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A Novel Crime
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26She 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.
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.
Audible Audio
Expected publication March 31, 2026
2 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Vadas Levison
4 books43 followersAlso 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 29, 2025
So. Much. Fun.
Marcy wants to write a best selling novel. Historical romance, to be precise. When a chance encounter bumbles her into meeting (and striking a deal) with one of her idols, Francesca Barber (the current queen of the written word), chaos ensues quicker than a ripped bodice! Twisty, turny, laugh out loud funny, and altogether witty and quick, I couldn’t stop page turning. All the smiles!
Marcy wants to write a best selling novel. Historical romance, to be precise. When a chance encounter bumbles her into meeting (and striking a deal) with one of her idols, Francesca Barber (the current queen of the written word), chaos ensues quicker than a ripped bodice! Twisty, turny, laugh out loud funny, and altogether witty and quick, I couldn’t stop page turning. All the smiles!
October 22, 2025
#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.
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.
December 20, 2025
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.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
November 23, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📱📖 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>
📃 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>
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 !
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 !
December 22, 2025
Marcy put off her literary dreams to support her ex-husband (now gay) and start a family. Now it's time for her to prove her worth to her daughter Bea and to herself by becoming a published author. A Realtor by day, Marcy is constantly reminded by coworkers to grab the bull by the horns and stop trying to be so nice. Hmm, she thinks, maybe she should be more pushy to meet people in the biz and get herself published? And that's when everything gets totally wacky, like crazy fever dream stuff. Blackmail, kidnapping, then...murder?
Since the would-be author is a bit harebrained—plus it's pointed out regularly (to her and to us) that she's a terrible writer—the author of this book you're holding now has more latitude to have fun and strain plausibility (clever!). This is all to say that you shouldn't go into this book thinking that it will make sense or be even somewhat realistic. It's a fun ride, not an exposé of the publishing industry!
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley, for this ARC!
Since the would-be author is a bit harebrained—plus it's pointed out regularly (to her and to us) that she's a terrible writer—the author of this book you're holding now has more latitude to have fun and strain plausibility (clever!). This is all to say that you shouldn't go into this book thinking that it will make sense or be even somewhat realistic. It's a fun ride, not an exposé of the publishing industry!
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer, via NetGalley, for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
January 1, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
October 23, 2025
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!
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!
November 17, 2025
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.
November 25, 2025
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.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest opinion after reading the book.
November 4, 2025
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.
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.
November 6, 2025
I liked the premise of this book but unfortunately I disliked EVERY character, especially our protagonist.
[I received an ARC from NetGalley]
[I received an ARC from NetGalley]
November 17, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of A NOVEL CRIME.
I loved it!
It’s cringy, gripping and absolutely hilarious.
I loved it!
It’s cringy, gripping and absolutely hilarious.
December 7, 2025
This one just wasn’t for me. A woman wants to write a novel and gets sucked into a blackmail scheme. It’s an interesting plot but I found it frustrating.
I received an early copy from Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
I received an early copy from Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
Want to read
November 1, 2025kindle
December 13, 2025
This is a funny, witty dark comedy that’s one page turner! Marcy Jo Codburn feels like a failure, she’s divorced, doing a not-so-interesting job, afraid to assert herself, and trying desperately to get her book published (she writes under Summer Braginan). Through a series of misadventures she connects with best selling author, Francesca Barber, and the fun begins. “Summer” gets a deal with Francesca to help her write her book when she witnesses Francesca in a compromising position. Summer/Marcy is a great character; her internal as well external dialogue is clever and hilarious at times. The writing of Summer’s book is a great reveal. Then comes the question as to who is the unreliable narrator: Francisca or her daughter, Aspen. I was a bit disappointed at the ending but then again maybe the author has an idea for another book by these two funny characters. Overall I had a fun time reading this book.
December 10, 2025
Interesting plot twists, some good, some not so much. Four stars.
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