The Author

by Jeff Scott

In the quaint, coastal towns of Southern Maine, where the sea whispers secrets to those who dare to listen, Ian Walker is on the brink of becoming a renowned novelist. With every new book, his star rises higher. But Ian holds a secret obsession—an insatiable compulsion to read every review of his work on Amazon and peruse every critique in online literary circles.



The words of his critics linger in his mind, fueling dark fantasies. But when those who disparage his work begin to meet untimely deaths, Ian is confronted with a chilling Could his thoughts be manifesting into sinister reality? Each murder forces Ian to question his own sanity and morality. He doesn’t remember committing these crimes, yet a shadow of doubt haunts him.



Detectives John Harris and Lia Morgan are on a relentless pursuit for the truth. As they trace the threads leading back to Ian, the line between guilt and innocence blurs. In a world of deception and psychological warfare, can Ian uncover the truth before he becomes the ultimate culprit?



The Author is a gripping thriller filled with twists and turns, where every review could be a death sentence and every thought a potential crime.









Jeff Scott burst onto the thriller scene last year with his gripping trilogy, The Mathematician Trilogy, which introduced readers to the tenacious Detective Frank Griffin. As a best-selling author, Jeff has captivated audiences with his intricate plots and unforgettable characters. With plans for many more thrillers and a mind brimming with creative ideas, Jeff Scott is a force to be reckoned with in the world of suspenseful fiction. His latest novel, The Author, promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next.

227 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2025

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author is a fast-paced, twisty read that kept me guessing. The clever premise intrigued me and piqued my interest. This thriller is a combination of a whodunit, a dash of reality, and a sprinkle of humor. I thought I knew who the murderer was, but I couldn't have been more wrong. The conclusion was shocking with an unexpected twist I never saw coming. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy.

[Ashley Cestra · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF- This book needs a professional editor. I started to notice errors within the first few pages but then after pushing myself to keep going, I finally couldn’t make it past page 50. There was too much. The text was wordy and confusing riddled with errors. I felt the author was channeling a philosopher with esoteric and intentionally vague speech.
For full transparency, I was given an early copy of The Author, from the author and was actually told not to review it as “I didn’t read it.”
I’m sorry, what?! Reviews on a book are for ALL TYPES of feedback. No, I did not finish reading this book, I even stated as such. That doesn’t mean I should ignore WHY I didn’t read this book from start to finish. So this is me, using my voice as I would with ANY other book I did not finish reading by explaining why.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to describe my experience reading this. At first it felt off somehow. Too much description not enough action. It was hard to picture what was happening in my mind. But then after I’d finish a chapter and sit with it, the story came alive in my head. I actually enjoyed it. I loved the shorter chapters (every author should do this) and the plot kept me hooked. As I was born and raised in Maine I loved the setting! The writing did take a bit to get used to but it wasn’t bad bad.

Will def read other books the author writes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashley G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this review is going to be a bit long, but here’s the gist: if you’re a member of the Psychological Thriller Reader Group, you HAVE to read this book! (Or any social media book groups) The nods to the group and the critics in the group will keep you chuckling and provide some perspective as you write your next review.

As a Mainer reading a book by a fellow Maine author, writing this review gave me a slight pause, BUT you’ll have to read the book to understand why. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader, and it’s available for pre-order with a release date of 3/1/25.

Now, onto my thoughts. I’m giving this psychological thriller a solid four stars. Being familiar with towns like Cornish, Harpswell, OOB, and Portland made the story even more engaging for me. It was a nice touch to see local restaurants mentioned—it genuinely made me happy!

Here’s a quick summary: A local indie author Ian gets caught up in a murder investigation while his mental health is on the edge. The victims? Members of the Psychological Thriller Group who are known for their strong opinions and keyboard warrior skills.

Some of the main characters, Detective Lia Morgan and John Harris, are on the case, diving into the online literary community to find answers. Digging deeper and deeper into the community. I did find the shifts between their names a bit confusing at times. Still, I appreciated the author’s unique perspective, which felt authentic and layered trying to bring the characters to life. Ian an indie author who was quickly unraveling and these murders took place around him. This speaks to mental health and how words matter.

