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Jean Hanff Korelitz
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The Plot: A Novel (The Book Series 1) Kindle Edition

by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 24,875 ratings
Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

** NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! ** The Tonight Show Summer Reads Winner ** A New York Times Notable Book of 2021 **

"Insanely readable." —Stephen King

Hailed as "breathtakingly suspenseful," Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Plot is a propulsive read about a story too good not to steal, and the writer who steals it.

Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he’s teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what’s left of his self-respect; he hasn’t written—let alone published—anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then . . . he hears the plot.

Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker’s first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that—a story that absolutely needs to be told.

In a few short years, all of Evan Parker’s predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an e-mail arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief, it says.

As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his “sure thing” of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Book Series
  2. Print length
    317 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Celadon Books
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    May 11, 2021
  7. File size
    4.0 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. Midway upon the journey of our life, he heard himself think, I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been lost.
    Highlighted by 1,312 Kindle readers
  2. You’re only as successful as the last book you published, and you’re only as good as the next book you’re writing. So shut up and write.
    Highlighted by 1,299 Kindle readers
  3. Good writers borrow, great writers steal, Jake was thinking. That ubiquitous phrase was attributed to T. S. Eliot (which didn’t mean Eliot hadn’t, himself, stolen it!), but Eliot had been talking, perhaps less than seriously, about the theft of actual language—phrases and sentences and paragraphs—not of a story, itself.
    Highlighted by 839 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

the plot the sequel
Stephen King blurb
Clever and chilling
The Plot

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of May 2021: Jean Hanff Korelitz’s riveting novel is a story within a story that is a Rubik’s Cube of twists. Jake Finch Bonner is living a life he never expected. Instead of fame and fortune, this once-promising young author is teaching MFA seminars at an obscure university and barely making ends meet. Then abrasive, self-important Evan Parker arrives in Jake’s class with a one-of-a-kind plot that he’s confident will rocket him into the kind of success and stardom enjoyed by few in the literary world. And once Jake hears that story, he knows Evan is right, and Jake’s jealousy and self-pity are palpable. But Evan Parker doesn’t publish that book—Jake Bonner does. And someone knows whose plot he stole. Korelitz’s psychological thriller keeps the reader guessing even when the answers seem clear, and when the final piece clicks into place, what you see is the last thing you’d expect. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Book Review

Review

Selected as an Indie Next pick for May
A most anticipated book (AARP, Business Insider, Bustle, CrimeReads, Entertainment Weekly, LitHub, the New York Times, Oprah Daily, Parade, PopSugar, Wall Street Journal Magazine, and more!)

"The Plot is one of the best novels I’ve ever read about writers and writing. It’s also insanely readable and the suspense quotient is through the roof. It's remarkable."
―Stephen King

"My favorite book of 2021? This one is easy. 'The Plot' by Jean Hanff Korelitz...[G]ood Lord is this a fantastic book. In addition to being an absolutely perfectly told mystery story, it also happens to be an especially deft satire of the literary scene."
―Malcolm Gladwell, "My Favorite Things of 2021"

"The Plot is so well-crafted and compelling it’s nearly impossible to put down. Clever and chilling, this page-turner grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until its startling, breath-taking conclusion."
―Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, New York Times bestselling authors of The Wife Between Us

"From its first pages, Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Plot ensnares you in a rich tangle of literary vanities, treachery and fraud. Psychologically acute and breathtakingly suspenseful, you’ll find yourself rushing towards a finale both astonishing and utterly earned."
―Megan Abbott, Bestselling author of Give Me Your Hand

"The plot of ‘The Plot’ ― the best thriller of the year (so far) ― is too good to give away"
―Washington Post

"So clever, so taut, so dazzling, I read it in about five hours flat."
―Lisa Jewell, AARP's "11 Top Authors Pick the Best Books of the Year"

“Korelitz’s own plot is fiendishly clever, and here's the ultimate twist: that any novel about a writer’s life (lonely, anxious drudgery) could be this wildly suspenseful and entertaining.”
―People, Book of the Week

“As a longtime fan of Korelitz’s novels (including “You Should Have Known,” which was made into HBO’s “The Undoing”), I will say that I think The Plot is her gutsiest, most consequential book yet. It keeps you guessing and wondering, and also keeps you thinking: about ambition, fame and the nature of intellectual property (the analog kind).”
―The New York Times Book Review

“'The Plot' is wickedly funny and chillingly grim...it deserves to garner all the brass rings."
―The Wall Street Journal

"Gripping and thoroughly unsettling: This one will be flying off the shelves."
―Kirkus Reviews

