What do you think?
Rate this book
The Author Weekend
The Devil Wears Prada meets White Lotus in a story of colliding egos and shocking betrayal, as intoxicatingly ice-cold as the pink Prosecco that flows all weekend.
Everything needs to be just right for bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader’s first ever fan weekend. Her sales might be slipping—only a little!—but her readers still love her enough to pony up for three days and two nights on Great Misery Island. The retreat is precisely planned, from the small batch artisanal donuts to the perimenopausal Mermaid Meditation, by Faye and her beleaguered assistant Jade—an aspiring author who can’t seem to finish her own novel.
Faye’s long-time agent and editor will be there, as well as Faye’s number one fan, Peggy Mercer, who has been first in line at every one of Faye’s events. When news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous, charismatic, rival novelist Abby Schuss, Faye thinks things can’t get worse … until one of the attendees is found dead in her room, setting off an unexpectedly murderous chain of events that make pre-pub anxiety seem like a day at the beach. How far is Faye willing to go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
The Author Weekend is a thrilling and hilarious dive into the dark heart of envy, and a glorious exploration of a woman of a certain age desperate to survive the dog-eat-dog world of publishing and control her own narrative.
Everything needs to be just right for bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader’s first ever fan weekend. Her sales might be slipping—only a little!—but her readers still love her enough to pony up for three days and two nights on Great Misery Island. The retreat is precisely planned, from the small batch artisanal donuts to the perimenopausal Mermaid Meditation, by Faye and her beleaguered assistant Jade—an aspiring author who can’t seem to finish her own novel.
Faye’s long-time agent and editor will be there, as well as Faye’s number one fan, Peggy Mercer, who has been first in line at every one of Faye’s events. When news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous, charismatic, rival novelist Abby Schuss, Faye thinks things can’t get worse … until one of the attendees is found dead in her room, setting off an unexpectedly murderous chain of events that make pre-pub anxiety seem like a day at the beach. How far is Faye willing to go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
The Author Weekend is a thrilling and hilarious dive into the dark heart of envy, and a glorious exploration of a woman of a certain age desperate to survive the dog-eat-dog world of publishing and control her own narrative.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Laura Zigman
19 books472 followersLaura Zigman is the author of five novels, including Separation Anxiety (which was optioned by Julianne Nicholson and the production company Wiip (Mare of Easttown) for a limited television series); Animal Husbandry (which was made into the movie Someone Like You, starring Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd), Dating Big Bird, Her, and Piece of Work. She has ghostwritten/collaborated on several works of non-fiction, including Eddie Izzard's New York Times bestseller, Believe Me; been a contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Huffington Post; produced a popular online series of animated videos called Annoying Conversations; and was the recipient of a Yaddo residency. Her sixth novel, Small World, will be published in January 2023. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 15, 2026
🎧ALC Review🎧
Thank you @blackstonepublishing for the gifted copies.
I’ll start with the narration. It has a large multi-cast that did an amazing job. Each character has a distinct voice and personality. It made it easy to follow.
Bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader has invited everyone to a fan weekend event on an island. This is one of those catty author novels with lots of publishing commentary.
Someone has been murdered and it just escalates downhill from there.
I think the audiobook is the way to go here. It is slow for most of the story but I think the right readers will enjoy it.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you @blackstonepublishing for the gifted copies.
I’ll start with the narration. It has a large multi-cast that did an amazing job. Each character has a distinct voice and personality. It made it easy to follow.
Bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader has invited everyone to a fan weekend event on an island. This is one of those catty author novels with lots of publishing commentary.
Someone has been murdered and it just escalates downhill from there.
I think the audiobook is the way to go here. It is slow for most of the story but I think the right readers will enjoy it.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 24, 2025
The Author Weekend by Laura Zigman
If you've ever thought the publishing world was a little too full of itself, The Author Weekend is the deliciously wicked, highly caffeinated gossip session you need. This book is a blistering, ice-cold satire that feels like Laura Zigman just pulled up a chair, ordered a third pink Prosecco, and started spilling every toxic, petty secret she knows about the book industry.
Great Misery Island: Where Dreams Go to Die
We're trapped on Great Misery Island (the name is a whole mood, honestly) with Faye Wader. Faye is a Woman of a Certain Age and a former bestselling mystery writer whose sales are doing a polite little slide toward oblivion. To compensate, she’s decided to host her first ever fan retreat.
The sheer, agonizing perfection of this retreat's planning is immediately hilarious: we’re talking small-batch artisanal donuts, a "peri-menopausal Mermaid Meditation," and every last detail micromanaged by Faye and her long-suffering assistant, Jade (a character I immediately latched onto because she's an aspiring author who can't finish her own damn novel).
