"Such a fun book and everything I've come to expect from McQuestion! This one is not to be missed." -- New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden
Why doesn't anyone care that Dana is missing?
Courtney Hart has always been the quiet one—the steady friend who keeps bestselling author Dana Broderick’s glamorous life from spinning out of control. Then Dana vanishes.
Anyone would expect panic. Headlines. A search. Instead, Dana’s family, staff, and agent dismiss her disappearance. Even a ransom request is brushed off as a stunt.
Why is she the only one who's worried? Determined to find her friend, Courtney digs into Dana’s glittering, secret-filled world—and begins to realize the real question isn’t where Dana went, but why no one wants her back.
Karen McQuestion is an Amazon Charts bestselling author whose books have sold over three million copies. Some of her titles include The Moonlight Child, Dovetail, and A Limited Run.
Her publishing story has been covered by the Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Additionally she appeared on ABC's World News Now and America This Morning.
This is the first time I read a book and thought I wish I was more like the main character. Dana is smart, sassy and takes the bull by the horns. She knows what she wants and does not hesitate to go for it even during her kidnapping. The storyline is original and the characters are well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
This book was entertaining! A famous author, Dana Broderick is said to be kidnapped. Her assistant, Courtney seems to be the only one concerned and investigating (also Dana's young nephew, Brayden). Dana's family and close workers don't seem to be taking it seriously. Courtney can't wrap her head around it. I didn't expect some stuff at the end of the book. A lot of interesting characters. Definitely recommend. Fun read. Thank you to the author, Karen McQuestion and Goodreads for my free signed copy! Happy reading. ✒️
I absolutely loved everything about this book! The storyline, the characters, the relationship between the characters, the whole concept of writing the book, loved everything!
Dana is a famous mystery writer and when she is kidnapped, her best friend Courtney and her nephew Brayden are the only ones who believes she was kidnapped. Everybody else thinks it’s just Dana being Dana. So many twists and turns, so much fun reading this book! I highly recommend!
What starts out as a seemingly normal day at a book signing goes wrong. Dana, a celebrity author, goes missin, and only her best friend/assistant, Courtney, is worried that she is missing. The people who reside with Dana; her brother, sister-in-law, personal trainer/boyfriend/fiancée, and staff, are unsurprised that she wandered off again. Only Courtney and Dana's nephew are concerned for her whereabouts. It is a concern--she has been kidnapped.
Get ready for your atypical kidnapping. Those guys, twins, are just simply getting through life the only way they know how. They spend their time drinking, gaming, and playing with drones when they are not committing minor crimes, put until now. They enlist their cousin, Nolan, as an unwilling participant to their more serious crime.
This novel is quirky, quick, and pretty comical. It is a well-rounded light read. I am so glad to have had the pleasure of reading it ahead of its release date. Karen McQuestion writes novels that make you happy to indulge in one, one after the other after the other!
Written Off by Karen McQuestion was so much better than I expected! I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns and the humor.
An author named Dana is kidnapped and her brother ignores the calls from the kidnappers. Her best friend, Courtney is wondering what to believe and it all ties in to make a fun read.
I read this in a day, ignoring all around me, because I couldn't put it down, earning a strong five stars. I already have more Karen McQuestion books on my list to read!
Probably the biggest compliment to McQuestion is that I gave one of my granddaughters a pile of books to read and when she gave them back to me, she said "Written Off was my favorite of all of these." She too, wants more McQuestion!
It started off fine, a mystery to figure out. Who abducted famous author Dana? Why isn’t her family concerned? Then it gets hokey. As I read it suddenly dawned on me that this felt very much AI written. Not my favorite but it was okay.
Well, this one was a real roller coaster ride. A famous author gets kidnapped and the only one worried about her is her assistant, Courtney. Having lots of money doesnt mean you are safe, especially if no one cares about you - or thinks this is just a prank to get more publicity. But Dana is really missing. Or is she? I sometimes thought she set this whole kidnapping thing up...but Courtney doesnt give up and intends to do everything possible to get Dana back.
Loved the ending where everything is all cleared up and of course I didnt see that coming. A great read and page turner.
Written Off by Karen McQuestion is a fun, twisty, and suspenseful mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Secrets unravel, trust is tested, and nothing is as it seems in this gripping, fast-paced thriller full of unexpected turns.