The story is engaging, and I found myself laughing at some of the content and also felt the pain of Ian. I had a little when the author humorously points out how writers often describe breaths they didn’t even know they were holding! Those moments reading brought a smile to my face.

I did reach for the dictionary feature on my Kindle some, which made me wonder if the book was more sophisticated than what I usually read. There’s definitely some purple prose, but I enjoy authors like Frieda, Kiersten Modglin, Gillian Flynn, so I’m not used to that level and style of writing. The descriptions of locations and food were vivid, but I wanted a bit more depth in the characters’ emotions and stronger scene-setting. Sometimes, it felt like the narrative bounced around a bit, leaving me unsure of where the characters were during their conversations.

The shifts in narrative was a bit tricky to follow. I’m not a literary genius—just an average reader—but for me a clearer and more consistent shift could have made it easier for me to keep up.

Overall, I really loved this book for its compelling story and the way it tackles the indie authors perspective and the keyboard warriors on social. It connects with readers on a personal level and shines a light on indie authors trying to make their way. It speaks volumes of how words can impact you deeply and to have some grace. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking twisted thriller that has a bit of humor and relatable settings, this is definitely the book for you!

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This kicked off as a rather engaging story about an author, Ian Walker, who suddenly learns that the biggest critics of his books which fall into the psychological thriller genre, are being murdered one by one. As scathing reviews are posted, of which there aren't many, the writers of said reviews are murdered. Investigating these murders is the duo of Detective John Harris and Lia Morgan. Ian is attracted to Lia and they begin a relationship.
I noted tongue-in-cheek mentions of current hugely successful thriller authors and the emotions an author feels when they are criticized, even if their praise far outweighs the odd poor review, and felt the emotions expressed transgressed pure fiction.
Quick, punchy chapters make this an easy read. 4 stars.

[Welz Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished 😝🤓😝🤓
This book 📖 would appeal to both readers and authors. It had parts that made me laugh 😆, parts that made me think 🤔 it’s very close to home 🏡, which I could relate to.
The ending was not what I expected, in fact I got it wrong every time I moved to the next chapter.
Writing about an author ✍️ was both brave and clever. It’s a unique story that we should all experience, you’ll see why!!
Well done 👏 Jeff Scott.
I wish you all the very best in March next year when it’s released.
The cover is amazing 🤩

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a creepy one!! I thought I knew who and what was going on, but I couldn't have been further from the truth. The mind can be a wondrous playground and an escape from reality. This one took me completely by surprise. Kudos- what a shocking surprise!!! Check it out. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC Review*
Feels wrong to give a middle of the road review to a book about bad reviews but here we are.
I didn’t really love this. Much of the content felt like satire and seemed repetitive. There were several times I wanted to DNF but there was enough to keep me going due to wanting to know the ending.
The twist was quite interesting though and I did like that it wasn’t who I initially expected. It also did have me feeling a little edgy about real life reviews and I do appreciate a book that sparks feeling.
As a member of both of the mentioned groups I did get a chuckle out of the comments (and accuracy) about them.
(2.5)

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this quick thriller. The only confusion I had was when it switched around from 1st to 3rd person. But you have Authors getting bad reviews, social media book group, and two fbi agents . All come to gather to solve some murders that connect them all

[Ramona Ziemele (grāmatu lāde) · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this would be a satire i would love it more but as a psychological thriller that supposed to be dark and serious this seemed written too teatrically. Especially with all the repetition when each character is mentioned (Daniel, John Harris etc - almost every mention contains the same description after the name as before). The main thought behind the story was interesting, i was engaged in the story itself, the plot twist at the end was good. But there was a lot of unanswered questions that should be explained for the reader otherwise some events don't make sense at the end. I can only recommend this as a fast paced and humurous story for some FB group members (inside jokes, mentions of known admins and authors), but the text and story still needs a lot of editing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick and twisty read. It was fun to read from the perspective of an author and the storyline was unique. I appreciate really getting to know the characters in a book and would have enjoyed deeper character development and dialogue, but overall I enjoyed it and finished it one day.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynseygibs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It feels wrong to write a less than favourable review about a book, in which the story involves book critics dying for leaving bad reviews. However I'm not a huge fan of this book. The writing felt clunky and didn't flow, the characters had no depth at all I wasn't fully satisfied with the story resolution.
The author was able to write flowing descriptions of scenery, and the colours of the sky, but failed at basic character interaction. The constant use of each characters name and description of who they were in relation to the story was grating.
Would not recommend

[Kailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

EDIT on 2/14/25: I now see that there’s an alternate cover that says “with some Facebook-related satire”. So there is some version out there that acknowledges the satire. But the rest of my complaints about this book still stand, beyond the Facebook-related commentary.

The concept was great, but unfortunately poorly executed. This book read like a satire, but I don’t think it was meant to be. It almost sounded like it was trying to be satire, romance, drama, and crime thriller all at once, which is clearly far too many genres to try to fit into only 179 pages.

Here are the main reasons why I disliked this book:

• Rushed pacing — there was too much plot to try to fit in so few pages, so the pacing felt very rushed through the entire story

• Writing style felt more like I was being “told” than showed. I couldn’t place myself in the story because it felt like someone was just telling me what was happening, not placing me in the moment with the characters and truly feeling the characters’ emotions.

• Lia and Ian’s relationship would absolutely not have been allowed and makes no sense. The romantic scenes felt very forced and misplaced with the rest of the story.

• All the references to the Psychological Thrillers FB group and real-life authors & references to their inside jokes were immediate turn-offs. Don’t write a book just to appeal to a FB group, and definitely don’t incorporate the group into the book. (Which, ironically, was the point the character was trying to make, so it shocks me that this wasn’t advertised as satire given how ironic it appears to be.)

• Overall very cringey and cheesy as hell, with each chapter ending with overly dramatic writing that doesn’t match the rest of the writing in the chapters

• The ending made zero sense and conflicted with the information we were given in the beginning of the story

I am still giving this story 2 stars because of the creativity of the main concept and simply for the fact that I didn’t DNF it. Plus, there were only a few spelling & grammatical errors, so at this point I’m seeing that as a plus.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

The Author by Jeff Scott Is about Ian Walker, a pretty popular author, who lives in Portland Maine. Whenever he has a new book come out, he likes to look at his reviews mainly the negative -ones, unfortunately however it seems lately everyone who writes a negative review about his book whinds up dead. thankfully, Ian has a tight alibi as he is always at a book signing or some type of book get together with lots of witnesses. He is still sad by the death of these reviewers some of which he knew and likes to discuss it with Lily. He’s also very attracted to Leah the detective on the case and when he is no longer a suspect they start dating. there’s still lots of suspects to be vetted everyone from a Facebook admins to opinionated commenters on social platforms, but will Detective Leah and her partner John, ever solve the case? let me just state upfront. This book ended up somewhere. I did not at all see coming. This really was a book that kept me interested. The author writes very colorful pros. The only negative I had with the book. It seemed sometimes the characters reacted in an overdramatic fashion that didn’t call for that level of emotion. I hope I am making sense, but other than that, this truly was a great book with an unforeseen ending by a very talented author, and I am not just saying that because I think he may come kill me.#BookSirens, #TheBlindReviewer, #JeffScott, #TheAuthor,

[Mickey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ian is an author, and like all authors, he has his fair share of critics leaving negative reviews. After wishing a brutal death on the person who left the last scathing review, he doesn't think anymore of it until he sees the news that she's been murdered. Then it happens again. And again. Only it can't be him. He has an alibi. So, who could it possibly be?

I just could not get into this one. I don't even know what it was about the book that I wasn't enjoying, but I just felt bored the whole time I was reading it. It felt like it should have been marked as a satirical novel rather than a psychological thriller. The first half had a few cliche phrases thrown in as an inside joke to those that often pick it up when reading. It had a few inside jokes from some Facebook groups, about other authors, etc. And at times, I cracked a smile. But after that, it gets frustratingly boring. The overuse of characters' names and the constant reminder of who they were was a little annoying. A couple of the characters were introduced more than once, too.
And yes, I see the irony in leaving a negative review for a book about an author angry about negative reviews. But hey ho.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Author by Jeff Scott.
ARC. 📚

What kind of review will you leave?

