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Writers and Liars

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In the latest thrilling suspense novel from Mary Higgins Clark Award–winning author Carol Goodman, a group of mystery authors gathers on a secluded Greek island for a writers retreat, only to discover that their enigmatic host has been murdered and everyone present is a suspect.

They’ll kill for inspiration…

Fifteen years ago, Maia Gold attended a prestigious—and very exclusive—writers retreat hosted by billionaire Argos Alexander on the Greek island of Eris. It’s where she wrote her first book, the one that should have launched a brilliant career. But something dark happened on that island, a betrayal that has hung over Maia ever since.

Now, Maia finds a familiar envelope in the mail. It’s an invitation to return to Eris, and according to social media, she’s not the only one from that first retreat who’s been invited back. This could be the second chance Maia needs to jump-start her dreams. A chance for reconciliation… or revenge.

Almost all of the writers from fifteen years before have returned to Eris, bringing unresolved resentments with them. Soon, the guests learn that their illustrious host is absent, though he has left instructions for them to participate in a whoever can write the most suspenseful mystery while on the island will win a fortune and literary acclaim. But this is no harmless game—when the guests gather in the morning to share their first chapters, they find Argos Alexander, dead. 

Tensions simmer as the guests try to determine who’s behind the murder, and why they’ve really been invited to the retreat. On an island full of mystery writers, anyone could be the killer—and anyone could be the next victim. Trapped together until the next boat arrives from the mainland, they must sort out old grievances and figure out how to trust one another... or die one by one.

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2025

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13037 people want to read

About the author

Carol Goodman

34 books2,875 followers
Carol Goodman is the author of The Lake of Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water, which won the Hammett Prize, The Widow's House, which won the Mary Higgins Clark Award and The Night Visitors, which won the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also the co-author, with her husband Lee Slonimsky, of the Watchtower fantasy trilogy. Her work has appeared in such journals as The Greensboro Review, Literal Latte, The Midwest Quarterly, and Other Voices. After graduation from Vassar College, where she majored in Latin, she taught Latin for several years in Austin, Texas. She then received an M.F.A. in fiction from the New School University. Goodman currently teaches literature and writing at The New School and SUNY New Paltz and lives with her family in the Hudson Valley.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme).
736 reviews709 followers
August 2, 2025
With an eerie setting, classic locked-room mystery plot, and serious themes, there was plenty to love in Writers and Liars. After all, the exploration of misogyny in Greek myths brought me back to my days of Ancient History classes. Laced throughout this vaguely Agatha Christie-esque premise was a deep love for mythology as it was cleverly interwoven into the plot. If, however, that’s not exactly your thing, be prepared to skim quite a bit as it was rather slow going. You see, the myths, while explained, took on a rather large focus due to the underlying direction of the story. Thanks to a fast-paced second half, evocative descriptions, and a strong female main character, though, I sped through this novel in just a matter of hours. After all, I had to know all of the whos, whats, and whys.

I do have to say, however, that despite my love for the topic, this book wasn’t exactly a win. Highly repetitive and drowning in mythological stories, the mystery was dampened down by them and clearly lost its gripping edge. I was also somewhat put off by the extensive need to suspend all disbelief. While there was a thread of realism to the plot, I felt it was taken just a little bit too far. Just the same, the setting was captivating and I found myself mostly enthralled. A quick, easy read that was just over 250 pages, the island of Eris was what made this book sing. Atmospheric and haunting, I could see it take shape like it was real. Unfortunately, though, the rest of the novel didn’t quite live up to the island. Still, if you love mythology and classic mysteries, you’ll surely fly through by this one as well. Rating of 3 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

Fifteen years ago, Maia Gold attended a prestigious—and very exclusive—writers retreat hosted by billionaire Argos Alexander on the Greek island of Eris. It’s where she wrote her first book, the one that should have launched a brilliant career. But something dark happened on that island, a betrayal that has hung over Maia ever since.

Now, Maia finds a familiar envelope in the mail. It’s an invitation to return to Eris, and according to social media, she’s not the only one from that first retreat who’s been invited back. This could be the second chance Maia needs to jump-start her dreams. A chance for reconciliation…or revenge.

Almost all of the writers from fifteen years before have returned to Eris, bringing unresolved resentments with them. Soon, the guests learn that their illustrious host is absent, though he has left instructions for them to participate in a contest: whoever can write the most suspenseful mystery while on the island will win a fortune and literary acclaim. But this is no harmless game—when the guests gather in the morning to share their first chapters, they find Argos Alexander, dead.