But obviously, the weekend goes sideways immediately. First, Abby Schuss, the glamorous, charismatic, younger rival writer, crashes the party, bringing peak ego and competition energy. Then, someone turns up dead. The murder is almost an afterthought, a perfect punctuation mark to the exhausting vanity of the literary world.
The Dark Heart of Envy
This novel is less about whodunnit and more about who wants what, and how far they'll go to get it. It’s a ruthless dissection of envy and the relentless pressure on women, especially older women, to control their own narrative in a world that keeps trying to write them out.
Faye Wader is the perfect anti-hero: she's desperate, manipulative, and deeply insecure, which makes her oddly relatable. She’s trying to stay relevant while everyone around her—her assistant, her agent, her readers, and especially Abby—represents either a threat, a disappointment, or a source of untapped value. The whole plot turns into a shocking chain of events where pre-publication anxiety suddenly feels like a vacation compared to actual murder.
Buy It, Read It, Side-Eye Your TBR Pile
Laura Zigman does not hold back. This is a brilliant, laugh-out-loud-until-you-feel-guilty read. It’s got the razor-sharp, gossipy fun of The Devil Wears Prada but set against the claustrophobic backdrop of White Lotus, making every interaction feel high-stakes and potentially lethal.
If you love dark humor, brilliant dialogue, and watching monstrous egos collide, this book is your poisoned chalice. Go for the murder, stay for the savage, spot-on satire of fame, publishing, and being a woman perpetually chasing the next big hit. It's fantastic, twisted fun.
#TheAuthorWeekend #NetGalley
If you've ever thought the publishing world was a little too full of itself, The Author Weekend is the deliciously wicked, highly caffeinated gossip session you need. This book is a blistering, ice-cold satire that feels like Laura Zigman just pulled up a chair, ordered a third pink Prosecco, and started spilling every toxic, petty secret she knows about the book industry.
Great Misery Island: Where Dreams Go to Die
We're trapped on Great Misery Island (the name is a whole mood, honestly) with Faye Wader. Faye is a Woman of a Certain Age and a former bestselling mystery writer whose sales are doing a polite little slide toward oblivion. To compensate, she’s decided to host her first ever fan retreat.
The sheer, agonizing perfection of this retreat's planning is immediately hilarious: we’re talking small-batch artisanal donuts, a "peri-menopausal Mermaid Meditation," and every last detail micromanaged by Faye and her long-suffering assistant, Jade (a character I immediately latched onto because she's an aspiring author who can't finish her own damn novel).
But obviously, the weekend goes sideways immediately. First, Abby Schuss, the glamorous, charismatic, younger rival writer, crashes the party, bringing peak ego and competition energy. Then, someone turns up dead. The murder is almost an afterthought, a perfect punctuation mark to the exhausting vanity of the literary world.
The Dark Heart of Envy
This novel is less about whodunnit and more about who wants what, and how far they'll go to get it. It’s a ruthless dissection of envy and the relentless pressure on women, especially older women, to control their own narrative in a world that keeps trying to write them out.
Faye Wader is the perfect anti-hero: she's desperate, manipulative, and deeply insecure, which makes her oddly relatable. She’s trying to stay relevant while everyone around her—her assistant, her agent, her readers, and especially Abby—represents either a threat, a disappointment, or a source of untapped value. The whole plot turns into a shocking chain of events where pre-publication anxiety suddenly feels like a vacation compared to actual murder.
Buy It, Read It, Side-Eye Your TBR Pile
Laura Zigman does not hold back. This is a brilliant, laugh-out-loud-until-you-feel-guilty read. It’s got the razor-sharp, gossipy fun of The Devil Wears Prada but set against the claustrophobic backdrop of White Lotus, making every interaction feel high-stakes and potentially lethal.
If you love dark humor, brilliant dialogue, and watching monstrous egos collide, this book is your poisoned chalice. Go for the murder, stay for the savage, spot-on satire of fame, publishing, and being a woman perpetually chasing the next big hit. It's fantastic, twisted fun.
#TheAuthorWeekend #NetGalley
May 11, 2026
This was a cheeky murder story and I loved it. While there is no "mystery" as we get to see the murders take place and what they are thinking behind the scenes, I love the internal debates that rage in their head and the insanity that is justified at the slightest whim. There were also some truly hilarious bits (demanding a vegetarian pool float so as not to offend the non-meat eaters) that I could absolutely see driving someone to drink- or murder.