“Deep character development, an impressively thick tapestry of intertwining story lines, and a candid glimpse into the publishing business make this a page-turner of the highest order. Korelitz deserves acclaim for her own perfect plot.”
―Publishers Weekly (STARRED Review)

"Readers may find themselves batting away sleep and setting an alarm for early the next day to continue Jean Hanff Korelitz’s propulsive literary thriller, The Plot. Korelitz is an audacious writer who delivers on her promises. Her next big-screen adaptation surely awaits."
―Bookpage

"Korelitz...effortlessly deconstructs the campus novel and, much like Michael Chabon in Wonder Boys (1995), acerbically mocks the publishing industry. Fearless Korelitz presents a wry and unusual joyride of a thriller full of gasp-inducing twists as it explores copyright, ownership, and the questionable morals of writers."
―Booklist

“Stay tuned to this devilishly compelling tale of ambition run amok.”
―Oprah Daily

“This staggeringly good literary thriller is about a staggeringly good literary thriller written by a failed novelist who has stolen the book's plot from a deceased student.”
―Shelf Awareness

"The author behind suspense novel You Should Have Known turned-HBO-series The Undoing outdoes herself in this literary-centric thrill ride."
―Newsweek

“Korelitz pulls off a true page-turner with, yes, a killer plot.”
―AARP Magazine

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08JKC299M
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Celadon Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 11, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 317 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250790743
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Book Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 24,875 ratings

About the author

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Jean Hanff Korelitz

Jean Hanff Korelitz

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Jean Hanff Korelitz is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels THE PLOT (The 2021 Tonight Show Summer Reads pick), YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN (adapted for HBO as "The Undoing" by David E. Kelley, and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland), ADMISSION (adapted as the 2013 film starring Tina Fey), THE DEVIL AND WEBSTER, THE WHITE ROSE, THE SABBATHDAY RIVER and A JURY OF HER PEERS. A new novel, THE LATECOMER, will be published on May 31st, 2022. Her company BOOKTHEWRITER hosts "Pop-Up Book Groups" in person in NYC and online, where small groups of readers can discuss new books with their authors. www.bookthewriter.com

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
24,875 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling one-day read with a cleverly plotted story full of twists and turns. Moreover, the writing captures the world of writers, and customers appreciate its intelligence and originality. However, the pacing receives mixed reviews, with some finding it fast-paced while others say it starts slowly. Additionally, character development is also mixed, with some praising the well-developed characters while others find them shallowly written.

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PlotReadabilityWriting qualityIntelligenceOriginalityCraftednessPacingCharacter development
512 customers mention "Plot"362 positive150 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as a solidly good mystery/thriller with many twists and turns that ties the story together.

"I could not put this book down. The plot has so many twists and turns and the characters are off the charts fascinating...." Read more

"...I couldn’t have been more pleased! The story is so compelling that I read the entire book in 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down!..." Read more

"...Does The Plot warrant multiple readings? Nope. The Plot is kind of plot-driven, and kind of interesting, and I sort of cared what happened to poor..." Read more

"...” is a huge source of guilt to the writer and basically drives the whole story. What I could not understand was why he felt that way...." Read more

488 customers mention "Readability"403 positive85 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a compelling one-day read and brilliant.

"...Nope. The Plot is kind of plot-driven, and kind of interesting, and I sort of cared what happened to poor Jake. But not a lot...." Read more

"...A good read." Read more

"...His book is so successful, that Steven Spielberg is turning it into a movie...." Read more

"...It did take me quite a long time to get into it but it’s a good book in the end. Just not a “wow” for me...." Read more

288 customers mention "Writing quality"213 positive75 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it compelling and easy to read, while effectively capturing the world of writers.

"...I will say that for the subject matter, I found this novel to be totally readable, and just the right length...." Read more

"...whale, but you still want to read Moby Dick because of the astonishing writing, the details, the characters, the insights into obsession and madness..." Read more

"...This is a well-paced, dark thriller, with a glimpse into the world of publishing, exploring the complex motives and ambitions of authors seeking..." Read more

"...The author tended to use very long sentences and seemed to develop the plot of the book very slowly...." Read more

44 customers mention "Intelligence"39 positive5 negative

Customers find the book intelligent, praising its great concept and effective use of the book-within-a-book technique.

"...Despite that, I really loved the story, the style that it was told, its concept and I absolutely loved the ending!..." Read more

"The Plot is a page-turner extraordinaire. I was hooked from the beginning and found myself holding on for dear life as the twists and turns..." Read more

"The author knows how to craft a good story. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't figure out the ending too soon. Recommended." Read more

"This was a really smart, well-crafted story, a genre hybrid that read like contemporary fiction & a thriller, with some satirical commentary on..." Read more

34 customers mention "Originality"34 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's originality, describing it as unique and elegantly constructed, with one customer noting how the themes are artfully intertwined throughout the novel.