This story follows the murders of a selected group of people who all belong to the same facebook reading community, following a series of negative comments and reviews left online. But who is behind it all? A disgruntled author? A fan?

In The Author by Jeff Scott, an indie author, Ian, gets caught up in a murder investigation as members of an online reading community become victims of an unknown serial killer.

We are quickly introduced to the characters of Lia and John, detectives on the case who jump straight into trying to narrow down who from the online community could be behind it all.

The story itself had some humourous moments, taking fun jabs at writing styles and cliche phrases that readers are all too used to, it also made me a bit weary of ever leaving a negative book review! 😬

Overall this book was short, easy to read and had quick chapters, honestly the perfect length and not filled with waffle, very straight to the point!
There was a good twist at the end, however purely because of the writing style (3rd person) i felt like it was hard to connect with any of the characters, but perhaps the reader isn't meant to.

3⭐️

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about an author, Ian, who starts another book. This one is about a firefighter in Baltimore who goes rogue. Before he gets too far in his efforts, a woman who has given him a bad review is found dead. In the same way that Ian imagined it. Soon two detectives are on the case. Here is where the story stops being interesting for me. Ian hooks up with Lia, one of two lead detectives. He gets questioned but then is offering suggestions to the police.as in, how to do their job, not what it is like to write a book. Other annoying things are that the author reminds you of the detectives names, Detective Lia Morgan and Detective John Harris. That’s ok early on, but enough all ready. At one point they are taking to an author, Lilly, on the phone. However the book describes her smile and and expression. Also Ian tries to tell Lia that Lilly is after her and that Lia should watch out. Just a couple of hours later, he doesn’t know if Lilly will come after Lia. Make up your mind already. Soon other reviewers end up dying. Lia wears a wire but then has to tell John about her conversation. All of these are quite annoying and feel like the author just banged this one out and used fillers for word count. The worst part is, at the end of the book the author invites you to leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, and any social media. “If you didn’t please tell me. Don’t go badmouthing it on social media or you could end up being a victim.” I con’t care for that even if it is supposed to be funny. Skip this book.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. The Author penned by Jeff Scott is written in an easy going matter that allows the reader to be sucked into a complex, poignant narrative that any author ( whether indie or traditionally published ) can relate to as the precious reviews that a writer's career lives of dies upon mean everything that only fellow authors can understand.

For psychological thriller author Ian Walker, his desire to be remembered as a legend within the genre; and while he has a good loyal readership that are always hungry for his stories, he can't ignore these sharp and cruel reviews and comments by others... hidden behind their user names. And they knew it his soul as the man works to complete his latest complex thriller; Ian Walker would love to tear into his critics and throw them down from their lofty perches those believe they have because of the internet.

Ian never expected someone would target his critics in gruesome fashion or that he would be viewed as suspect by the detectives put in charge of unraveling the delicate web of lies that are behind the harrowing murders.

When the suspect is revealed... who it is and why everything happened is all the more shattering and memorable.

Highly recommended.

[🌻 📚 Nichole 📚 🌻 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should we be scared to leave bad reviews? Will some of us end up dead??
This twisting thriller had me guessing the entire time! I thought I had it figured out multiple times, just to be proven wrong.

I love how the author combined real life things with humor and gruesome murder. I giggled, related and contemplated throughout the whole book which included social media platforms that I am a part of🫢.
It kept me questioning some of the crazy things that I read and whether or not I want to ever leave a bad review.
Thankfully this one only earned positive feedback from me. The author does a fantastic job of painting a picture with words. I’ll definitely recommend this one to my fellow book buddies when it releases in March of 2025.
I’m thankful that I was lucky enough to get chosen to be an ARC reader. Thanks, Jeff Scott!

[Brittany Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nope, sure didn't see that coming. The Author is such a fast and fun read. Bringing in other authors, Facebook and the awesome Thriller community. Jeff made this a captivating read by making it such a personal adventure. The twist at the end is absolutely crazy but completely makes sense! Certainly a must read.

[WaterLillyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I want to thank Jeff Scott for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Author. While I genuinely wanted to love this book, my experience was somewhat mixed.

From the Prologue, I was able to pick out the major plot twist, which unfortunately set the tone for the rest of the story for me. While this early realization impacted my reading experience, I do believe that most readers may not pick up on it so quickly. For those who don’t, the story will likely deliver plenty of twists and turns to keep them guessing.

Jeff Scott’s writing is skillful, and the premise of The Author is undoubtedly intriguing. The themes of creativity and the relationship between a writer and their work are well-explored, and the narrative has a reflective, thought-provoking quality. The characters are well-developed, and Scott’s ability to craft emotional depth shines throughout the book.

Despite my early guess of the twist, I can appreciate the layers of the story and the journey it takes readers on. If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven stories with philosophical undertones and unexpected revelations, this book may still be a worthwhile read for you.

Thank you again to Jeff Scott for the chance to read this ARC—it’s clear that The Author will resonate differently with each reader, and I look forward to seeing how others experience its twists and themes.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! Funny at times & sad too. It brings to light the struggles of so many people with mental health issues & the seriousness that comes with being on social media platforms. I loved seeing Frank Griffin make a cameo 😍 Will definitely be reading more from this author 🩷🩷🩷🩷

[Catherine Corry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good premise. Ending didn't make sense to me. Felt a bit rushed.

[Laura]

DNF 21%.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be an ARC for this book, thank you for trusting me with your art! First and foremost, Jeff Scott’s writing style beautiful, the story is woven like a masterpiece and flows like a perfect melody.

The narrative twists and turns like a maze, leaving you questioning not only the protagonist’s sanity but your own as well. This is an artfully crafted story and the references make it feel close to home.

A unique take on the emotional effects that negative reviews and intense critics can have on authors and the creative mind. The finale of the story will have you sitting straight up with your jaw on the floor!

A MUST READ!

[evergrowingtbr · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author dedicated the book to himself, I’m really sorry but I couldn’t get past that.

[Christopher Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Author" by Jeff Scott is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of the literary world, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a way that keeps you guessing until the very end. The novel introduces us to Ian Walker, a moderately successful author who finds himself caught in a terrifying web of murder and mystery. **The narrative explores the impact of criticism, the obsession with legacy, and the sinister potential that can lie hidden beneath the surface of ambition.**

From the outset, Scott masterfully sets the stage for a suspenseful tale. The prologue immediately draws you in, depicting a late-night scene where Ian is obsessively reading reviews of his work. The contrast between the positive praise and the stinging criticism, especially a two-star review that calls his work "predictable" and lacking "fervor," sets the tone for the story. The anonymous nature of online critiques is highlighted, creating a sense of unease and foreshadowing the dark events to come. The author's frustrations are palpable, and the reader can sense that something sinister is about to unfold.

**The story quickly takes a dark turn with the news of a young woman's death, who is revealed to be the very reviewer who gave Ian's book a negative review.** The woman, known online as 'BiblioReader89' and in real life as Emily Parker, was a respected literary critic with a passion for words and an honest approach to her reviews. The police investigation, led by Detective John Harris and Detective Lia Morgan, introduces a procedural element to the story, adding further depth and intrigue. The reader is invited to follow the detectives as they navigate a complex web of literary connections, searching for clues and motives.

Scott's portrayal of Emily is particularly compelling. We learn about her life as an editor and an avid reader, her dedication and kindness to other authors, as well as her commitment to providing honest feedback. The contrast between the vibrant life she led and the brutality of her death creates an emotional investment in her case, compelling the reader to seek justice alongside the detectives. Her work as 'BiblioReader89', a pseudonym she uses to express her unfiltered thoughts on novels, from obscure indie releases to mainstream bestsellers, adds another layer of complexity to her character and her role in the story.