Tensions simmer as the guests try to determine who’s capable of murder, not just on the page, but in real life. On an island full of mystery writers, anyone could be the killer—and anyone could be the next victim. Trapped together until the next boat arrives from the mainland, they must sort out old grievances and figure out how to trust one another... or die one by one.

Thank you to Carol Goodman and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: July 15, 2025

Content warning: drowning, dementia, gun violence, mention of: PTSD, suicide, sexual assault
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,338 reviews195 followers
March 28, 2025
I’ll read just about anything by Goodman, but WRITERS AND LIARS wasn’t one of my favorites.

That’s not to say it’s a bad book—it’s just a bit strange and sometimes stretches the bounds of plausibility. Maia, our protagonist, is stuck in the past, running the same classics museum her late father once did. When she receives a mysterious invitation to return to Eris, the secluded Greek island where she attended a fateful writing retreat years ago, she’s drawn back into a web of secrets and betrayals. The retreat not only led to her debut (and only) novel but also a devastating betrayal that has haunted her ever since. Now, many of the original attendees—including Annika, Ian, Eleni, Bill, and Sydney—are returning, along with their enigmatic mentor and benefactor, Argos. (The first of many questionable decisions made by these characters!)

It doesn’t take long for things to spiral—Argos is soon found dead, and it becomes clear that danger lurks on the island. With no escape, Maia and the others must untangle the mystery before one of them is next. And, as it turns out, there are an alarming number of ways to die on a remote island.

The novel embraces the classic locked-room (or, in this case, locked-island) mystery format, and the atmospheric Greek setting is undeniably immersive. However, the heavy-handed references to mythology—gods, goddesses, and classical themes—become overwhelming, even for an English major who’s taken entire courses in Greek mythology! The characters, too, are frustratingly difficult to root for. Their lack of common sense and inability to communicate makes for some exasperating moments, and a few plot twists verge on the absurd.

That said, there are some genuinely surprising moments, and Goodman is skilled at building tension—you can practically feel the island’s eerie isolation creeping in. If you love a locked-room mystery in an exotic locale, this might be right up your alley.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an unbiased review. Look for WRITERS AND LIARS on July 15, 2025!
Profile Image for Erin.
2,870 reviews302 followers
January 30, 2025
ARC for review. To be published July 15, 2025.

2 stars.

Fifteen years ago Maia Gold attended a very prestigious writers retreat hosted by billionaire Argos Alexander on his Greek island called Eris. She wrote her first book there and her career is thriving. However something bad happened while she was on the island and the memory has hung over her ever since.

Now nearly all of the same writers have been invited back by Alexander and though he isn’t present to greet them he wants them to participate in a writing contest. But when they meet the first morning to share chapters they find him dead. Now they are trapped with a murderer.

I read Goodman once before and didn’t fall in love, but I enjoy books about writing retreats and I can’t resist a good locker room mystery so I decided to give her another try. I guess we just aren’t well suited to each other. I thought this read like YA even though it isn’t. It’s incredibly repetitive; I got that Eris was the goddess of discord the first thirteen times you told me, thanks. And the whole thing was just silly. Not for me, but I think she has quite a few fans out there.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,413 reviews642 followers
July 27, 2025
I have read several of Carol Goodman’s books over the years but none in quite some time so I was happy to have this chance to read her latest. In many ways it reminds me of themes from her past novels, ones that I enjoyed. A relatively young woman, Maia Gold, is invited to a writers’ conference on the Greek island of Eris owned by Argos Alexander. But this is not her first time visiting Eris. She was there 15 years before at a conference that didn’t end as she had hoped. She has been summoned by written invitation, instructions provided. Ultimately, in spite of misgivings, she decides to go, to see the place and people from all those years ago and hopefully settle old problems.

Once Maia arrives at Eris, an island aptly named for the goddess of discord, tensions from the past and odd currents from the present takeover. As in my past reading experiences with Goodman, there is a strong classical mythology presence running through the novel, with Goodman providing details on the various gods, goddesses and legends. The suspense begins almost immediately and continues to the end.

This is not a high energy thriller but an entertaining suspense novel, a whodunnit, how and why, that works a complicated route to solution. After a somewhat slow beginning, I enjoyed being along for this ride and read quickly to the end. I recommend this for an enjoyable read.

Thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alora Khan.
450 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2025
Secluded island, writers retreat, mysterious death? I love these kinds of thrillers so I was interested in the plot of this. It was pretty entertaining. My only complaint is it gets a little Greek mythology dense, and I do mean DENSE. Those parts I started to struggle with, especially more towards the end. All in all, solid thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC! This will be out in July 2025.
Profile Image for Kristen Peppercorn .
568 reviews97 followers
April 2, 2025
I won a free ARC on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

This was a DNF for me so I can't attest that it gets better but me no likey. I've never been a Greek mythology nerd but I do think you seriously HAVE to be if you want to stand a chance of liking this one.

The characters are flat, pompous napkins. No substance to be found. No connection with any of them. MC's entire personality appears to be a very droning dialogue about Greek mythology facts. It's like trying to make people like you by just simply stating things people might like without being an actual person underneath it all. No thanks. 😭

You jump right into the events which is what writers are told to do and all but I think the author forgot to make us actually like or care about the characters first? I'm sorry but there's so many books and life is too short. I have to give this one a hard pass.
Profile Image for Pav S..
532 reviews13 followers
July 1, 2025
This year has been a delightful journey through the world of writers and island getaways! The theme feels so familiar, as I’ve devoured four books set in similar locales—what a treat!

Maia Gold returns to the Greek island of Eris fifteen years after attending a writers' retreat hosted by billionaire Argos Alexander, where she wrote her first book. Invited back alongside other writers from the original retreat, Maia sees this as a chance for reconciliation and to revive her writing career. However, upon arrival, they discover Argos is missing and learn that they must compete in a suspenseful writing challenge for fame and fortune. Tensions rise when Argos is found dead, and the guests must navigate their unresolved grudges while trying to uncover the murderer among them. Trapped on the island, they face the threat of becoming victims themselves.

Our protagonist, Maia, is utterly charming. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the history lessons woven throughout the chapters. This clever character, always thinking on her feet, is hard not to like. We get to know her gradually, page by page, as she navigates her youthful naivety and learns some valuable life lessons from a distance.

The setting is so evocative of Greece that I could almost hear the waves lapping at the shore. The descriptions, including the vibrant personalities of the characters, felt authentically Greek! Having visited Greece once, I can attest that the locals can be quite temperamental, especially the men! I loved how the narrative made me feel as if I were right there with them. It even inspired me to Google some facts and delve deeper into Greek history. I love it when books spark that kind of curiosity!

The story unfolds like a gripping murder mystery, complete with unexpected twists and revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat. It was so well-written that I found it nearly impossible to hit pause while listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life, making it easy to distinguish between characters and infusing the tale with great emotional depth.

If you have a penchant for Greek history sprinkled with a few murders to solve, this book is tailor-made for you. Just grab some Ouzo, a loaf of bread, and a drizzle of olive oil, and prepare for an adventure! As a newcomer to this author’s work, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and can’t wait to dive into more of their writing. Happy sleuthing!

Thank you, Harper Audio, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
128 reviews
February 1, 2025
On the surface, Writers and Liars is a mystery in the same vein as an English hunting party—a cast of characters comes to an isolated destination, there is a murder, and everyone is stuck in the location and immediately become suspects. In this case, the location is an isolated Greek island owned by a billionaire who dabbles in publishing and Greek antiquities. The guests consist of a group of writers who had first attended a writing retreat at the same island fifteen years prior. They have all been invited back, minus one of the attendees, and there is some initial mystery over who sent the invitations and why they have all been summoned. When the first murder occurs they all become suspicious of one another, not knowing who to trust or who could be killed next.

I was on board with the premise of the story, but it quickly becomes mired in the many details about Greek mythology and antiquities…so much so, that I skimmed whole sections of the narrative as the information was heavy and weighed down the plot. I didn’t care for the characters and had to suspend belief when the murderer was revealed. While I can appreciate the amount of research that must have gone into writing this book, the story didn’t come together in a satisfying way for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for itsallaboutbooksandmacarons.
2,181 reviews45 followers
July 28, 2025
The setting pulled me in right away — being back in Greece after time away gave the whole story this underlying tension. People weren’t saying everything out loud, and everyone seemed to be playing a part — testing each other, pushing, hiding things. It wasn’t just about what happened, but who wanted what, and how far they'd go to get it.

