A Novel Crime

by Deborah Vadas Levison

She wanted to write the perfect novel. Instead, she became the perfect villain.

Struggling romance writer and recent divorcée Marcy Jo Codburn feels like a failure. She’s green with author envy and longing for a book deal, a launch party with cupcakes, and the admiration of her daughter. But her dream of literary success is fading faster than her beige hair dye. When she witnesses celebrated author Francesca Barber in a compromising position, Marcy sees her chance. Transforming into Summer Branigan, her bolder, blonder pen name, she leverages Francesca’s secret to secure the ultimate coauthor.

As their collaboration spirals from Marcy’s modest Connecticut home to Francesca’s lavish Hamptons estate, both women discover that in the cutthroat world of publishing, every story has its price. With looming deadlines, a kidnapping plot gone awry, and more than one fraud to hide, their twisted partnership careens toward a surprise ending neither could have written.

In this darkly comic page-turner, critically acclaimed author Deborah Levison skewers the publishing industry with razor-sharp wit. A Novel Crime asks just how far an aspiring writer will go to see her name on a book jacket—and what happens when the stories we tell start to write themselves.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Books About Books, Thriller

Audible Audio

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Also known as Deborah Levison

For as long as I can remember I’ve dreamed of being an author, the same way some little kids dream of being ballerinas or Major Leaguers. Well, I don’t pirouette, and I sure can’t hit a ball, but from time to time I do come up with a pretty good metaphor.

I’m pretty sure my love of storytelling began one summer night years ago, as I sat by a camp bonfire and listened to a counselor tell a ghost story, The Monkey’s Paw, which made my heart pound and my imagination run wild. The memory still makes me shiver.

I'd love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Meagan (Meagansbookclub) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

It was an interesting story! I didn’t know if we hated the FMC or were rooting for her. The story maybe wasn’t exactly unique but it was a fun ride! If you love books about book/authors, add it to your list!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ANovelCrime #NetGalley is an exciting page turner that kept me reading until I finished it.
Marcy Jo is an aspiring author, however, she can't seem to get her words to form an actual story.
When she finds the opportunity to force another author to help write her book, things spiral out of control and Marcy finds herself involved in a bizarre partnership that could end everything for her.

This story is so well done, the author truly brought the characters to life, and I really loved reading this book.

[Jaimes_Mystical_Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging mystery read. I loved the overall concept of this book and I appreciated the author’s witty writing style. This book was packed with twists and turns making this one a fun read. I liked this book’s cast of characters and enjoyed reading from her point of view. Overall this was a good book that readers won’t want to put down.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.

[Karen Sokoloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun! How far would YOU go, to become a published author? Frustrated wanna be bestselling romance author, Marcy Jo, is desperate to 'make it'. She has so much to prove to her daughter, her ex husband, and herself. The opportunity arises when she catches her idol, superstar author Francesca Barber, in a compromising situation. She now has leverage to force Francesca to help her finish writing her novel. What follows is a madcap caper of mayhem and comedic madness, that culminates into an ending that no one saw coming. Or did they?

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Many people have dreams, and sometimes those dreams seem particularly farfetched. For Marcy, it's really the way she tries to achieve her dreams that's so out there, but that's what makes this a pretty amusing read.

Marcy is at a transitional stage in her life. Her marriage has broken apart, her daughter is graduating from college but not exactly matching the hopes Marcy had for her in terms of her partner or professional choices, and Marcy is ready to make her own professional goal come true: realtor no more, author here we come! In a moment of inspo, Marcy joins her informal writers' gathering at an event featuring a well-known writer, Francesca. Marcy manages to get a leg up on Francesca during this event, and boy is it clear that Marcy likes to go to extremes pretty quickly. Nothing about how she handles herself seems typical or healthy. Some of this has to do with Marcy's own proclivities, but a lot of it has to do with Marcy's feeling that she's generally missed the boat and is, to some degree, owed something. Marcy isn't exactly likeable, but she did remind me of a lot of folks in the generation before mine, and I think many people will find her sympathetic for this reason or highly amusing because of how much of her drama is self-created.

The manner in which things spiral is in some ways foreseeable but is ultimately still surprising because of how extreme the outcomes and choices become. This all culminates in a satisfying ending that is also chaotic.