As the investigation unfolds, the detectives find that many authors have crossed paths with Emily, some appreciating her constructive criticism and others feeling the sting of her frank assessments. The detectives pursue multiple leads, including Ian Walker, whose work was the subject of one of her recent reviews. **However, the focus shifts as they delve into the lives of other authors and online critics, discovering a world where literary rivalries and unspoken grudges simmer beneath the surface.** The characters they meet, such as Vanessa Graham, an author who is often on the receiving end of negative reviews, add layers to the narrative and illustrate the challenges authors face in the literary world.

The narrative is further complicated by the introduction of another victim, Sandra Peoples, who left a one-star review for one of Ian’s previous works. Her death is eerily similar to Emily's, with the common thread being a connection to Ian and his books. **The dream sequences that Ian experiences adds a supernatural element to the story, blurring the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined.** The author’s inner turmoil, his frustration with the negative reviews, and the nightmares he suffers after they appear, create tension and psychological depth.

As the story progresses, the plot thickens, and the detectives must navigate through a complex web of suspects. They consider the possibility that a fan, or another author, might be taking Ian's frustrations too seriously and acting on them. The meticulous nature of the murders and the lack of forced entry at the crime scenes, all point to a calculated killer with intimate knowledge of the victims' lives. The narrative expertly weaves together the procedural investigation with the psychological tension, creating a reading experience that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

The investigation leads to further questioning of Ian, who becomes a person of interest as more victims connected to him are found. Despite having an alibi, Ian's violent dreams about one of the victims and the fact that he knew them from social media, create a sense of unease around his character. However, the author throws a curveball by introducing new characters, such as Marcus Tran, a critic who had clashed with Sandra online, shifting the suspicion and challenging the readers to reevaluate their own assumptions. This adds to the suspense and the mystery, making it impossible to predict who is truly responsible for the crimes.

The novel also explores the world of social media and online book communities. Readers get a glimpse into the dynamics of these groups, the power wielded by their admins, and the complex relationships that can develop among members. The author also touches on the concept of pen names and the anonymity they offer, which allows for all kinds of speculation and hidden motives.

**The narrative takes a further turn when it is revealed that Ian has a connection with one of the detectives on the case, Lia.** This adds a personal element to the investigation, blurring the lines between professional duty and romantic involvement, as they must work together to solve the murders, while also navigating their feelings for each other. As Lia and Ian get closer, the danger seems to increase, and the reader is constantly worried about their safety. The question of who to trust becomes paramount as they attempt to unmask the killer.

As the story progresses, several new characters are introduced, each with their own hidden agendas and secrets. Lilly, a friend of Ian’s, is introduced as a fellow author, who also provides insight into the world of online book critics and the power of social media. Her role evolves in the later parts of the book, which adds another layer of intrigue. Daniel, Ian's editor, acts as his confidant and friend. He adds levity to the story and provides support to Ian, although he, too, is hiding secrets.

The pace of the book picks up in the later chapters as the detectives inch closer to the truth. The plot twists and turns will leave you guessing until the final reveal, forcing you to question everything you thought you knew about the characters. **The ending is shocking and unexpected, leaving a lasting impression and highlighting the dangers of obsession, both in the real world and the world of fiction.**

Overall, "The Author" is a well-written, suspenseful thriller that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Jeff Scott has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, raising important questions about the impact of words, the obsession with fame, and the dark side of human nature. The characters are complex and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. **This is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy a good mystery with plenty of suspense.**


ARC review courtesy of BookSirens...

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Author” by Jeff Scott is a thrilling, thought-provoking ride that explores the impact book reviews can have on authors. As someone who enjoys reading and reviews books myself, I found the premise fascinating. The story dives into how criticism and praise shape the lives and minds of authors, and Scott does an incredible job building suspense while also addressing these complex emotional dynamics.

What really stood out to me was how the book balanced moments of tension with humor. There were several moments that made me genuinely laugh out loud. The comedic timing was spot-on, with witty dialogue and quirky characters that offered a lighthearted contrast to the darker, suspenseful elements of the plot. It kept the story from feeling too heavy and made it all the more enjoyable.

