Broken Threads

by Sagit Schwartz

When Clare loses her job as a technical writer at a pharmaceutical company due to AI, she has one month’s rent saved and a historical fiction novel she’s been unable to get published. Desperate, she turns to Amber, a young influencer in her apartment building, for help promoting the book.

Amber offers Clare a shocking fifty percent of the profits—if Clare allows her to claim the novel as her own. Running out of money and options, Claire hesitantly agrees.

Then, the unimaginable happens. The book is an instant runaway hit—a viral phenomenon, skyrocketing to the top of multiple bestseller lists. Literary agents reach out to Amber, eager to sign her, and Clare begins to suspect Amber is cheating her out of money. Until Amber is found dead…

Genres: Short Stories, Thriller

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2024

About the author

Thank you so much for being here! The best part about writing books is connecting with readers like you! If you've read and enjoyed my work, I'm so glad. You can sign up for my infrequent newsletter through my website to get the latest updates on new releases. You can also contact me through there. I do my best to respond to all emails. Happy reading!

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and loving Sagit Schwartz’s debut novel, Since She’s Been Gone, I was excited to dive into her new short story, Broken Threads. At only 39 pages in length, it was a quick, easy read that left me with both chills and a gigantic smile on my face. In the past, I’ve found that short stories and I usually don’t mix. Most—if not all—tend to lack any depth to the plot. Well, I’m happy to report that this dynamite thriller was that rarer than rare exception to the rule. Concise but also fully fleshed out, the plot was addictive and unputdownable for this thriller lover. Not only was the protagonist someone to cheer for, but her foil had me shaking with anger from the moment I met her. Between the two, this original premise had everything I wanted in a mind-blowing short story—up to and including a grin-triggering twist right there at the end. All in all, Ms. Schwartz has now made me even more excited for her next much anticipated novel. I only wish that she’d turn this one into a full length thriller first as I’m sure it would be a page-turning stunner. So if you have an hour to spare and need or want a guaranteed five star read, grab a copy of this one as it’s not only brilliant and shrewd, but a story that I couldn’t have loved even the tiniest bit more. Rating of 5+ stars.

BLURB:

Clare is an out-of-work technical writer after AI takes over her job. Now left with only enough money to pay one month’s worth of rent and no way to earn a living, she has the brilliant idea to get her influencer neighbor to sell her unsold novel to her hundreds of thousands of followers. Amber, however, has a better idea. Pretend that she wrote it so that it takes off even faster. While she’s not thrilled with Amber’s suggestion, Clare is almost 100% broke, so she goes along with the idea. Needless to say, things go awry. To learn more, grab your very own copy for only $0.99 on Amazon ASAP!

Thank you to Sagit Schwartz for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: December 10, 2024 (out now)

Content warning: none of significance

[BiblioPeeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and before you're finished drinking it, you'll have flown through this GEM of a thriller!

Clare is endearing and I liked her straight away, even if I did find her a bit naïve and gullible. The thing about Clare is that she's also sweet, looks on the bright side and is willing to take risks. I was rooting for her the entire time! I could absolutely see this situation playing out the way it did, and wanted to jump into the story and help Clare out.

For being a short story, Sagit Schwartz manages to pack in commentary about sexism, ageism, lookism, social media and the book publishing industry. The best part? It's done with such effortless ease that it doesn't even feel like commentary. It's TRUTH.

Hooked from that desperate opening, the entire story was taught and crisply written. You know you've found a talented writer when a story of 39 pages packs a punch with a fully fleshed out plot, themes and characters. Things wrapped up splendidly to my utter satisfaction and even managed to surprise me. If you ever need a slump buster this is it!
____

Huge thank you to Sagit Schwartz for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[EmmaReadsCrime · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

“When Clare loses her job as a technical writer at a pharmaceutical company due to AI, she has one month’s rent saved and a historical fiction novel she’s been unable to get published. Desperate, she turns to Amber, a young influencer in her apartment building, for help promoting the book.”

It’s no secret that I’m not usually a fan of short stories but I really enjoyed this and I really love Sagit’s writing style!

It felt so current and I loved how it explored social media and in particular, BookTok! Even though it was short in the length, the characters and the plot were fleshed out well.

[Kait Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and fast paced short story! I wanted more of this drama between Clare and Amber! Love Sagits writing and can’t wait to see what she’s up to next!