I enjoyed this wacky read and recommend it to folks who are looking for entertainment versus solemnity in their cozy.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Kealyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Novel Crime by Deborah Vadas Levison

Between 3.5 and 4 out of 5 stars

A novel crime is a really fun, witty and 'wtf' kind of a book. I have only read Deborah's debut novel A Nest of Snakes and that book is a bloody masterpiece. It is so subtle and so incredibly heartbreaking. It is one of the best books I have ever read. So when they reached out and asked me to read A Novel Crime I couldn't say yes quickly enough. I knew it would be completely different. So I was really excited to see how much I would love this genre and new approach Deborah used in her writing style.

And it really surprised me. It's a mystery thriller and I must admit I haven't read a lot of thrillers in my life. So this book wasn't really for me, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

The book starts with Marcy Jo Codburn working hard on her debut novel. She always had literary aspirations but when she got married she put her dreams on hold to support her husband completely in his field of work. Years have gone by and he left her for a man. They share a beautiful adult daughter and have found happiness in their new situation.

Marcy dreams of success, being at number one on bestseller lists and she dreams of lots of money and a lot of adoration. I instantly sense her full focus on that dream and we quickly find out that she isn't afraid of doing risky things to achieve her dreams.

Marcy is also part of a writers group. She, Liisa, Toni and Mike meet up once a week to discuss their books and the progress they are making. It's a fun bunch and I love how genuinely supportive they all are.

They decide to go to a book event where they can meet the famous author Francesca Barber. And Marcy is in complete awe of her. When Francesca mentions she loves helping up and coming authors, Marcy instantly visualizes a deep friendship between them and she thinks Francesca will help her finish her book and be her stepping stone into the whirlwind life of a published author. And that is what kicks off this engaging story.

Everything changes when Marcy finds Francesca in a compromising situation and suddenly she has leverage.

Marcy thinks this is the beginning of a lifelong friendship and she eagerly emails Francesca. A few days later she gets a short and unhelpful email and anger rises up in her. She angrily calls her and she is absolutely fuming. When the call isn't going the way she wants it to go she threatens Francesca with spilling her secret and telling the world she is having an affair with the husband of her daughter. And Marcy instantly gives in and tries to soothe Marcy.

This book is truly a story of how far you are willing to go to reach your goals. How far would you go to get your book published? Marcy is very inventive and in her mind she is absolutely justified to chase Francesca because she promised to help her at the author event.

Things escalate quickly and Marcy worms herself into Francesca's life. She isn't afraid to intensify her blackmailing and is reeling in certain people close to Francesca as well.

I love how messed up this book is. And the insights into Marcy's brain were really fascinating. This book has a lot of twists and turns. At times you loathe characters and then suddenly you start to understand them and start to understand what is really going on and I was flabbergasted several times.

It's really an insight to how far you are willing to go for dreams and how far you go for the people you truly love. What do you accept and what do you ignore or justify?

It took me over half the book to really get into the story. But once I did it was a really enjoyable book. I think I do prefer Deborah's writing style in A Nest of Snakes. But I also understand that books like that are taxing to write and I get why authors don't wanna get consumed by those dark and dreadful thoughts.

So I am rating this one between 3.5 and 4 out of 5 stars!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Levison’s A Novel Crime is the sort of book that settles in beside you like a cat with secrets and then casually knocks a glass off the table while maintaining eye contact.
Published by Thomas & Mercer, with sincere thanks to the author for my gifted copy, this novel delivered far more than I expected and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

I went in thinking I was getting a witty mystery with a publishing-world hook. What I got instead was a darkly comic, sharply observant, mildly unhinged exploration of ambition, envy, and the quiet panic that sets in when you realize the life you planned has wandered off without you. Marcy Jo Codburn is not a cozy protagonist. She is prickly, self-justifying, and deeply unreliable in the way that feels uncomfortably human. I didn’t always like her, but I absolutely understood her, which is far more dangerous.

Marcy wants what so many creatives want: validation, recognition, and her name on a book jacket. Preferably with a launch party and cupcakes. When she stumbles into leverage over bestselling author Francesca Barber, she convinces herself she’s not doing anything wrong. She’s just evening the scales. Watching her rationalize each step of her descent was both hilarious and horrifying, like listening to a friend explain why texting their ex at 2 a.m. is actually a power move.

Levison’s satire of the publishing industry is razor sharp without tipping into bitterness. The jealousy, the posturing, the desperation disguised as confidence, it’s all here, laid out with wicked precision. The excerpts from Marcy’s own writing were especially funny, unintentionally so, and added another layer of cringe that made the whole experience richer. This book understands writers, even when it’s gently (or not so gently) skewering them.