"Underlying this “stunning, twisty plot” (reviews) was a plot that reminded me of so many crime plots I’ve read or watched...." Read more

"...There are unbelievable aspects … there is no plot an agent won’t sneer at. This one is a good one, with a good sort of twist at the end...." Read more

"...And that ending? Absolutely wild! I have no clue what’s in store for book #2, but I’m already itching to dive in...." Read more

"...Despite that, I really loved the story, the style that it was told, its concept and I absolutely loved the ending!..." Read more

27 customers mention "Craftedness"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well crafted and solid throughout, with one customer noting its strong beginning.

"...This one turned into a slow-burn thriller that just kept building and building, with twists and surprises I never saw coming. And that ending?..." Read more

"Book was in perfect condition & I received it earlier than anticipated! This was a great buying experience. Thank you!" Read more

"...hybrid, so adjust your expectations accordingly, but it was extremely well done - this would be a great book for book clubs, there's a lot to..." Read more

"...a lot of interesting observations about literary ego, the lure of acclaim over integrity, and the line between storytelling and stealing...." Read more

135 customers mention "Pacing"63 positive72 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced and able to read it in three days, while others note that the story moves slowly at the beginning.

"...I hoped for feline intervention! This is a well-paced, dark thriller, with a glimpse into the world of publishing, exploring the complex..." Read more

"This is a slow book to start but once the characters are known it is sit on the edge of your seat reading...." Read more

"The slow going made it worthwhile by 1/2 - 2/3 through. But seriously, why (all the) parentheses (when you) are just (trying to read) a book...." Read more

"...Although the book had a bit of a slow start and took a little getting in to..." Read more

111 customers mention "Character development"56 positive55 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them well developed while others note they are shallowly written.

"...The plot has so many twists and turns and the characters are off the charts fascinating...." Read more

"At first I didn’t like the book and found the main character annoying and self indulgent...." Read more

"...Some of the characters are well-developed, and even those that aren’t fleshed out are quite interesting...." Read more

"...writes in the same convoluted sentences and falls victim to the same uninteresting characters she (or I guess, the protagonist), is so quick to..." Read more

Loved this!
5 out of 5 stars
Loved this!
Struggling author and university professor Jacob (Jake) Finch Bonner finds himself stuck in his writing career until he crosses paths with Evan Parker, a boisterous student who claims to have the perfect plot for a guaranteed bestseller. Jake is skeptical—until Evan reveals his idea! A couple years later, Jake has nearly forgotten about Evan when he unexpectedly learns of Evan’s premature death. Convinced that Evan’s remarkable story deserves to be written, Jake convinces himself that he must be the one to share it. Fast forward a few years, and Jake is basking in his success as a bestselling novelist, making appearances on talk shows, radio broadcasts, and at book signings. However, he is shaken when he receives a startling note. MY THOUGHTS: This is such a clever story! Jake proves to be a well-rounded and surprisingly relatable character. As Jake’s quest for the truth unfolds, the author weaves in excerpts from Jake’s book. I couldn’t wait to see what made Jake’s book/Ethan’s story into such an outstanding bestseller! Slowly, I started to make the connections, which ultimately lead to a shocking revelation!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Poppytart
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Hard to put down Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I could not put this book down. The plot has so many twists and turns and the characters are off the charts fascinating. If you like books with twist plots galore plus a little humor thrown into the mix this one is for you.
    The writing and plotting is very Patricia Highsmith. I couldn’t wait to start Book 2 ( which is as good if not even more fun) I am so glad I discovered this author!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bobby W.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Do you like Stephen King?
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Out of respect for potential readers, the less said about "The Plot" the better, but the fact that the cover of this book has a quote of praise from Stephen King should tell you something.

    I will say that for the subject matter, I found this novel to be totally readable, and just the right length.

    I did find the first book I read by this author, "The Latecomer", to be in a different vein, and more engaging. :)
    Helpful
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  • Pumpkinman4ever
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Intriguing Mysterious Thriller!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I was interested in this book because Jimmy Fallon mentioned it on The Tonight Show, when he was doing 'Summer Reads' My top two choices were this and Razorblade Tears. I'm Happy 'The Plot' won, because I was definitely intrigued by the story. In a way, it reminded me of a mix between I Know What you Did Last Summer and a Stephen King story called Secret Window, Secret Garden. This is not horror, but it's a mystery/thriller. This was the first book I read by Jean Hanff Korelitz, and I'm happy I did. I finished the book in about 4 days. I thought it started out a little slow, but when I got to chapter 7, it definitely started to pick up.