There’s a lot going on — a lot of details, connections, little pieces that shift how you see the bigger picture. I was following it all, staying alert, waiting for it to fully lock into place. Some of it landed, and some of it felt like it just hovered there.

I was into it — the mood, the setup, the secrets — but I expected a little more. More tension, maybe. More punch when things finally came out. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it. I just wanted it to hit harder.
Profile Image for Donna.
614 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2025
This is a fascinating locked room mystery, set on a beautiful and remote Greek island. Fifteen years ago, Maia joined a group of aspiring writers at the invitation of the wealthy billionaire who owns the island. All did not go well for her, although she was able to write one novel afterward. Now, they have all been invited back, and the various doubts and betrayals they all experienced surface again. As the writing retreat turns deadly, those remaining are desperate to find out who is responsible. Carol Goodman has written an intricate plot, with surprising twists, centered heavily on Greek mythology. She included much information about ancient Greece, and the myths that surround it, that highlight the misogyny of that time and harrowing fate that could befall women in that time period. It is an exciting, mystical mystery, in an eerie setting, that kept my attention from beginning to end! Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,408 reviews174 followers
July 16, 2025
I wish Carol Goodman would go back to writing academic mysteries.

That said, this one has some problems that go beyond choice of subgenre. I don’t love Goodman’s shift over the last few years towards thrillers (though I did like Wyldcliffe), but I get that these are easier to write and sadly, probably sell better. For the most part they’ve been entertaining if unambitious, and I’ve mostly enjoyed them even if I long for the erudition and academic complexity of The Night Villa and The Lake of Dead Languages.

This one, however, is a bit of a let down even when judged against Goodman’s other thrillers. She’s recycled a fair amount of material from The Night Villa here, which I guess is ok but it does mean that if you don’t like the story (I did not), you’re not even getting much new atmospheric/historical content.

The plot is a pretty standard closed circle mystery, and the solve is fine if a bit predictable and easy. Is trite, but palatable. A far greater issue: I really didn’t like the sexual assault component of this. It took a light thriller to a place that is kind of upsetting and it felt completely out of step with the tone of the rest of the book, which was more of a breezy, revenge thriller.

I hate saying this because I have adored so many of Goodman’s books, but she kind of phoned it in here. Skip this and read her exceptional backlist instead.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday).
1,949 reviews1,013 followers
Read
July 12, 2025
Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman is an enjoyable locked room/closed circle mystery reminiscent of And Then There Were None. In fact, the characters reference that book and the whole Golden Age Locked Room set up.

Fifteen years after her first visit to a writers retreat on the Greek island of Eris ended in heartbreak, Maia is pressured to go back again. The guests are the same, but murder is afoot as the few people on the island begin to be picked off one by one.

There's a VERY strong mythological component to Writers and Liars. The main character works at a museum and her father was a professor of Classics, so she sees everything through that lens. If you love Classics and mythology, this is the book for you. Some readers have found this aspect too much.

Another heads up: there is also a sexual assault component in the book. Mythology is filled with women who were assaulted, and these are mentioned as well as assaults in some of the characters' pasts. I hadn't realized quite how awful many figures from mythology were, and the book is trying to make a point rather than be salacious. In fact, there is a strong vengeance component. But just thought i'd mention it.

Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Profile Image for Suesyn Zellmer.
442 reviews15 followers
January 1, 2025
Maia has been invited back to the island of Eris in Greece where she attended a writing retreat fifteen years ago. Upon returning, she discovers that the same people who attended the retreat back then are (almost) all here again. She hasn't kept in touch with anyone because right before she left back then, she believed her best friend and her boyfriend betrayed her. She's kept tabs on some of them over the years, as they all became famous to some extent since the retreat, but she's nervous to be around them again. Especially when, shortly upon their return, they discover their host's dead body. Argos Alexander was larger than life due to his wealth and status, but now that he's gone, everyone begins to suspect why they were invited back. Is someone getting revenge? Why would they wait all this time? And are they all in danger now, trapped on this island?