The story moves briskly, escalating from awkward encounters to genuinely high-stakes chaos. There’s fraud, manipulation, a partnership that should never have existed, and consequences that spiral well beyond what anyone intended. The tension builds naturally, and while you can sense that things will not end neatly, the journey there is wildly entertaining. I found myself torn between wanting Marcy to succeed and wanting her to stop immediately and lie down.

One line in particular stuck with me: “She wanted to write the perfect novel. Instead, she became the perfect villain.” That sentence captures the entire soul of this book. It’s funny, sharp, and just a little too honest.

The ending won’t work for everyone, but I appreciated its refusal to play it safe. Life rarely wraps itself up with a bow, and neither does this story. A Novel Crime embraces the mess, the moral gray areas, and the uncomfortable truth that wanting something badly can turn you into someone you barely recognize.

This is a smart, biting, entertaining read for anyone who enjoys dark comedy, flawed women, and stories that look ambition straight in the eye and ask how much you’re willing to trade for it.

★★★★☆ 4.5 stars

#ANovelCrime #DeborahLevison #ThomasAndMercer #BookReview #MysteryThriller #DarkComedy #SatiricalFiction #GeneralFiction #NetGalley #ARCReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #WomenInFiction

[Kayla Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

a novel crime
‧₊˚🤥✩ ₊˚📖⋅˚₊‧ ୨😳୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅

3.90⭐

I got the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Deborah Levison, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

What I knew about the book before I started was really limited. I didn’t even know the topic, just that it was dark, really dark.

Marcy (FMC) wants to become a published, successful author. Even from the first few pages, you can feel her intense passion. The book is about how far she will go to become that person.

As I said, I expected the book to be dark. It’s definitely not a light-read. However, I don’t think it’s the type of book that makes you stay up all night, too scared to sleep. I’d say it had rather more ‘wth??’ and ‘ew’ scenes.

Let me start by telling you my opinion on the writing. If English isn’t your first language, you might struggle to understand some of the words. But, it’s not a hard-read (that, of course, depends on your level) in general.I think it would be just a good vocabulary practice. So, no worries 😇 I think the writing style was pretty good. What I pay attention when reading mystery, thriller books is that the words just flow… No 70 pages chapters, no yawning while reading. I think it’s a book that you can binge-read. However, there were some parts where the book felt slowER. The ‘Aspen’s childhood’ part was stretched a lot. But that part is what made the ending more surprising. There were quite a few other chapters where I couldn’t put the book(well, my iPad lol) down because I just got so curious about what was going to happen next.

There were two big reveals, plot-twists. (At least that’s what I thought) The first one was pretty basic, already got it before it was revealed. BUT the second one!! The one that’s closer to the end, that was pretty good. I didn’t expect it, and I had to re-read the page like three times. The end was so good. I don’t want to spoil it, so I’m gonna leave that here.

I saw some people were saying they weren’t sure to if they hate or feel empathy for the FMC. I don’t think that the line of hating or liking her was that blurred. You can understand WHY she did some stuff, but liking her? The clear distinction of Marcy and Summer is probably why readers were not really sure how to feel which I understand. But at the end of the day, Marcy is Summer.

This was a fast read. As I said, I think it’s a binge-able read. I’m not sure if I will have a hard time moving on from the book. There were no quotes I wanted to highlight to reflect upon on my life. No real-life lessons I took from the book. That’s the reason behind my 3.90⭐ rating.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves a crazy, fast-paced mystery book.☕️

P.S. : I lovee the cover of the book! I also think this book would make a great movie!!

Thank you again for the ARC!

[Amy Reade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcy Jo Codburn is meek and mediocre at most things (writing, her career as a real estate agent, catching and maintaining her daughter's attention) and she stinks at others (staying married).

She's writing a novel, and she's convinced this is going to be HER year. She's going to find an agent and a publisher, she's going to sign a fat contract, and she's going to find a filmmaker to option her work and transform it into a star-studded blockbuster.

At least, that's her dream. And to be fair to Marcy, it's not merely a dream of fame and fortune—it's a dream of setting a positive example for her daughter, proving to the world that she's a better mother than her own mother was, and getting out from under the mountain of regrets she has for putting her ex-husband's career before her own.

But her dream gets turned on its head by this author's engaging sleight-of-hand. I thoroughly enjoyed A Novel Crime, the story of a struggling writer's descent into questionable, then unethical, then finally outright illegal behavior to achieve what she wants.