Scott also does an excellent job shedding light on mental illness. The way he thoughtfully portrays the psychological struggles of his characters added layers of depth to the story, making it more than just a mystery—it became an insightful exploration of how mental health can influence both personal and professional lives.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Author. It’s a great blend of suspense, humor, and serious commentary on the pressures of being a creator in a world full of opinions. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a touch of humor and heart, this book is definitely worth picking up.

[Frank Torn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author by Jeff Scott – A Review

Jeff Scott’s The Author is a unique exploration of creativity, obsession, and the thin line between art and reality. The story dives into the mind of Ian Walker, a mid-tier author seeking literary immortality, and follows his journey as he becomes entangled in a series of murders eerily connected to critical reviews of his works. Blurring the boundaries between fiction and reality, the book offers a chilling narrative that examines the darker aspects of the human psyche and the price of ambition.

Strengths:

Intriguing Premise: The novel's concept—an author struggling with criticism and grappling with his involvement in a real-life murder mystery—is fresh and compelling. It immediately hooks readers with its blend of psychological intrigue and meta-literary elements.

Atmospheric Tension: Scott excels at building tension, particularly as Ian's reality begins to blur with the fictional worlds he creates. The novel's mood is consistently unsettling, keeping readers engaged and on edge.

Complex Protagonist: Ian Walker is a flawed and relatable character. His obsession with reviews, his insecurities as an artist, and his internal conflict create a multi-dimensional portrayal of a struggling creative mind.

Exploration of Relevant Themes: The story delves into timely topics, such as the impact of online criticism, the pressures of the literary world, and the moral dilemmas faced by creators. These themes resonate deeply, especially for those familiar with the challenges of the creative process.

Sharp Dialogue: The exchanges between Ian and the detectives, as well as his internal monologues, are sharp and realistic, adding depth to the narrative.

Weaknesses:

Predictable Twists: While the concept is engaging, some of the plot twists feel telegraphed. Readers familiar with psychological thrillers may find certain developments lacking surprise.

Pacing Issues: The novel occasionally gets bogged down by Ian's introspective musings, which, while insightful, sometimes slow the narrative's momentum.

Secondary Characters Lack Depth: While Ian is well-developed, some supporting characters, such as the detectives, feel underutilized. Adding layers to these characters could have enriched the story's complexity.

Over-reliance on Coincidence: The frequent coincidences, especially the connections between Ian’s dreams and the murders, strain credibility at times. This detracts from the overall believability of the narrative.

Overall Impression:

The Author is a thought-provoking and suspenseful read that offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a creative caught between ambition and reality. While it stumbles in a few areas, such as pacing and predictability, its strengths—particularly its exploration of creativity and criticism—make it a worthwhile read. Jeff Scott delivers a chilling, introspective tale that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and stories that blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC copy. This review is gonna be a bit long. So here we go.

We start off with meeting Ian an indie author who is in a book group online so he reads reviews posted there of his books. Of course with every book or author you’ll always have your critics and your mean ones. Well we learn that in the comfort of his own home of course and on his own Ian while reading the reviews written by the critics he to what he believes himself to be jokingly wishing harm on the critics that are absolutely wrecking his works each time he releases a new book.

A couple of days later we find out that a murder has been committed against one of the very critics that left a scathing review on Ian’s latest book and who has left past reviews as well. So the investigation begins. We then meet Detectives Lia & Harris who are investigating the crime committed. As time goes on more critics are found murdered but by the second critic dead we learn that Ian has been at a book signing event so there’s no way he could have done it right? He even fully believes so himself.

Lia & Ian fall into a relationship once it’s found that Ian is clearly no longer a suspect. Lia, Ian & Harris continue to work the investigations Ian is just helping out being that the victims are critics and it’s a world that Ian is deeply involved in as an author himself.

As the investigation progresses slowly more and more comes out. We meet “Lilly Warren” who Ian fully believes is a real person, they met in college had a short run at a relationship that he later broke off with her. As we slowly learn more about Lilly. Lia begins to question what Lilly’s true identity is after finding out that it is a pen name and nobody has ever actually met her.

While some parts of the story were a little confusing at times it was a story that was hard to put down. I couldn’t wait to get to the ending to find out exactly what happened next.

4 stars.