The ending was exceptionally well done, it closed all the drama in the most satisfactory way without destroying any one person's legacy and allowing Jade to write "speculative" fiction. Truly just a fantastic wrapup to this story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Laura Zigman, and Blackstone Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
The ending was exceptionally well done, it closed all the drama in the most satisfactory way without destroying any one person's legacy and allowing Jade to write "speculative" fiction. Truly just a fantastic wrapup to this story.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Laura Zigman, and Blackstone Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
May 13, 2026
I live for the unhinged drama.
Publishing drama is a whole other level and this book delivers. It’s a cast of deliciously unlikable characters and a whole lot of backstabbing. It was very homicidal, pre-menopausal mean girls.
I totally didn’t expect where this was going but wow, what a tale. I loved the setting, the spiraling, and the multiple POVS. It was a lot of fun seeing all the characters different perspectives and reactions to Faye vs. her feelings towards them. The perfect summer thriller read, and if you love all things books – this is a great one to pick up!
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for a review copy of this book.
Publishing drama is a whole other level and this book delivers. It’s a cast of deliciously unlikable characters and a whole lot of backstabbing. It was very homicidal, pre-menopausal mean girls.
I totally didn’t expect where this was going but wow, what a tale. I loved the setting, the spiraling, and the multiple POVS. It was a lot of fun seeing all the characters different perspectives and reactions to Faye vs. her feelings towards them. The perfect summer thriller read, and if you love all things books – this is a great one to pick up!
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for a review copy of this book.
May 7, 2026
I hate to rate a new release this low, but unfortunately this book was not for me.
When i first started this book, i thought it was written by a young inexperienced writer due to Jades first narration, but after i continued reading and added research I found out this is a very seasoned writer. This makes sense because in my opinion, it very much sounds like an older person trying to write as a Gen Z girlie. Now as a Gen Z girlie myself, i have to say i found Jades narration to be very comical.
All in all, i don’t love to bash on here, but if you are younger than 60 years old, this book may not be for you.
When i first started this book, i thought it was written by a young inexperienced writer due to Jades first narration, but after i continued reading and added research I found out this is a very seasoned writer. This makes sense because in my opinion, it very much sounds like an older person trying to write as a Gen Z girlie. Now as a Gen Z girlie myself, i have to say i found Jades narration to be very comical.
All in all, i don’t love to bash on here, but if you are younger than 60 years old, this book may not be for you.
November 17, 2025
I have been a fan of Laura Zigman since her Animal Husbandry and Dating Big Bird years, so when I saw this new title - with it's decidedly un-Zigman cover and blurb - I was highly intrigued. Her writing felt familiar - the snark and sass were definitely still there, as were her marvelous turns of phrase and the way she captures female experience - but also distinctive this time around, and the darker tone and tenor were apparent even early on. For a short while, I wasn't sure I was going to like it enough to read all the way through. There is a lot of angst here of a type that I don't normally associate with her books, and it was heavy reading for a bit. I stuck with it though, having always enjoyed her work in the past, and am very glad that I did!
On the whole this was a dark, scheming story about ambition and aging and what to do when the world wants you to be one thing but you just can't seem to deliver. The characters were often unlikeable - selfish and self-righteous, anxious and antagonistic - but there's just something about the way Zigman pulled it all together that worked for me and kept me rooting for her characters even when I most disliked them! This is not a fluffy read - there's a lot of "I can't believe that just happened?!" and it by rights should have felt like it stretched the bounds of credulity past their breaking point, yet some part of me kept feeling for these poor people who just kept getting dragged further in by their bad decisions and secrets...
It was a very interesting read and if it marks a new direction for the author, count me in for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
On the whole this was a dark, scheming story about ambition and aging and what to do when the world wants you to be one thing but you just can't seem to deliver. The characters were often unlikeable - selfish and self-righteous, anxious and antagonistic - but there's just something about the way Zigman pulled it all together that worked for me and kept me rooting for her characters even when I most disliked them! This is not a fluffy read - there's a lot of "I can't believe that just happened?!" and it by rights should have felt like it stretched the bounds of credulity past their breaking point, yet some part of me kept feeling for these poor people who just kept getting dragged further in by their bad decisions and secrets...
It was a very interesting read and if it marks a new direction for the author, count me in for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
May 6, 2026
This dark satire of the publishing industry is set over one weekend on a weekend-long author event for famed author Faye Wader on remote Misery Island off the coast of Massachusetts. The book is told from four alternating points of view - Faye herself; her long-suffering aspiring writer assistant Jade; her longtime agent Hal; and her longtime editor Merry. And between a crazily devoted super-fan, allegations that Faye’s backstory may not be true, the attendance at the event of Faye’s author rival Abby, not to mention the junior publishing person who is also a cat influencer showing up - things get increasingly crazy as the weekend (and the book) goes on.