[Sarah [ Page.Turning.Thrills ] · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Broken Threads" by Sagit Schwartz follows Clare as she is down on her luck and loses her job as a technical writer. However, behind the scenes, she is a want-to-be historical fiction writer trying to get publishers to pick up her debut novel. When the harsh realities hit her that she won't be able to promote her book on her own due to her age and lack of looks, she seeks the help of a social media influencer. But what if the influencer promotes the book as her own? What could go wrong?

Thank you to the author, Sagit Schwartz, for reaching out to request an early review and for the gifted eARC.

I was elated to read Schwartz's newest story, as I absolutely loved her debut, "Since You've Been Gone." It didn't disappoint me at all. This short story gets right to the point, and it made me nervous with anticipation. What is going to happen to Clare? Was she in the wrong place at the wrong time? Who will believe her? Will she finally receive the attention for her novel that she deserves? All those questions will run through your head, but you'll just have to read it to find out. At 39 pages, there's really no excuse to pass this one up.

"Broken Threads" will be available as an Amazon short story the week of December 17, 2024.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! I’d love a full length book along this theme.

[Krista crone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stort story has a major punch to it that will have you flying through this suspenseful thriller. Any fan of thrillers, need to have this on their TBR. With less than 40 pages, you will devour this in no time!

[J.L. Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this short story and loved it! I sat down in my chair and didn't move until it was finished. I am overjoyed that she may tie the story into a future full-length project - cannot wait. It was juicy and addicting. Well done.

[Kate Hergott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, now this is fun!!
I never thought I could get so connected to a character, while experiencing an ever escalating plot and a superb ending in 40 pages!

When down on her luck Clare gets fired from her technical writing job because they are filling her position with AI, she has no source of income, and only a month's worth of expenses in her checking account. When her neighbors TikTok partner leaves for Nashville, Clare sees an opportunity to get her book sold through Amber's influencing power. They decide to split the revenue from the book, but what happens when Amber is found dead?

Schwartz packs a great character, a great premise and a stunning ending into this short story, but also uses the premise to touch on ageism, late stage capitalism and the pervasiveness of social media. Whether you've been around the publishing industry or not, the inside baseball details Schwartz shares are a good starter representation about some of the pitfalls of the industry.

If you love stories about authors, stories that explore social topics, or stories with ominously fun endings, you will love this one!

[Chelsea (gofetchabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gritting my teeth with anxiety and anger through this entire short story.

Sagit Schwartz can WRITE!

All of the frustration in this short story felt so grounded in reality, it was disgusting, but I could actually envision an Amber in real life taking advantage of a Clare.

My only greedy criticism is that I want more to this story. I want the full story. I want the background on everyone. I want the after events. I want it all.

It was incredible to me that the author was able to create that much tension in this few of pages leading up to the climax of the story.

I read this author’s first book and loved it, I loved this novella, and I am patiently awaiting more.

“To Mr. Pickles” is the most heartbreaking part.

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Book Review ** Out now.

This is definitely a case of Bookstagram Made Me Do It, in particular, @getbookedwithlarry

I just read his great review of @sagitschwartz thriller short story, Broken Threads, and immediately downloaded it to my Kindle.

I am not a real reader of short stories so when I say that this one was fabulous, I mean it was fabulous!! I couldn’t believe what the author was able to pack into 50 pages - there were twists, fast-paced action, and a great ending. I also loved that this was a story about an author, social media, ageism, and greed.

I highly recommend this one!!! Can’t wait to read what’s next from this author!

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping, short read about the lengths an older author will go through to get her debut novel the recognition it deserves.

I liked the premise of this story as I’m sure it’s not far from reality. Older writers have to work much harder to get their name out there in a world that prioritizes youth and high social media followings. Now, the decision the author in this story, Clare Davis, makes is insanely idiotic, but it’s also plausible. Desperation can
make people do wild things.

Broken Threads serves as a prequel to the author’s new thriller that will be releasing in 2025, titled The Underdog. I can’t wait to read it!

Thanks to the author, Sagit Schwartz, for the gifted epub version of this story!!

[Tiffany Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sagit Schwartz just proved you can write a delicious thriller in less than 50 pages. This is a must read!

[Krissy (books_and_biceps9155) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a bone to pick with Sagit! This was so good and I read it so fast I was completely sad it was over. I want more!!! I don’t want to wait for your next book lol

I cannot believe that all of this happened within 50 pages. It was propulsive, delicious and addicting. I loved every single thing about it. Schwartz is beyond talented and I cannot wait for more of her work. This is a MUST read.

[Marla Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic! Loved every quick second 🤩My 1st book by this author and I can tell I’m going to love any others! 5 🌟

[Love to Read]

Fun, fast paced read!