2.75⭐️ I loved the style of writing, and it was easy to follow, but some parts were so long-winded it became boring. The ending was also to drawn out that it simply became anticlimactic.
Karen McQuestion's new book Written Off is an enjoyable adventure! Dana Broderick, a famous author, is kidnapped. The situation becomes complicated when her brother ignores the calls from the kidnappers. Dana's trusted friend and assistant Courtney is beside herself with worry when Dana isn't at the pickup point after a book event. Something has happened. Why won't anyone believe Courtney? I was hooked from the start and because Karen wrote this the twists and turns kept my attention. What a fun novel! I highly recommend it!
This book drew me in right from the beginning. When Dana, a famous author, suddenly disappears, her best friend Courtney is the only one who seems determined to find out what happened. As Courtney searches for answers, she discovers that being in Dana’s life brings lots of complications and surprises. When digging for the truth on Dana’s whereabouts she finds out more than she bargained for. She may not know those she was surrounded by. She doesn’t trust them but she trusts her gut!
I liked how the story balanced mystery with warmth and humor, and how the friendship between Dana and Courtney stayed at the heart of everything. The twists were fun without ever feeling too heavy, and the ending was a satisfying surprise. If you’re looking for a lighter story with depth about friendship, fame, and finding the truth, Written Off is a great choice.
I enjoyed this story, but I’m not entirely sure why. It is well written, as I’ve come to expect from Karen McQuestion. She has a mind like no other author. I will say it had me guessing as to the outcome. There was slight language that I could have done without, but that’s just my preference. Not enough to deter me from reading it or recommending it. No gore, no too spicy moments. Give it a go.
3.5* I loved the first two-thirds of this book. It was funny, sharp, and with a main character, Dana, who’s both relatable and just insufferable enough to be interesting. But the story lost its edge toward the end. The big Poirot-style reveal, where Dana gathers every character to explain her fake kidnapping plot, just didn’t land for me. It lacked tension and felt a bit too neat. Honestly, I kind of wish her plan had gone completely petong. It would’ve made for a far more satisfying and dramatic ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway. Unfortunately I really didn’t connect with it. The characters’ actions were just so far out there that I couldn’t tell if it’s was a thriller or satire.
I’m late on this review and I want to apologize to Karen McQuestion. Written Off is her latest book, it is wildly fun, intriguing and kept my interest trying to figure out what was really going on. You will never say you’ve read a book like this before.
The main character is Dana Broderick. In the author’s words, Dana Broderick is a celebrity author—bold, glamorous, and always in the spotlight. I know we’ve all read books about authors but, in this book Dana goes missing and nobody really cares where she is or what is happening to her. Her assistant, Courtney Hart is frantic to find her and is not getting any cooperation.
As usual, I’m not going to tell you about the plot because I want you to read the book and unravel all that is happening as it happens. Believe me, you are going to go on a ride with Dana and Courtney. They definitely will keep you entertained.
Karen McQuestion came on my radar with a book written in another time period and I fell in love with her writing. She most always has unique settings and unique storylines that I haven’t read before. She recently took a few years off from writing. I think like me, thoughts of retirement were running through her head. Thanks to her readers, they started contacting her looking for more from her. I’m so glad she is back and am so sorry this wound up being late. Life just gets in the way sometimes.
If you love stories that are not run of the mill have a crime, a little romance and some family drama thrown in, then this book should be on your radar and on your night stand for some excellent reading adventure. I’m so glad I was able to read it and I know you will love it as much as I did. Until next time…Happy Reading!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Written Off by Karen McQuestion is a story of one author’s disappearance and another woman’s determination to find her despite the apathy of others. Dana Broderick is a bestselling, celebrity author. Publicly, she is bold, glamorous and ready for the spotlight. However, behind the scenes it is her assistant, Courtney Hart, who helps keep everything on track. Quiet, dependable, Courtney has been Dana’s friend since college and is content to stay in the background until Dana vanishes without a trace. To her shock and surprise, Courtney finds that no one but her is frantic to find her. When a ransom demand eventually comes through, it is ignored as a publicity stunt. Courtney is not convinced and as she investigates the mystery, she realizes that the question is not where Dana is but why no one wants her found? Where is Dana? Who is behind her kidnapping? And why is Courtney the only one to care? Karen McQuestion is one of my go-to authors. She writes it, I’ll read it. After two years of no new releases, Ms. McQuestion announced she had a new book release and to say I was excited is an understatement. Wow! Written Off is filled with many twists and turns that left me guessing. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, a new turn that would throw that thought out the window. I loved Courtney’s character as she grows from the quiet assistant to the bold and brave friend. In fact, every character, even the not so favorable ones, were wonderful and added to the plot. I was eager to figure out who was behind Dana’s disappearance and yet I enjoyed the characters so much that I didn’t want the book to end. If you haven’t discovered Karen McQuestion’s books, you need to read them now! I highly, highly recommend Written Off.