This is one of those dark satires that gets more unhinged as the book goes on, but in a very entertaining way. Not a mystery but definitely a mounting feeling of suspense. Think Devil Wears Prada meets Yellowface meets Best Offer Wins meets The Take with a tiny dash of And Then There Was One. I’m afraid to even ask how real the satire of behind the scenes publishing it is. Very different from Zigman’s books Small World and Separation Anxiety, but a fun read in a crazy way.
Thanks to Blackstone for my e-ARC; all opinions are my own.
This is one of those dark satires that gets more unhinged as the book goes on, but in a very entertaining way. Not a mystery but definitely a mounting feeling of suspense. Think Devil Wears Prada meets Yellowface meets Best Offer Wins meets The Take with a tiny dash of And Then There Was One. I’m afraid to even ask how real the satire of behind the scenes publishing it is. Very different from Zigman’s books Small World and Separation Anxiety, but a fun read in a crazy way.
Thanks to Blackstone for my e-ARC; all opinions are my own.
May 9, 2026
I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts about this book into words. I thought the premise of the story - an author weekend where someone ends up dead - sounded interesting and I was curious how it would unfold. I think my biggest issue with the book is that the characters are all so unlikable. The character deaths did not really upset me and I just kept reading waiting for the next scheduled event of the weekend to happen. I guess I’m not really into dark humor of the publishing world - but many of my favorite authors are! One of the reasons I requested this novel was that four authors I enjoy and respect gave rave reviews of this book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the digital ARC.
I want to thank Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the digital ARC.
May 11, 2026
Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audio & Netgalley for the gifted copy of this audiobook, and to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC...this is my honest review.
🎧📖 The Author Weekend 📖🎧
Author: Laura Zigman
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Blackstone Publishing - Audio
Narrators: Gabra Zackman; Carol Monda; Joel Froomkin; & Emily Lawrence
Length: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
MY RATING: 4/5⭐
The Author Weekend, the recently-published release from Laura Zigman, is a cozy mystery about a best-selling author throwing her very first author's weekend for her biggest fans -- and it certainly does not go the way anyone anticipated it would. This story is told through multiple POVs in alternating chapters -- and its fictional behind-the-scenes peek at an author event will have me side-eyeing any future author events I might attend.
I read this one as a combo of the ARC and the advanced audiobook, and let me tell you -- this audiobook was so much fun! The multicast narrators -- Gabra Zackman, Carol Monda, Joel Froomkin, and Emily Lawrence -- embodied this cast of characters perfectly in a fantastic multicast narration. They really brought the characters to life and I definitely recommend giving this book a listen if you can!
Everything needs to be just right for bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader’s first ever fan weekend. Her sales might be slipping—only a little!—but the retreat is precisely planned and her biggest fans can't wait. From Faye's aspiring-author assistant Jade, to her long-time agent, and Faye’s number one fan, Peggy - she'll be surrounded by her team. When news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous rival novelist Abby Schuss, Faye thinks things can’t get worse…until one of the attendees is found dead in her room. Just how far will Faye go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
Whew, Faye was almost insufferable with all of her idiosyncrasies, and many of the characters spent an awful lot of time trying to placate her moodiness. However, the farther into the book I got, the more unhinged everything became... And as unlikeable as Faye was, I can't lie - I was here for all the chaos of this crazy author weekend.
The Author Weekend looked into the dark heart of envy and explored the desperation of a woman of a certain age as she tries to survive the dog-eat-dog world of publishing. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, unhinged characters, or books set in the world of authors and publishing -- I think you'll really enjoy The Author Weekend. Out now!
#TheAuthorWeekend #LauraZigman #BlackstonePublishing #partner #BlackstoneInsiders #ARC #Netgalley #BlackstonePublishingAudio #audiobooks #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews
🎧📖 The Author Weekend 📖🎧
Author: Laura Zigman
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Audiobook Publisher: Blackstone Publishing - Audio
Narrators: Gabra Zackman; Carol Monda; Joel Froomkin; & Emily Lawrence
Length: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
MY RATING: 4/5⭐
The Author Weekend, the recently-published release from Laura Zigman, is a cozy mystery about a best-selling author throwing her very first author's weekend for her biggest fans -- and it certainly does not go the way anyone anticipated it would. This story is told through multiple POVs in alternating chapters -- and its fictional behind-the-scenes peek at an author event will have me side-eyeing any future author events I might attend.
I read this one as a combo of the ARC and the advanced audiobook, and let me tell you -- this audiobook was so much fun! The multicast narrators -- Gabra Zackman, Carol Monda, Joel Froomkin, and Emily Lawrence -- embodied this cast of characters perfectly in a fantastic multicast narration. They really brought the characters to life and I definitely recommend giving this book a listen if you can!