Marcy's pen name (and alter ego) is Summer Branigan. Summer is an assertive woman with a plan (or should I call it a scheme?). Her single-minded focus on writing a bestseller compels her to do things that Marcy would never do. This has its positives and negatives for her, as a whole cast of characters is pressed into service (not always of their own free will!) to do Summer's bidding.

I don't want to give away the plot, but I do want to highlight a few of the things that made this book so much fun: first, it's written in a way that pulls the reader into Summer's head. We feel as if she is talking directly to us, explaining her actions, justifying them, and insisting that they're (1) legal and (2) in everyone's best interests.

Second, the story is witty. There are some laugh-out-loud moments and these are doled out liberally.

Third, it's both light and dark—light because of the zany way Summer attempts to realize her dreams and dark because it tackles the very real and serious desires that so many writers share to hit it big.

I'll take a quick moment to address something that other reviewers have brought up: the ending. In my opinion, this book ended exactly where it needed to. A different ending would simply have been too far-fetched and would have taught Summer (and her readers) all the wrong lessons.

This is an honest review, and I thank Deborah Levison and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC of this book.

[herbookcorner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I experienced so many emotions while reading this book : anger, frustration, stress, and even hope. The ending was quite interesting, and at times I almost forgot that I didn’t like the FMC. I found myself feeling stressed for her and because of the situation she was in.

However, what I really struggled with was not knowing whether I was supposed to hate her (like in Yellowface by R.F. Kuang) or feel empathy for her. There were moments when I absolutely despised her and couldn’t see any other way to feel. But then there were other moments when it felt like the author wanted us to empathize with her or at least try to understand her perspective and why she acted the way she did.

I also didn’t enjoy her naïveté. Was I supposed to understand that she was trying to justify her behavior? Because instead, I mostly perceived her as naïve and honestly a bit foolish. From her relationship with Francesca to the one with Aspen, and everything surrounding her book, I just couldn’t understand why she didn’t pick up on sarcasm or irony when people spoke to her.

The kidnapping scene, especially, left me confused. I genuinely don’t understand how she could interpret the situation the way she did. Was she trying to justify herself? Or did she truly believe, deep down, that she was only doing what she had been asked to do? The same goes for the murder scene. How can she describe it in such precise detail and then suddenly become confused? I think the author could have made the situation more vague or ambiguous to allow room for different interpretations between the FMC and the readers, but that’s just my opinion.

Overall, I didn’t like feeling as though the reader was kept completely in the dark, without enough clues to understand what was really happening. For example, Aspen’s lies : I wish we had been given subtle hints so we could piece things together ourselves.

I did appreciate the chaos in both Francesca’s life and the FMC’s. It made the story more tolerable, even when the characters’ chaotic behaviors didn’t always make sense.

[Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 332 pages
⏱ Duration: 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Brilliance Audio / Thomas & Mercer
📅 Publication Date: March 31, 2026
📚 ARC courtesy of NetGalley

I went into A Novel Crime knowing two things: dark humor, and thriller. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply unsettlingly funny this book would be. Not chuckle-funny. Not clever-smirk funny. But the kind of funny that leaves you staring at the page, unsure whether laughing makes you complicit. This was my first real encounter with this particular subgenre, and it hit me sideways.

This book made me wildly uncomfortable, laughed-out-loud uneasy, and vaguely horrified that I was laughing at all. Deborah Vadas Levison paints Marcy’s desperation so vividly that you both pity and cringe for her. There’s blackmail, kidnapping, emotional manipulation, and death, but all handled with an offbeat, unsettling humor that blurs the line between absurdity and atrocity. The pacing keeps you turning pages despite the unease, and that surprise ending? It lands perfectly, even if it leaves you questioning your own reactions.

And while I can admire Levison’s cleverness and control, I also discovered something about myself as a reader: this subgenre isn’t for me. It takes genuine skill to make readers feel conflicted about their own reactions, and Deborah does it well, too well, honestly. I closed the last page impressed and unsettled in equal measure.

Would I recommend it?
This is a very specific recommendation. If you love dark humor thrillers that blur ethical lines, satirize the publishing industry, and make you laugh while wincing, this might be your thing. Deborah Vadas Levison absolutely commits to the premise, and her writing is sharp, confident, and fearless. For me, though, the discomfort outweighed the enjoyment. I finished the book unsure of what I felt—but very sure this subgenre isn’t for me.