The descriptions of the island are breathtaking and provide a haunting atmosphere to the mystery that unfolds. There is quite a bit of Greek mythology sprinkled throughout the story, so if that's not your thing, you will be skimming a significant portion of this book. Maia and her father both majored in the classics, and certain portions of the plot featuring mythology are explained by Maia so that the readers understand. It's a bit too obvious in how it's done, though. A bit too overwrought, as one character would say. But it does lend some sophistication to the mystery, which doesn't lean on cheap thrills or twists to keep the reader invested. I certainly was, I didn't want to put it down! It's so much more than just figuring out who the killer is. And it's about time someone called attention to the ridiculous misogyny of Greek mythology. I've never understood why people hold so much value in ancient fairy tales where women are raped by swans and we're not supposed to bat an eye at that?? Ugh.

Anyway, I loved this book and I'm going to dive into other works by this author. It's a perfect vacation story and I only wish I could have been in Greece as I read it!
Profile Image for The Bookish Elf.
2,627 reviews369 followers
July 21, 2025
Carol Goodman's latest offering, Writers and Liars, presents readers with a sophisticated locked-room mystery that transcends the typical confines of the genre. The novel follows Maia Gold, a museum curator and one-time promising author, who receives an unexpected invitation to return to the Greek island of Eris—site of a prestigious writers' retreat that forever altered her life fifteen years prior. What begins as a potential second chance at literary success quickly transforms into a deadly game of cat and mouse among a group of writers harboring long-buried resentments.

The premise immediately establishes Goodman's mastery of atmospheric storytelling. The isolated Greek island setting serves as more than mere backdrop; it becomes a character unto itself, steeped in mythological significance that mirrors the complex web of relationships among the assembled writers. The author's decision to ground her mystery in classical mythology—particularly the labyrinth of the Minotaur and the concept of Nemesis—adds layers of meaning that elevate the work beyond standard thriller fare.

Character Development and Psychological Complexity

Goodman excels in creating psychologically nuanced characters who feel authentically flawed and human. Maia Gold emerges as a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles with creative block, family legacy, and unresolved trauma resonate deeply. Her relationship with the enigmatic Annika Greer and Ian Davies creates a triangle of tension that drives much of the novel's emotional core. The author skillfully reveals how past betrayals—both real and imagined—can poison relationships for decades.

The supporting cast of writers each brings distinct motivations and secrets to the island. From the aging mystery novelist Olivia Knox, desperately clinging to relevance, to the pretentious critic Sydney Norton, whose caustic reviews mask deeper insecurities, each character serves a specific purpose in Goodman's carefully constructed puzzle. The character of Eleni, the Greek housekeeper with her own tragic connection to the island's dark history, provides emotional weight and cultural grounding to the narrative.

Mythological Underpinnings and Thematic Depth

One of Writers and Liars' greatest strengths lies in Goodman's integration of Greek mythology into her contemporary thriller. The island of Eris, named for the goddess of discord, becomes a perfect metaphor for the strife and competition that drives the creative process. The author's use of the labyrinth myth—both literally and metaphorically—creates a rich symbolic framework that explores themes of artistic inspiration, the price of ambition, and the cyclical nature of revenge.

The novel's exploration of classical antiquities smuggling adds another layer of complexity, connecting contemporary crimes to ancient treasures. This subplot allows Goodman to examine issues of cultural heritage and exploitation while maintaining the mystery's momentum. The author's background and extensive research in classical studies clearly inform these elements, lending authenticity to the academic and archaeological details woven throughout the narrative.

Structural Sophistication and Pacing

Goodman demonstrates considerable skill in managing the novel's complex structure. The narrative alternates between present-day events on the island and flashbacks to the original retreat fifteen years earlier, gradually revealing the truth behind past betrayals and current motivations. This technique builds suspense effectively while allowing for deep character development and the slow revelation of crucial information.

The pacing proves generally strong, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter character-driven scenes. However, certain middle sections occasionally feel bogged down by lengthy exposition about Greek mythology and archaeological details. While these elements ultimately serve the story's thematic purposes, they sometimes interrupt the thriller's momentum. The author's tendency to over-explain mythological references may also alienate readers less familiar with classical literature, though it rewards those who appreciate the deeper symbolic connections.

Literary Merit and Genre Conventions

Writers and Liars succeeds in elevating the mystery genre through its literary aspirations. Goodman's prose is polished and atmospheric, capable of shifting between the stark beauty of the Greek landscape and the claustrophobic tension of the underground labyrinth. Her descriptions of the island's ancient mysteries and modern corruption create a vivid sense of place that lingers in the reader's imagination.

