When a massively well-liked author is murdered on tour, who did it? Take a look at my Evaluate of A Very Unhealthy Factor by J.T. Ellison.

Copy of A Very Bad Thing by JT Ellison on a bookshelf next to a pink candle and a stack of pink thriller books

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

So I’ve NOT learn this sequence (but) I’ve watched season one of many very enjoyable Masterpiece Theater adaptation of Magpie Murders, and I like to recommend it! Susan Ryeland (not associated) is a literary agent who has to unravel the mysterious loss of life of her well-known consumer. This e-book can also be a enjoyable Story Inside a Story!

Copy of the book Magpie Murders on a table next to some chocolates

The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

This historic thriller is a bit of bit completely different however I beloved it. It’s a re-imagining of the actual life disappearance of Agatha Christie and I extremely suggest it to Christie followers, historic thriller followers, and readers of ladies’s fiction! Take a look at my Spoiler Discssion for The Christie Affair right here!


The Final Phrase by Elly Griffiths

A pair of newbie detectives investigates the deathof a neighborhood author. Then one other author turns up lifeless. What’s going on? Take a look at my assessment of The Final Phrase right here!

The Last Word by Elly Griffiths next to a stack of books.

Did I overlook one in all your favourite. Please inform me within the feedback!

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