Everything needs to be just right for bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader’s first ever fan weekend. Her sales might be slipping—only a little!—but the retreat is precisely planned and her biggest fans can't wait. From Faye's aspiring-author assistant Jade, to her long-time agent, and Faye’s number one fan, Peggy - she'll be surrounded by her team. When news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous rival novelist Abby Schuss, Faye thinks things can’t get worse…until one of the attendees is found dead in her room. Just how far will Faye go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
Whew, Faye was almost insufferable with all of her idiosyncrasies, and many of the characters spent an awful lot of time trying to placate her moodiness. However, the farther into the book I got, the more unhinged everything became... And as unlikeable as Faye was, I can't lie - I was here for all the chaos of this crazy author weekend.
The Author Weekend looked into the dark heart of envy and explored the desperation of a woman of a certain age as she tries to survive the dog-eat-dog world of publishing. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, unhinged characters, or books set in the world of authors and publishing -- I think you'll really enjoy The Author Weekend. Out now!
#TheAuthorWeekend #LauraZigman #BlackstonePublishing #partner #BlackstoneInsiders #ARC #Netgalley #BlackstonePublishingAudio #audiobooks #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews
May 19, 2026
Faye is an established author of a popular thriller series. She's also enormously damaged by various wrongs done by her friends and family through the years - girl needs some serious therapy. In an effort to feel at the center of everyone's adoration she has her assistant plan an author's weekend with her fans on an island off the north shore of Massachusetts, to which her agent and editor and (surprise) her rival author, Abby, are also invited. Things start going wrong from the start, when Faye learns that her biggest fan knows about the lies in her origin story.....and then things take a turn for the unhinged.
None of the characters are fully likeable and the trajectory is mostly predictable, but I think the enjoyment is in watching how it's going to unfold, and who will come out on top at the end. It self-affiliates with White Lotus (wouldn't know) but maybe best for readers who like a breezily dark page turner that doesn't require too much of its audience. It's not necessarily my thing, but I can see how it might be others'.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
None of the characters are fully likeable and the trajectory is mostly predictable, but I think the enjoyment is in watching how it's going to unfold, and who will come out on top at the end. It self-affiliates with White Lotus (wouldn't know) but maybe best for readers who like a breezily dark page turner that doesn't require too much of its audience. It's not necessarily my thing, but I can see how it might be others'.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
May 5, 2026
3.5 stars for me!
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
The Devil Wears Prada meets The White Lotus? I was immediately in.
This one ended up not being what I expected— in a good way. I’ll be honest, the cover initially put me off, but the synopsis hooked me enough to give it a shot, and I’m glad I did.
This is a bit of a tricky one to categorize. I wouldn’t fully call it a thriller or even a mystery. There aren’t really secrets unfolding— everything is pretty much out in the open as it happens. Instead, it leans more into character dynamics, ego clashes, and the messy, competitive world of publishing.
That said, it was definitely entertaining. The setting— this exclusive author retreat on a remote island— had so much potential, and while I do wish it leaned a bit more into the suspenseful, isolated atmosphere, I still had fun with it overall.
If you’re going in expecting a traditional thriller, you may want to adjust your expectations. But if you’re in the mood for something sharp, a little chaotic, and full of drama and big personalities, this is a solid pick.
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
The Devil Wears Prada meets The White Lotus? I was immediately in.
This one ended up not being what I expected— in a good way. I’ll be honest, the cover initially put me off, but the synopsis hooked me enough to give it a shot, and I’m glad I did.
This is a bit of a tricky one to categorize. I wouldn’t fully call it a thriller or even a mystery. There aren’t really secrets unfolding— everything is pretty much out in the open as it happens. Instead, it leans more into character dynamics, ego clashes, and the messy, competitive world of publishing.
That said, it was definitely entertaining. The setting— this exclusive author retreat on a remote island— had so much potential, and while I do wish it leaned a bit more into the suspenseful, isolated atmosphere, I still had fun with it overall.
If you’re going in expecting a traditional thriller, you may want to adjust your expectations. But if you’re in the mood for something sharp, a little chaotic, and full of drama and big personalities, this is a solid pick.
May 7, 2026
Highly recommend, dark & clever.
May 16, 2026
*3.5 stars ✨
May 5, 2026
"Death on Great Misery Island: A Deep Dive into Laura Zigman’s Unhinged New Mystery"
In Laura Zigman's electrifying THE AUTHOR WEEKEND, insecure mystery author Faye Wader hosts a tense, high-end fan retreat on Massachusetts' Great Misery Island. From the arrival of rival author Abby Schuss, a surprise murder, and Faye’s chaotic attempt to keep the retreat going, resulting in a hilarious dark satire on publishing, jealousy, and obsession.