The novel's examination of the writing life itself adds meta-textual depth that distinguishes it from conventional mysteries. Goodman explores the competitive nature of literary success, the corrosive effects of envy among writers, and the question of whether great art requires great suffering. These themes resonate particularly strongly in an era of social media literary culture and shifting publishing landscapes.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, Writers and Liars suffers from occasional structural issues. The revelation of certain key plot points feels somewhat rushed, particularly regarding the true nature of Argos Alexander's death and the complex motivations behind the reunion invitation. Some readers may find the resolution's reliance on coincidence and hidden passages bordering on the implausible, even within the heightened reality of a thriller.

The novel's treatment of sexual assault, while sensitively handled, occasionally feels instrumentalized for plot purposes rather than fully explored as a traumatic experience. Additionally, certain character behaviors, particularly in the book's climactic underground sequences, strain credibility despite the atmospheric and symbolic weight of these scenes.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Contemporary Mystery Fiction

Writers and Liars succeeds as both an engaging mystery and a thoughtful examination of artistic ambition's darker impulses. While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambitions, Goodman's sophisticated approach to character development and mythological symbolism creates a reading experience that rewards attention and re-reading. The novel's exploration of classical themes through a contemporary lens offers something substantial for readers seeking more than surface-level thrills.

The book will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate academic mysteries, mythologically-informed fiction, and complex psychological portraits of creative individuals. Despite some pacing issues and moments of implausibility, Writers and Liars demonstrates Goodman's continued growth as a writer capable of delivering both intellectual satisfaction and genuine suspense.
Profile Image for Manavi.
342 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2025
An enjoyable mystery with a great atmospheric setting. The constant Greek mythology references got very heavy handed towards the end which took away some of my enjoyment of this book. Also

Received an ARC from NetGalley
Profile Image for Annie.
205 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2025
After receiving an invitation in the mail from the mysterious Argos Alexander, Maia sets out for the Greek island Eris. Fifteen years earlier she went for Argos' writing retreat where she found mentorship, friendship, romance, and betrayal. She returns to the island looking for answers and revenge, but instead finds a familiar cast of characters. Most of the writers from that retreat are there, but their host Argos is missing. When his body is found on an altar on the island, the writers also discover that they've been cut off from all communication with the outside world with a killer among them. An atmospheric locked room mystery with a classical Greek setting.

I was really looking forward to this one, but I found it difficult to fully enjoy as I couldn't tell if it was meant to be making fun of classic locked room mystery tropes or if it was just following the formula laid out by similar mysteries. If the author was poking fun at these types of mysteries, I think it could have been hammed up a bit more to make that clearer. If the author was being genuine, then I think the story falls prey to a lot of clichés. I think part of this comes down to the narration of the audiobook. Some of the voices for the characters were over the top, so they came across as more comedic than maybe they were meant to be. While I did enjoy the setting and the discussion of Greek mythology, the metaphors were incredibly heavy-handed and took me out of the story. The dialogue also felt unrealistic to me. The main character would talk over people who were trying to explain what happened at the retreat years before to prolong some unnecessary miscommunication. I also found it odd that the adult main character was so hung up on things that happened one summer 15 years ago. The villain also had super over the top dialogue that made them sound cartoonish, which took me out of the story as well. I think people who really enjoy Greek mythology and classic mysteries might enjoy this one, but maybe stick to the text version.

Thanks to HarperAudio and NetGalley for the review copy.
Profile Image for Page_2_Pen.
204 reviews25 followers
July 21, 2025
A mysterious murder mystery writer’s reunion comes together when an infamous host invites the same crew out to his isolated home years later. The guests arrive, immediately assessing, judging, and annoying each other, but the host is nowhere to be found. A writing challenge is presented by the stand-in host, and when the host himself is found dead, all heads begin to reassess and overthink, pointing fingers and searching for clues. There are hidden agendas, misunderstandings from years ago, building resentments in the shadows, and misplaced assumptions. Can the writers work together to figure out who’s the liar, or will this murder be all of their undoing?