    Our main protagonist is a has-been author named Jacob 'Jake' Finch Bonner. Jake has written two books, but nobody really knows about his work. He becomes a writing teacher at Ripley college and one of his students is named Evan Parker. Parker is a narcisstic and full of himself. He looks down on everyone, including Jake. Jake wants his students to share their stories and ideas with each other, but Evan refuses, thinking he's writing the greatest book of all time. A book that everyone will read and a famous director will turn it into a movie someday.

    One day, Evan shares a few pages with Jake. The story is about a teenaged girl who lives in a large house and wants desperately to escape her mom. Jake is intrigued by the story, but goes on to try and do better things. Over the next two years, Jake is really struggling to find work, and eventually looks up to see if Evan ever published his 'great' novel. Turns out, Evan Parker died by an overdose, so Jake, desperate to make ends meet, decides to steal aspects of Evan's story for himself.

    Three years later, Jake has finally written a successful novel titled 'Crib' He's going on book tours, making television and radio appearances and even meets the love of his life named Anna. His book is so successful, that Steven Spielberg is turning it into a movie. Life is going great for Jake Bonner, until one day, he receives an e-mail from someone named Talented Tom that says "You are a thief"

    Jake begins to play detective and tries to figure out who Talented Tom is, why they're sending e-mails, and Evan's family history. The e-mails keep coming and even harassment on all social media. Clearly, someone doesn't want this story to be told, but why?

    Overall, I'm really glad I read this book. I was very intrigued by it, and it has a pretty cool twist. Hopefully someday, they'll turn it into a movie or tv series. I highly recommend THE PLOT!!!
    23 people found this helpful
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  • cat
    3.0 out of 5 stars I cheated
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Okay, full confession: I cheated and read the ending first. Once I knew that I thought, okay now the book has to be not about WHAT happened, but HOW and WHY. A parallel, I suppose: you know that Captain Ahab is going to be killed in his search for the great white whale, but you still want to read Moby Dick because of the astonishing writing, the details, the characters, the insights into obsession and madness and whales, seafaring, weather, whaling, hunting whales, even "sober cannibals." And read Moby Dick more than once, or every year, as some readers do.

    Does The Plot warrant multiple readings? Nope. The Plot is kind of plot-driven, and kind of interesting, and I sort of cared what happened to poor Jake. But not a lot. He's kind of a cardboard cutout of a man. And Anna is just not believable at all. And the settings (place!) were kind of cliche sketches that you'd find on, say, Yelp. The author could have done more with place; there was so much potential in the various scenes in various states of the U.S. to really make this a fascinating novel of travel, discovery, mystery, manners. It's just not there.

    Bottom line: meh.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absorbing
    Reviewed in Australia on September 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    As the emails begin, the sense of the horror of approaching humiliation, shame, total loss of respect from a loved one etc really strikes home
    The parallels of the story and the novel are intricately woven
    I’ve always appreciated Korelitz’s ability with the pen; this does not disappoint
    Report
  • Jay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gobsmacked!
    Reviewed in France on December 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Wow, just wow! The Plot will keep you spellbound, not just because of the plot, with its twists and turns, but the prose. I’m just awed by the writing and the fluidity of the narrative. What a voice. I could not put this book down and, just as soon as I finished, I went on Kindle and purchased “The Sequel”, which seems to be appropriately titled because I can’t wait to know what happens next! Do yourself a favor and read The Plot. You will not be disappointed.
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  • luigi brenna
    2.0 out of 5 stars Pesante
    Reviewed in Italy on October 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    La scrittura è pesante. Periodi lunghi con molte frasi secondarie che distolgono l'attenzione dall'essenza della trama. Inizio molto poco avvincente. Diventa più interessante da pagina 40 in poi. Molte ripetizioni ... È il primo libro che leggo di quest'autore e mi sa che sarà anche l'ultimo.
    Report
  • Daniel Chu
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enredo muito interessante
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Apesar das diversas avaliações na Amazon dando muitos spoilers, a trama não deixa de ser interessante, especialmente o retrato dos percalços por que passa um escritor. Mesmo antevendo o segredo que é revelado no final, a autora consegue manter o interesse na investigação do protagonista, mesmo ele não sendo um personagem carismático. Já a história dentro da história não empolga tanto e nem convence se tratar de um enredo surpreendente capaz de torna a história um best-seller internacional.
    Relevando-se estes detalhes, o livro é muito bem escrito e para quem gosta do gênero, é uma leitura recomendada.
    Report
  • Nandini
    5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps you guessing till the end
    Reviewed in India on November 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Ingenious plot and superior narrative construction.
    Report

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