"A wickedly funny, claustrophobic satire that asks: If a superfan dies on a private island and no one posts about it, did it even happen? Zigman serves up a 'locked-room' mystery where the egos are more bloated than the bodies.
"Think Yellowface meets The White Lotus —but with more artisanal doughnuts. and higher professional stakes. "
Plot: Sharp, satirical, and surprisingly claustrophobic.
Characters: Deliciously messy and absolutely unhinged.
Vibe: Polished panic at its finest.
My thoughts..
"A satirical 'locked-room' mystery where the sharpest weapon is an author’s ego."
A razor-sharp, unhinged "luxury nightmare" that proves the most dangerous person on a remote island isn't a serial killer—it's a middle-aged novelist with a failing brand.
THE AUTHOR WEEKEND is a "darkly funny, satirical thriller". Being a publisher and in the media my entire career, I thoroughly enjoyed the snark, secrets, and twisted dark humor.
POVs: The story is told through four alternating first-person perspectives: Faye, Jade, Hal, and Merry. The weekend shifts from a promotional event to a real-life whodunit when one of the attendees is found dead in her room, possibly from poisoning.
As the body count rises, hidden truths emerge, including a "fatal inconsistency" in Faye's own background story discovered by her top fan.
The Setting, Great Misery Island, a real-world location off the coast of Massachusetts, is central to its locked room mystery feel, providing an isolated and increasingly eerie backdrop for the unfolding chaos. Accessible only by boat, the island creates a sense of being trapped, which ramps up the tension once the murders begin.
The Retreat Atmosphere: A high-end, "White Lotus"-style luxury retreat. Featuring curated amenities like artisanal doughnut stations (so funny), themed cocktails, and specific activity areas for "perimenopausal Mermaid Meditation".
Contrast: The contrast between the "luxe" island retreat—filled with expensive food and flowing pink prosecco—and the unhinged, creepy nature of the escalating crimes is a major stylistic element.
The tone and atmosphere are locked room, remote island, claustrophobic, cynical, and satirical.
The Vibe is darkly comic, balancing the grim reality of a murder investigation with the ridiculousness of a failed publicity stunt. Also unsettling with a lingering sense that Faye’s world is crumbling, making the reader feel as off-balance as she is.
Narrative Style is wry, the humor is clever, and often self-deprecating. Observationally sharp, the author is known for pinpointing the absurd details of modern life.
Multi-layered, with multiple perspectives, the story feels like a puzzle where every character is hiding something. Propulsive, once the mystery begins, the pace shifts from a character study into a fast-moving "whodunit."
Themes:
~Professional Insecurity & Envy
~The Cost of Rebranding
~The Power Dynamics of Fandom
~Betrayal & Loyalty
~Grief & Transition
"A sharp-edged look at what happens when an author's 'backstory' becomes a front for murder."
The book concludes with an "ironic" and dark ending that emphasizes that in the cutthroat world of publishing, deception is king—even if it's built on a foundation of lies and bodies. The ending adds a much darker layer to the book's core themes, moving it from simple satire into a "survival of the fittest" narrative.
It’s the perfect read if you enjoy darkly funny stories where the "villain" is actually just a very stressed, very insecure woman. The primary takeaway is a cynical but insightful look at the fragility of identity and the "myth of the brand".
Cynical and stylish, a luxury setting and dark industry secrets.
The Audiobook Vibe Check
"Think The White Lotus meets The Devil Wears Prada, but delivered straight into your ears with all the biting wit of a 10:00 AM marketing meeting gone wrong. The full-cast narration turns every industry slight and murderous twist into a cinematic experience that makes 'pre-pub anxiety' sound like a day at the beach." I loved the audio.
It’s a masterclass in "cringe-thriller" fiction. Laura Zigman manages to make a literal crime scene feel like a secondary inconvenience compared to the horror of a bad book review or a younger rival’s success. If you’ve ever wondered how far an "introvert" will go to save their reputation, this book provides a chillingly cynical answer: all the way.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the mix of dark comedy, publishing industry satire, and "locked-room" tension in The Author Weekend, here are some similar book recommendations with a sprinkling of a Laura Lippman vibe.
~Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
~The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
~The Club by Ellery Lloyd
~The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
~Very Bad Company & The Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Special thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May Newsletter
In Laura Zigman's electrifying THE AUTHOR WEEKEND, insecure mystery author Faye Wader hosts a tense, high-end fan retreat on Massachusetts' Great Misery Island. From the arrival of rival author Abby Schuss, a surprise murder, and Faye’s chaotic attempt to keep the retreat going, resulting in a hilarious dark satire on publishing, jealousy, and obsession.