Dark Humor or too dark?
Hit the comments: What's the most disturbingly funny book that's ever made you squirm? Or are you all-in on dark humor thrillers. Tell me your faves!/b>

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Deborah Levison, the Author of “A Novel Crime” has written a unique, creative , and captivating novel. I had to use my inhaler because I was laughing so much. I enjoyed this book, and it is certainly a ‘novel “ concept that is perfect and can only be written by such a talented author. The Genres for this well written and well plotted book are: Women’s Psychological Fiction, Mother’s and Children’s Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Satire and Humor. This could be a book that fits the description that the pen is mightier than the sword. It’s amazing when I can think of what a “determined” and “obsessed” writer for fame could do. Deborah Levison vividly describes her dramatic, dark, and colorful characters as: flawed, unbalanced, complex, complicated, resourceful, and creative. There are secrets, danger, kidnapping, betrayals, blackmail, crimes, and murder.

One of the Female Protagonists in this story,Marcy, is divorced with an adult daughter, and is struggling to write her book. She has joined a book club, and somehow makes the acquaintance of a famous writer, Francesca, who also has a young adult daughter. When Marcy catches Francesca in a compromising position, she has the opportunity for”help on her book” . In the writer’s community, where there is tremendous competition and pressure to succeed, just how far will an aspiring author go? What “tools” of the profession can one use?

I loved everything about this novel, and I highly recommend this thought-provoking and unusual book! Happy Reading !

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Novel Crime by Deborah Vadas Levison was unexpectedly entertaining. Mary Jo, a struggling romance writer, just wants a book deal, a big launch party, and definitely her daughter’s respect. When she catches bestselling author Francesca Barber in a compromising situation, she decides this little secret might be the leverage she needs to get Francesca to help her with her own book.

But that’s where things start to spiral. It turns out Francesca has secrets far bigger than anything Mary Jo bargained for. The story stays lighthearted even as the chaos ramps up, and the relationship that forms between the two women is both shocking and genuinely funny. Every time you think the situation can’t twist any further, it does, and somehow it works.

It’s very much a dark comedy, and I found myself completely invested in all the unfolding messes and surprises. The final stretch of the book took a turn I didn’t see coming, but it was handled so well that the ending felt satisfying.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Jody Blanchette · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re going to want to get this book. I don’t say that very often, but when I do I mean it. A Novel Crime is the perfect thriller. I was intrigued, angry, excited and I even laughed. I promise you, this book does not disappoint.
Marcy is a little bit Finlay Donovan, and a little bit Annie Wilkes. Don’t know who those people are? They are diabolical book characters that have their own cult following. But, Marcy is the best of both of them. Like Finlay, she is a caring mother. Like Annie, she just gets a little intense and obsessed. I absolutely loved her. She is unhinged with a heart. The things she does to get her book written, are deplorable, and sometimes hilarious. She just wants to write the perfect book. I did find her to be the ultimate villain, but also an excellent protagonist.
There is blackmail, scandal, murder and kidnapping in this book. I don’t think anyone will be bored. Every chapter is a disaster or an emotion. I read the book in one sitting, and honestly couldn’t put it down.

[Jeanie ~ fables.and.fur · Rating 5 out of 5]

After occupying a restaurant table for hours, Marcy spends $4.25 and that includes the tip. She also feels that through no fault of her own, she’s been overlooked and unappreciated in her career. She’s been working on her bodice ripping historical romance for years. The excerpts from her book are hysterical, although not intentional on Marcy’s part. Marcy is convinced she’s a literary genius who can’t catch a break. So when she finds herself with the upper hand after witnessing a transgression, she has no issue with blackmail. In fact, she justifies it.

I hope A Novel Crime gets some well deserved attention and for all that is holy, give the author a launch party with cupcakes! Thank you @deborahlevisonauthor for an ARC of A Novel Crime. It’s a witty, entertaining novel and I highly recommend it.

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

Okay-this book was SO MUCH FUN!!! I loved every minute of it and practically read it all in one sitting. If you enjoy the Finlay Donovan series, you need this ASAP!

The writing is effortless and the puns (don’t even get me started…made me lol so many times) are sharp and darkly comedic. I loved the unhinged ways the women both went to live their dreams and be successful.

Our two MCs are a hot mess express and all the shenanigans that they get into are hysterical and outlandish in the most unhinged way. There are a few twists that I did not see coming and the ending really did surprise me. I thought it was perfect and could not have been better.