This was a good little mystery with a writer’s retreat trope, which I always love. I enjoying watching clues and accusations unfurl and stayed engaged overall. I did find it very similar to a few other titles recently released, and I wish it would have had a little more uniqueness in plot.. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me an ARC of this title. This review contains my own opinions.
Profile Image for Tessa.
Author 8 books613 followers
August 14, 2025
If you asked me to dream up the perfect combination of subgenres, you’d get Carol Goodman’s WRITERS AND LIARS. Part reunion thriller and part literary-themed mystery—topped off with an isolated setting and high-stakes contest—this story follows struggling author Maia Gold back to the billionaire Argos Alexander’s Greek island, where she attended a writer’s retreat years prior. This time, though, attendees are asked to pen a murder mystery with characters inspired by the group itself.

Resentment, revenge, and Maia’s drive to reclaim her career make this such a page-turner, and I loved the Greek mythology and atmosphere woven throughout. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
Profile Image for Cristin.
33 reviews
August 15, 2025
I've been a fan of Carol Goodman since I picked up The Lake of Dead Languages in a bookstore years ago. I've watched her writing change over the years and in this book I felt it a little more. I'm not getting the depth in the main character as I usually do with her books and the story felt rushed at times. I looked forward to her new book every year but I would wait for her book every other year if that's what she needs to create a better plot and deeper characters. Carol Goodman can do no wrong in my opinion, I have bought every one of her books and will always keep buying them, I'm just a bit disappointed with this book.
Profile Image for Martin Maenza.
955 reviews23 followers
June 26, 2025
William Morrow provided an early galley for review.

This is my second mystery in the span of the month involving a gathering of writers. Must be something in the air. Nonetheless, I am very much into this mix of elements.

Goodman fully embraces Greek mythology and history in this story, another literary area that has always fascinated me. Those references accent the flavor of the tale generously throughout. Her setting of the Greek Islands is vibrant, creating a classic stage upon which a classic theme of revenge can unfold.

There are some spots, however, where the dialogue gets repetitive (characters repeating revelations, for example) which tends to be a bit tiresome. And while things really kick into gear in the final quarter of the book, the big twists were not too surprising for me (I tend to read a lot, especially in this genre). Still, if one is not reading on a critical level, the story does it job to entertain and thrill.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
1,318 reviews41 followers
July 9, 2025
Carol Goodman’s latest centers on a group of writers who gather for a mysterious reunion on a Greek island only to encounter a dangerous enemy and deep, dark secrets. The Greek island setting was interesting and I liked the tidbits of art history and Ancient Greek culture. The plot is not the most original but contains many unexpected elements that will keep readers engrossed and entertained. Goodman is good at writing the big reveals.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, William Morrow and Carol Goodman for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kay Oliver.
Author 11 books198 followers
March 12, 2025
Classic, much loved mystery tropes and a cast of mystery authors in a closed-room mystery ... EEEEEEK! I loved the premise, and I loved the story even more. I was riveted, captivated, and gobbled this up waaaay past my bedtime. And the lack of sleep was so worth it.
Profile Image for Cayce Osborne.
Author 7 books80 followers
April 3, 2025
This was a fun exploration of writing and publishing against a backdrop of Greek mythology and archaeology. I loved the dynamics between characters, and the dark underbelly that lurked beneath the idyllic setting.
15 reviews
April 6, 2025
While I enjoyed the twists and turns at the end of the book I found the rest a bit tedious. The mythology, while a part of the story line, I believe weighed the book down quite a bit.

I give the book 3 1/2 stars

I received this book through a Goodreads drawing
Profile Image for Lena.
10 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2025
I feel bad giving a poor review of a giveaway book but I could not get behind the writing. Way too much Greek mythology for me to get engaged and very undeveloped characters with predictable plot points.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,226 reviews62 followers
July 16, 2025
This was a thriller that was rooted in a lot of Greek mythology. A group of writers return to an island for the first time since they were all together 15 years ago. They start a desperate search to solve what’s going on before more people get hurt.
Profile Image for Cathy.
174 reviews5 followers
July 27, 2025
Rounded up.
34 reviews
August 3, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. How can you possibly go wrong with an idyllic setting, mystery, murder, Greek mythology, and the stars all wrapped up in one perfect package?!
Profile Image for Kari G.
25 reviews
February 26, 2025
This book was a Greek game of Clue.

It started out a little slow, but picked up fairly quickly. I thought I had it figured out when the group finally found their host; but I was pleasantly surprised to find my assumption was wrong.

This book has twist after twist, a love triangle, a plethora of Ancient Greek mythology, and all the qualities of a great classic mystery.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters and each of their backstories. All of their interconnected stories were very well written. Nothing felt forced or outlandish.
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