"A wickedly funny, claustrophobic satire that asks: If a superfan dies on a private island and no one posts about it, did it even happen? Zigman serves up a 'locked-room' mystery where the egos are more bloated than the bodies.
"Think Yellowface meets The White Lotus —but with more artisanal doughnuts. and higher professional stakes. "
Plot: Sharp, satirical, and surprisingly claustrophobic.
Characters: Deliciously messy and absolutely unhinged.
Vibe: Polished panic at its finest.
My thoughts..
"A satirical 'locked-room' mystery where the sharpest weapon is an author’s ego."
A razor-sharp, unhinged "luxury nightmare" that proves the most dangerous person on a remote island isn't a serial killer—it's a middle-aged novelist with a failing brand.
THE AUTHOR WEEKEND is a "darkly funny, satirical thriller". Being a publisher and in the media my entire career, I thoroughly enjoyed the snark, secrets, and twisted dark humor.
POVs: The story is told through four alternating first-person perspectives: Faye, Jade, Hal, and Merry. The weekend shifts from a promotional event to a real-life whodunit when one of the attendees is found dead in her room, possibly from poisoning.
As the body count rises, hidden truths emerge, including a "fatal inconsistency" in Faye's own background story discovered by her top fan.
The Setting, Great Misery Island, a real-world location off the coast of Massachusetts, is central to its locked room mystery feel, providing an isolated and increasingly eerie backdrop for the unfolding chaos. Accessible only by boat, the island creates a sense of being trapped, which ramps up the tension once the murders begin.
The Retreat Atmosphere: A high-end, "White Lotus"-style luxury retreat. Featuring curated amenities like artisanal doughnut stations (so funny), themed cocktails, and specific activity areas for "perimenopausal Mermaid Meditation".
Contrast: The contrast between the "luxe" island retreat—filled with expensive food and flowing pink prosecco—and the unhinged, creepy nature of the escalating crimes is a major stylistic element.
The tone and atmosphere are locked room, remote island, claustrophobic, cynical, and satirical.
The Vibe is darkly comic, balancing the grim reality of a murder investigation with the ridiculousness of a failed publicity stunt. Also unsettling with a lingering sense that Faye’s world is crumbling, making the reader feel as off-balance as she is.
Narrative Style is wry, the humor is clever, and often self-deprecating. Observationally sharp, the author is known for pinpointing the absurd details of modern life.
Multi-layered, with multiple perspectives, the story feels like a puzzle where every character is hiding something. Propulsive, once the mystery begins, the pace shifts from a character study into a fast-moving "whodunit."
Themes:
~Professional Insecurity & Envy
~The Cost of Rebranding
~The Power Dynamics of Fandom
~Betrayal & Loyalty
~Grief & Transition
"A sharp-edged look at what happens when an author's 'backstory' becomes a front for murder."
The book concludes with an "ironic" and dark ending that emphasizes that in the cutthroat world of publishing, deception is king—even if it's built on a foundation of lies and bodies. The ending adds a much darker layer to the book's core themes, moving it from simple satire into a "survival of the fittest" narrative.
It’s the perfect read if you enjoy darkly funny stories where the "villain" is actually just a very stressed, very insecure woman. The primary takeaway is a cynical but insightful look at the fragility of identity and the "myth of the brand".
Cynical and stylish, a luxury setting and dark industry secrets.
The Audiobook Vibe Check
"Think The White Lotus meets The Devil Wears Prada, but delivered straight into your ears with all the biting wit of a 10:00 AM marketing meeting gone wrong. The full-cast narration turns every industry slight and murderous twist into a cinematic experience that makes 'pre-pub anxiety' sound like a day at the beach." I loved the audio.
The Cast:
Gabra Zackman: Known for her "snark with a dash of heat," Gabra is the perfect choice for the beleaguered assistant, Jade, who is secretly plotting her own literary takeover.
Carol Monda: An Audie-winner with a voice that can "resonate from the kaleidoscopic depths." She brings a grounded, sharp-edged gravity to Faye Wader, the "woman of a certain age" who is watching her legacy crack.
Joel Froomkin: A master of characterization and humor who can handle authentic American and British accents. He likely voices the agent, Hal Tinder, bringing that perfect mix of industry-standard charm and underlying panic.
Emily Lawrence: Rounds out the cast (likely as the editor, Merry Golden), adding to the multi-perspective "puzzle" where every character is hiding something from the others.