[Larry H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely fall prey to the whole #Bookstagrammademedoit concept, but never have I finished someone’s review of a book and immediately bought the book. At least until I read the review of Sagit Schwartz’s excellent short story, “Broken Threads.”

Clare has always dreamed of being a bestselling author but she can’t seem to land a deal. The longer it takes, the more resentful she becomes of those who do succeed, especially those she believes she has more talent than.

When Clare’s longtime job as a technical writer is eliminated because she can be replaced by AI, her desperation grows. She knows her historical fiction novel is excellent, but no agent will talk to her because she’s older and not photogenic. But with barely any money to cover rent, she’s willing to try anything.

Her last shot is approaching her neighbor, Amber, who has built a career as a successful influencer. Nearly everything Amber owns or wears has been given to her in exchange for mentions. Clare thinks having Amber promote the book will be a great idea, but Amber doesn’t think that effort will be successful. And then Amber suggests that she tell people she wrote the book, and in exchange, she’ll give Clare 50 percent of the profits.

Of course, when things seem too good to be true, they usually are. The book becomes a huge success but Clare starts suspecting that Amber is ripping her off. And then Amber winds up dead.

I devoured this in a very short time and I honestly could’ve read a full-length version of this. @sagitschwartz had me hooked from the very first word! This was a great story and so timely.

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

[Helya · Rating 4 out of 5]

💭 ⓂⓎ ⓉⒽⓄⓊⒼⒽⓉⓈ
I absolutely loved Sagit Schwartz’s debut novel last year, Since She’s Been Gone, so I was thrilled when she reached out to me to read her new short story, Broken Threads. This 39-page book was fun yet thought provoking from start to finish. Her character development in such a short piece is wonderful. Despite the book leaning more toward the thriller side, there were so many laugh out loud moments that I felt like I might pee my pants a little😅. The playful remarks about Kristin Hannah had me dying! (Please pick up the book so you know what I mean!)This story does a fantastic job highlighting the influence of social media and how ageism and appearance play a role not just in publishing but in so many industries. The only regret you’ll have after picking this one up is wanting more. I can’t wait to see what else Sagit Schwartz has in store for us next year!

📚 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
📖Short story-39 pages
🔀Fun and twisty
✍️An authors life
📱Power of social media
📚Publishing world
😅Tons of laughs
🔢Ageism in the industry
‼️That ending

🧶𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾🧶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

💕Q U O T E: “𝐵𝓊𝓉 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒𝓈, 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀 𝒷𝑒𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝓅𝓊𝓉 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓂𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓎. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝒶 𝓂𝓎𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒸𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈.”

🙏 Thank you to Sagit Schwartz for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.💕

[Bethany Mock (bethanyburiedinbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly this 39 page story may be short but it surely packs a punch! Clare is recently jobless due to AI taking over and is struggling to make ends meet. She has a novel she’s written but hasn’t been able to get it published. Her neighbor and influencer, Amber, has recently also had some life changing events and it seems it may be perfect timing to team up. Amber offers to use her influencing powers to pretend she’s the author to sell the book and then they can share the profits. That is where things go south. The book takes off and Clare suspects she’s not being paid properly. Amber ends up dead. Just who and what is to blame?

If you’re a thriller lover, that likes conniving characters that act cut throat no matter what this book is for you! This is my second book by Sagit and both have been wonderful! I am loving how twisted her characters are and I loved how this story almost felt like it really happened. The references to Booktok and Dunkin made me feel right at home! If you want a short, addictive dramatic story make sure to check this one out!

[Rhea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay…..okay….the depths of depravity our society has fallen into over the superficial addictive craze for a look into an “influencers” life is crazy! I am scared for society because this book is not far from what is happening now. I guess that’s what made it so freaky to me.
Clare has been writing technical manuals for 28 years!!!! and was let go because AI was taking over her job…..not far from reality guys! In Clare’s spare time she wrote a novel, but no one would look twice because of her age and appearance…. 😩……reality people! 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️😩……Anyhoo…..amber, a young, attractive, glossy influencer who is left by her boyfriend is approached by Clare to promote Clares book as her own on her social media platforms…..of course it become a big hit, but that conveying demon child only thinks of herself…..and we’ll screws Clare over….it all comes to an end….but this is one short story that would have benefited from a few more pages.