Karen McQuestion the Author of “Written Off” has written an entertaining, delightful, captivating and intriguing novel. I couldn’t put this book down, and I was literally on the floor laughing. This is exactly the prescription I needed to make a challenging day enjoyable! The Genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Cozy Mystery, Sibling Fiction, Contemporary and Contemporary American Fiction. There is a witty book, and feels that is is almost like a satire. In this well-written book, the author vividly describes the scenery, the plot and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters are complex, complicated, and quirky. Some of the characters are confused, and awkward in both their movements and planning.
Dana Broderick is a well-known author, who asserts herself. She is glamorous and bold. Her assistant Courtney Hart has orchestrated Dana’s life to keep her organized. After a book signing at a bookstore, Dana disappears. Courtney is worried. Dana’s brother and his wife, and some of the caretakers aren’t very concerned. They feel it is a publicity stunt. A ransom demand is made, and the family isn’t eager to deal with it. Courtney keeps searching for clues, and becomes more concerned. Why doesn’t anyone want Dana back?
There are twists and turns, surprises, betrayals, and a few suspects to consider. I highly recommend this enjoyable cozy mystery! Happy Reading!
Karen takes an inception-style look into the mind of the writer. It's a wonderful glimpse inside the world of writing...or at least what we can guess a writer's thought process looks like. She expertly takes us on a ride where we think we have things figured out at each stage, only to realize, maybe we don't.
Dana is a famous (wealthy) author who disappears. Her dear friend and assistant, Courtney, can't figure out why nobody in Dana's world is remotely concerned. Dana's family doesn't seem to care, her house staff doesn't seem to care, only her nephew starts to become concerned after he sees Courtney's worry. Her brother/agent/business manager seems to think it's another one her attempts to be the center of attention. What he doesn't know is why she'd do such a thing. He does know that he doesn't care. He and his wife seem happier with out Dana around.
Courtney doesn't believe any of what Dana's brother, Ian, is saying. None of it makes sense. And she never really trusted Ian, anyway. Courtney becomes even more concerned when the kidnappers seem to be amateurs, but are also believable as they threaten Dana's safety if they don't get the ransom money. Courtney will just need to take care of this, herself.
The book is a quick read and a fun ride of ups and downs. And it's just a glimpse of what an author might consider when mapping out and writing a book.
Written Off is the most fun mystery I've had the pleasure of reading lately. Karen McQuestion writes such a wide variety of books and this is her latest, greatest release that you simply must read!
The main character, Dana, is a much-loved mystery author that turns up missing. The only thing is, none of her nearest and dearest seem to care except Courtney, her assistant, and Brayden, her nephew. Strange, no?
If you're like me, you'll be pulled into Written Off very quickly and find yourself reading faster to find out why the people closest to Dana are behaving as they are. I found myself wishing this was going to be a series and was so happy that there was a very satisfying ending.
The only thing that disappointed me is that since this book hasn't been released yet, it will be a while before there's another Karen McQuestion novel to read. Like her other fans, I'll be anxiously awaiting what comes next!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC at my request. All thoughts are my own, and happily shared, as always.
When Courtney went to pick up author Dana Broderick, she is nowhere to be found. Courtney raises the alarm that Dana is missing, but no one seems to care. Everyone assumes she has gone away with friends and failed to tell Courtney. Becoming alarmed, Courtney notifies the police, but the kidnappers have demanded a ransom and warned that Dana will be killed if the police are involved. Courtney and the family all asure the officers that everything is okay. Courtney decides to take it upon herself to pay the ransom, but has to take risks to get the money. What ensues is a light-hearted fiasco that involves a drone, the wily police officers and Dana's teenage grandson and his friend. This is a must-read! Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC.
