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

4.2 out of 5 stars 25,022 ratings

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

"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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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 25,022 ratings

About the author

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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
25,022 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an excellent psychological thriller with many twists and turns, describing it as a compelling and engaging read with astonishing writing. Moreover, the book is well-crafted and intelligent, with one customer noting its effective book-within-a-book technique. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, 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.

49 customers mention "Intelligence"39 positive10 negative

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

"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

"i really enjoyed this book. Its witty, clever, and just generally a good read...." Read more

"This book was very entertaining and smart. If you’ve attended an MFA program or written a book that has been published, this book is for you...." Read more

"BEWARE, SPOILERS FOLLOW: The premise just seemed stupid to me...." 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.

"...I don’t like depressing books, and this one was that. Interesting, yes. Unique, maybe?..." Read more

"...Very original." Read more

"...The plot is interesting and original but, I figured out the “twist” at the ending when I was less than halfway through...." 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

27 customers mention "Craftedness"27 positive0 negative

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

"It was in good shape and exactly as described" Read more

"The book arrived promptly, in excellent condition." Read more

"...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

114 customers mention "Character development"56 positive58 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.

"...Additionally, the book was overly long and Jake was neither interesting or sympathetic." Read more

"...A story within a story, it's well-written with interesting characters, etc...." 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 the story, the trials, the characters. Loved the twist (the real one). Keeps the reader thinking, what is real here!" 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

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book met my standards for a good piece of literature on so many levels. First of all, there were so many different ways to determine the significance of the title. The Plot refers to the plot that Jacob Finch Bonner, the protagonist, “borrowed” from a former student. The title also refers to the two stories in the novel—the one about Jacob and the one Jacob wrote in his book called Crib. There are at least two different interpretations that would require my revealing spoilers.

    Jacob Finch Bonner (Jake) is a struggling writer who has become cynical about the students who sign up for a mediocre writing workshop at a little-known college called Ripley in Vermont. Evan Parker, one student who gets Jake’s attention at a writing workshop, is brashly self-confident in his conviction that he has planned a winning novel. When two years pass and Jake realizes that the book hasn’t been published, he conducts a google search and discovers that Evan has died. So, Jake writes the story learned from Evan. It becomes a bestseller, and Jake enjoys the fame of authoring a popular book until he begins to be called a thief in a series of emails and online posts.

    Jake’s paranoia is palpable as the story progresses, and he tries to learn more about Evan, Evan’s family, and the town where Evan’s family was well known. As we read about Jake’s research into Evan’s life and read snippets of the novel Crib, which has a dictionary definition of minor theft or plagiarism, we see where the story is headed way before Jake understands who is taunting him.

    Jean Hanff Korelitz, the author, does a great job of forcing the reader to consider what constitutes a small theft and how much of a plot can be borrowed or appropriated before it is truly plagiarism. Are there new stories to be told, or are all of the stories already told? She also uses irony and foreshadowing to create an excellent psychological thriller.

    Some of the characters are well-developed, and even those that aren’t fleshed out are quite interesting. The author uses the characters to explore the concept of there being a fine line between what any ordinary person would do and what only a sociopath would do. This is mentioned a few times in the book, and we are close to the end before we can come to any conjectures or conclusions about which characters are typical and which suffer from mental illness. Nothing is clearcut in defining honesty and decency, especially in the world of publishing.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Hanff Korelitz created a main character that I initially loathed, then later liked, despite his flaws, and then even eventually rooted for in the end. Not an easy task, so kudos on that front. Jake is a novelist who experienced early modest acclaim, but he hasn’t been able to replicate that success in his subsequent efforts. He longs for the dreamed-of accolades of a truly famous writer, but instead teaches creative writing at a small, obscure MFA program in Vermont. He’s envious of his student’s youth and potential talent, and also disdainful of what he views as their naïveté and inferiority. Then, he meets his new student, Evan Parker, who has obvious confidence in himself and his work. Jake automatically assumes Evan is without merit or skill and is stunned when Evan reluctantly shares his story ideas with him, begrudgingly agreeing that he can indeed write and has a viable, potential blockbuster plot on his hands. Jake is morose, competitive and churlishly waiting for Evan’s mega-hit to reach publication, but nothing happens. Jake is understandably curious, and assumes that the dazzling idea just never made it to completion. He’s mollified and appeased. Years pass. Jake gets curious again and searches for Evan and his book online. He finds nothing, but instead, stumbles on Evan’s obituary. Jake is shocked. He mulls over the thought of a fresh idea languishing unused with the now-deceased Evan. Jake decides to take the original idea and craft it into a novel of his own. Staggering success comes to him as a result. He basks in the glory that he has always wanted, but is vaguely uneasy, fearful that someone will nullify his success if they discover where the initial book idea originated. Jake pushes down his reservations and misgivings, enjoying book tours and radio and television appearances. During one such appearance on a popular radio show, he meets, Anna, a smitten fan. They have a whirlwind courtship and marriage, and she moves to NY from WA to begin their life together. Jake can’t believe his good fortune and they settle in happily. Anna improves his life, his diet, his apartment and his relationships. Then, suddenly out of nowhere, Jake begins receiving online messages from a stranger, who claims to know that Jake stole and plagiarized his stratospheric novel. He threatens exposure, and the threats escalate rapidly. Jake is in turmoil and sets out on a long journey to determine who his tormentor is. The book was slow to start, but the suspense ratchets up, once the story gains momentum. The book is well-written and carefully-plotted, with an intricate, disturbing and unsettling story. Somewhat implausible that a stranger (Jake) on a quest, with a shoestring of attachment to Evan, could garner so much information from townspeople in various states, who would more likely be suspicious and reticent of an outsider. I guessed the perpetrator/antagonist early on, but wondered if the author intended that, and wanted the reader to know, and only for Jake to be unaware. I disliked the ending, and thought it might veer in another direction. I hoped for feline intervention!
    This is a well-paced, dark thriller, with a glimpse into the world of publishing, exploring the complex motives and ambitions of authors seeking notoriety and all that entails. A good read.
    31 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
    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
  • Jay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gobsmacked!
    Reviewed in France on December 25, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified 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.
  • luigi brenna
    2.0 out of 5 stars Pesante
    Reviewed in Italy on October 23, 2021
    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
  • Jane Browne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping mystery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2025
    A gripping and well-written mystery, can highly recommend.
  • Daniel Chu
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enredo muito interessante
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 24, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified 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.

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