[Suzi (Lil Bit Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare is an aspiring author who can’t seem to get a publisher interested in her historical fiction novel once they lay eyes on her middle-aged self. Out of a job and almost out of money, she is desperate when she agrees to allow her social media influencer neighbor Amber to claim and promote the novel as her own in exchange for a cut of the profits. The book goes viral beyond either Clare or Amber’s wildest imaginations, and that’s when things take a deadly turn….

I don’t know how Sagit Schwartz accomplished such a feat, but she managed to pack a compelling character, premise, and plot into just under 40 pages! It’s fast paced and twisty, but also manages to hit some pointed social commentary on ageism, social media, and the publishing world. Such a fun, thrilling, and entertaining short story!

Many thanks to the author for providing me a #gifted ebook!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun short story! In less than 40 pages, Schwartz sucked me in. After loving Since She's Been Gone and now Broken Threads, I'm even more excited to see what she comes up with next!

Clare has been trying and trying to get a book deal for her historical fiction novel. She's convinced it's not working out because of her age. After talking to her young, beautiful influencer neighbor, Amber, they make a deal that Amber will promote Clare's book for portion of the proceeds. It takes off! But it doesn't turn out how either of them hope... It's deadly.

Thank you to Sagit for sending me a copy of this story. It will be out on Amazon in December!

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in a single sitting! I loved Sagit's debut novel, SINCE SHE'S BEEN GONE, so I jumped right into BROKEN THREADS and it did not disappoint!

Sagit brings the realities of not only reality TV but also social media (TikTok & Threads specifically) and what happens in the publishing industry. My stomach was knotted up while reading BROKEN THREADS because I was so worried about Clara...will she ever be published? Did she kill Amber? What will happen to Clara going forward?

This was a perfect escape read that left me feeling accomplished for having read it so quickly. I'm ready for another great read from Sagit!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story came at the perfect time for me. Having read, and loved, Sagit's first book and being very (very) far from my reading goal for 2024, I needed a short read I knew I'd enjoy. Sagit did not disappoint. I love the premise of the plot and how the story moves. It manages to move quickly as a short story, but take us over a span of a few months. It really shows that people down on their luck are willing to go to great lengths for their five minutes of fame and how those five minutes can become lethal. I love how Sagit tied together pieces of the story and left us wondering, did Clare do it on purpose? Does she feel any remorse? Can't wait to read more from her.

[Kristin (Always With a Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of Broken Threads in exchange for my honest opinion.

What an addictive, twisted short story from Sagit Schwartz…I flew through this one and wanted more! I cannot believe how much she packed in a story that isn’t even 40 pages long. I loved the insights we got into both an author’s world and the publishing world. And that ending – perfection!

Sagit has proven she is a must-read author for me and I cannot wait to read her next book!


My reviews can also be found on my blog: Always With A Book

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare wants nothing more than to get her manuscript published. When she loses her job as a technical writer, she becomes desperate. Clare makes a deal with an attractive influencer , Amber, that lives in her apartment building. Amber will take credit for the manuscript, would market it and split the money with Clare. Book sales were fantastic and all was wonderful, until it wasn't.
This was a fast paced, exciting ride. So much happened in this novella. If you have an afternoon free, I highly recommend Broken Threads.

[Katrina Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed @sagitschwartz bite-sized thriller, Broken Threads. It was a great piece of escapist fiction to take your mind off the craziness in the world and remind you that sometimes the bad guy does get what's coming to them, even if it takes several twists and turns to get there. At $.99c it's cheaper than anything you'll find in the candy or wine--and just as satisfying!

If you're looking for something longer in the twisty domestic thriller genre, her Since She's Been Gone is a great read too.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give yourself a treat- grab a cup of tea or coffee and cozy up in your favorite chair and read this! The author puts you on a fun ride in less than 50 pages and you will not be able to put it down. Sometimes desperate times calls for desperate measures and the consequences can be life altering. I loved Schwartz's last novel, Since She's Been Gone and I have been waiting for her next one. This was a fun read that does not disappoint and I hope there is a book on the horizon.

[Matt Witten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Threads is a delightful thriller about a debut novelist in her fifties who goes to extreme lengths to get her book published. Her relationship with the young social influencer who lives in her building is entertainingly twisted. As a novelist myself I especially enjoyed this story, and I think anyone who’s interested in the book biz will get a kick out of it too. The pages turned themselves! I hope there’s a sequel!

[Sarah L · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOOKED.

I don't know how, but this fast paced story left me with the satisfaction of a fully fleshed out novel. The twists and turns brought thrills, meanwhile I found myself simmering with the same desperation and anger as the main character. Highly recommend, and I can't help but hope there will be more...

Also... Don't wear pink Uggs...