This book was one of my favorite reads of Karen McQuestion. I usually can figure books out and where the plot is going but she added some twists and turns I was not expecting. This was an easy and entertaining read.
We are introduced to Courtney Hart, the loyal friend, confidant and steadfast personal assistant to Dana Broderick. Dana is a best selling novelist. Courtney and Dana are at a meet and greet at a local bookstore. It was typical and nog out of us ordinary until Dana disappears prior to Courtney picking her up at their prearranged site after it was over. Courtney is panicked, searching and worried about Dana and her safety. Where is she? Who has her? Why is her family not concerned? Why won’t her family pay the ransom to get her back safely?
I really enjoyed this book! The story pulled me in right away, and I found myself completely invested in the characters—especially Courtney, who was smart, relatable, and easy to root for. The plot was fast-paced and full of twists, but what surprised me most was how funny it was at times. The humor balanced out the suspense perfectly, making it a fun and engaging read from start to finish. It was an easy, satisfying read that kept me turning the pages. I received an advance reader copy (ARC) of this book, and this review is my honest opinion. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good mystery with heart and a touch of wit.
Dana Broderick - Author Courtney - Dana's assistant Ian Broderick - Dana's brother
Dana and Courtney start their day off with signing books at a local bookstore. Dana is a writer and written on books with Rebecca Cavanaugh stories. Courtney helps Dana with her books. She wants Courtney to pick her up back of the bookstore. Dana's brother was her agent and accountant. He lived in one of the wings with his family Is Dana kidnapped or what happens to Dana? What happens between Dana and Ian? Does Dana family care about her? Karen does a fabulous job with this book. I loved the characters in this book. I recommend this to other readers.
Why does no one seem concerned that Dana Broderick is missing? Her assistant, Courtney, is the only one who seems to care at all. Everyone seems to think this is a publicity stunt by Dana Broderick, a famous author known to be flighty. What if you were suddenly disappeared and no one seemed to care? Even a ransom note doesn’t seem to rattle the family? Can you really be written off that easily? Delve into this creative story by Karen McQuestion as she picks apart the pieces of the puzzle to reveal the true message. This is a great story by a fantastic author. Everything she writes is a must read!!
This was a quick easy read. Dana, the main character is a famous author and rich beyond measure. Courtney, her life long friend and assistant is finishing up a book review at a local book store, when Dana disappears. Courtney becomes frantic after not hearing from Dana for 24 hours. Courtney wants to involve the police, but Ian, Dana 's brother thinks it's just a publicity stunt. The kidnappers are identical bumbling idiot twins. Courtney finally receives a call from the kidnappers and wonders why she is the only one worried about Dana. The characters are all likeable except Ian and Kristy. It has a good ending too.
Karen McQuestion is my favorite multi-genre author and Written Off, which I would call a comedy-thriller, amply confirms her talent. As this is a story about a household-name author who has apparently been kidnapped, I couldn't help wondering if Karen wrote it to keep herself humble, but perhaps it was just to amuse herself while getting in some gentle digs at the publishing industry. (Which publishers hate short chapters, for Pete's sake? I love them!) I won't say much more, except that this captivating caper makes for a hugely entertaining read!
I cannot even begin to put into words how much I enjoyed this crazy mystery. This was not one of your mundane predictable stories. It was more like an outstandingly twisty ride! Again and again, I was surprised as I shook my head in amazement at a new turn of events. The ending was another unexpected set of events. I actually laughed at one point, but two pages later, I realized what a perfect ending it really was. So please do yourself a favor and read Written Off for yourself. You won't regret it!
Where's Dana, and why is Courtney the only one worried? This book begins at a book signing with the usual todo, then before you know what's going on, Dana is drugged and shoved into a trunk. why isn't her family worried? Why is there so much cash sitting in Ian's office? And why did this all happen anyway? Read how Dana got kidnapped, Courtney helped Dana write her first book, and how everything pans out from the shady and dilapidated motel turns into a spa getaway. You won't be able to put this book down!