This is the ultimate palette cleanser and it’s so witty. If you are looking for a wickedly fun time, this is for you!!!! Thank you so much to @deborahlevisonauthor

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author discovered! Thank you to Levison for reaching out to offer me an ARC of this book. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work.

Despite the punny title, A Novel Crime is not a traditional cozy mystery. It’s more of a dark comedic satire that keeps going to surprising places. Marcy is an aspiring writer who devolves into a criminal. Ummm, I mean someone who is working very hard to get what she deserves. At least that’s what she deludes herself into believing. From one wild idea to another, I couldn’t put this title down.

I recommend this page turner for fans of Elle Cosimano, Jesse Q. Sutanto, and Mia P. Manansala. Basically, I think anyone with a sense of humor that tilts a little to the dark side will enjoy this read.

[Shereadbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcy has always wanted to be a successful author, but she put that dream on hold to support her husband, from whom she is now divorced. Her writing, unfortunately, isn’t particularly good. When she accidentally observes famous author Francesca Barber in a compromising position, she sees a chance to blackmail her into helping her hone her novel. Soon, Marcy’s plan spirals out of control.

This satirical novel is a humorous, chaotic, absurdist story that is both cringeworthy and entertaining. It is a fun escapist read for those who relish dark comedy. With a morally satisfying ending, it is also quite thought-provoking. How far would one go to achieve their dream?

Thanks to @NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer and @AmazonPublishing for the DRC.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The summary/blurb of this book made it sound super fun and dramatic and action-packed and entertaining and interesting.

But I found these characters (especially the main character) to be rather unlikable. She was really hard to root for.

All of the side characters came across as rather flat, but the main character came across as a bit obnoxious at times. Like she thought she was better than everyone else, that kind of person.

I just wanted more overall with this book, from its story and its characters.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Bookaholic MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A NOVEL. I haven’t been so excited about reading in a while. So daring and exquisitely executed, it made me forget I was reading. The idea is otherworldly, and all I can hope is that it came from a real human being, unlike the plot ;) I found the MC very relatable, with the way she always used to live and how everything changed as soon as she let herself be… less-than-perfect. It was a tiny bit predictable, but everything else was so amazing I can’t even criticize the predictability, and I absolutely adored how it mixed fiction with real-life concerns and beautifully written characters, stories, and learnings.

[Anna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcy is a divorced mother struggling to provide for her family. She dreams of writing a best selling novel. Her writer persona Summer Is not a push over like Marcy and is using any means necessary to get what she wants. When a chance encounter with Francesca Barber changes her. I enjoyed watching Francesca and Summer as mothers they both strive to be there for their daughters. This starts slow but once Marcy steps over the line to take charge and push the limits it goes off the rails quickly.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
The premise of this book sounded like it would be a fun read, but unfortunately I didn't find it so. The protagonist didn't appeal to me and the further I got into the book, the less interested I became. In the end I flipped through to the end. Sorry!

[Lauren Turney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept, and it reminded me of “Finley Donovan Is Killing It.”

I liked some of the humor woven in. I did not enjoy the writing style, the protagonist, or the blackmail concept. It just seemed flat to me.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Deborah Levison for the copy in exchange for an honest review. The book publishes April 14, 2026.

[Monie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book overall but I knocked my rating by a star because of the ending. Yes, the book was dark humor so I expected a lot of over the top scenarios but the ending was just too much for me.

That aside I had so much fun alternating between loving and hating Marcy and would definitely recommend this for anyone who loves twisted humor.

[Wendy Whitman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A NOVEL CRIME is veteran thriller author Deborah Levison’s latest gift to readers. You won’t be able to put this one down. From the first page to the last, Levison keeps her audience engaged and wanting more. A first-class work of fiction from a writer at the top of her game.

[Elysa (Elysa_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The synopsis for this book was so clever and original and it did not disappoint. It was funny, emotional, and twisty. The characters were flawed and didn't make great decisions, but I loved them for it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion after reading the book.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8
I was having a great time with the MC's increasingly yogi-like stretches toward self justification, but the ending bummed me out big time.

[Ashleigh Price · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book but unfortunately I disliked EVERY character, especially our protagonist.

[I received an ARC from NetGalley]

[T.M. Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of A NOVEL CRIME.
I loved it!
It’s cringy, gripping and absolutely hilarious.

[Allyson Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read showing just how far people will go for what they want. With so many twists, you aren’t sure what is going to happen next. Really enjoyed this book!

ARC read curtesy of Net Galley