It’s a masterclass in "cringe-thriller" fiction. Laura Zigman manages to make a literal crime scene feel like a secondary inconvenience compared to the horror of a bad book review or a younger rival’s success. If you’ve ever wondered how far an "introvert" will go to save their reputation, this book provides a chillingly cynical answer: all the way.
Recs...
If you enjoyed the mix of dark comedy, publishing industry satire, and "locked-room" tension in The Author Weekend, here are some similar book recommendations with a sprinkling of a Laura Lippman vibe.
~Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
~The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
~The Club by Ellery Lloyd
~The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
~Very Bad Company & The Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Special thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 5, 2026
May 2026 Must-Read Books
May Newsletter
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️
I went into this one thinking I’d already read books like it before… I was completely wrong.
This was my first time reading Laura Zigman, and I’ve had her on my radar for a while, so I was genuinely excited to finally dive in, especially on audio. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy.
At its core, the author weekend trope is one I’ve read before, but the premise here felt genuinely unique, and that’s what made this stand out from other books in the contemporary mystery genre. Zigman took something familiar and gave it a sharper, more character-driven edge.
What really pulled me in wasn’t even the mystery angle, it was the dialogue. It’s quick, biting, a little chaotic, and kind of addictive. I felt like I was eavesdropping half the time, in a good way.
I really loved Faye and Jade’s characters the most, and on top of that, I liked the dynamics between them. There was something about their interactions that added another layer to the story and kept me invested.
The whole “middle-aged author trying to stay relevant while everything around her starts to shift” storyline could have gone a dozen predictable directions, but this leaned more character-driven than I expected. Less about shocking twists, more about watching everything slowly unravel under pressure. And I was into that.
The narration by Gabra Zackman, Carol Monda, Joel Froomkin, and Emily Lawrence really elevated the story. Each voice felt distinct, making the multiple perspectives easy to follow while adding just the right amount of depth and personality.
All in all, this is a sharp, slightly satirical slow burn with teeth… and a lot to say about ambition, relevance, and the publishing world. And, it ended up being a really solid first experience with Laura Zigman for me, and I’m definitely curious to see what else she does.
Thanks again to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
I went into this one thinking I’d already read books like it before… I was completely wrong.
This was my first time reading Laura Zigman, and I’ve had her on my radar for a while, so I was genuinely excited to finally dive in, especially on audio. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy.
At its core, the author weekend trope is one I’ve read before, but the premise here felt genuinely unique, and that’s what made this stand out from other books in the contemporary mystery genre. Zigman took something familiar and gave it a sharper, more character-driven edge.
What really pulled me in wasn’t even the mystery angle, it was the dialogue. It’s quick, biting, a little chaotic, and kind of addictive. I felt like I was eavesdropping half the time, in a good way.
I really loved Faye and Jade’s characters the most, and on top of that, I liked the dynamics between them. There was something about their interactions that added another layer to the story and kept me invested.
The whole “middle-aged author trying to stay relevant while everything around her starts to shift” storyline could have gone a dozen predictable directions, but this leaned more character-driven than I expected. Less about shocking twists, more about watching everything slowly unravel under pressure. And I was into that.
The narration by Gabra Zackman, Carol Monda, Joel Froomkin, and Emily Lawrence really elevated the story. Each voice felt distinct, making the multiple perspectives easy to follow while adding just the right amount of depth and personality.
All in all, this is a sharp, slightly satirical slow burn with teeth… and a lot to say about ambition, relevance, and the publishing world. And, it ended up being a really solid first experience with Laura Zigman for me, and I’m definitely curious to see what else she does.
Thanks again to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Darkly comedic, deeply introspective, and wonderfully twisted, The Author Weekend was quite the satirical look into the publishing world. With a Devil Wears Prada-meets-The White Lotus feel and a handful of characters that will have you laughing out loud, it was a truly unforgettable ride of jealousy and greed. You see, while the book definitely fell more on the drama side of the equation, the mystery attributes were there just the same. Between the locked-room setting and the mild And Then There Were None vibe, it seemed as if it was heading straight for whodunnit-land. But then the secrets weren’t kept, well, secret and the killer was made obvious. Laying it all out in full glaring view, it made me fall in love with the nuanced characters, deliciously unhinged behavior, and soap opera-like level of drama even more. Trust me when I say that this cheeky, snark-filled novel delivered in spades.
So what in particular was an utter home run beyond what I’ve already named? Well, on top of the delightfully eccentric characters, literary world insights, and on-point twists and turns, I was utterly bowled over by the thought-provoking themes. With insight into loyalty, self-worth, and envy, the biting commentary meshed well with the murder mystery at its core. But then again, the hilarity of the insanity was still the best part. From a publicist with an over-the-top cat obsession to the Midsomer Murder-esque deaths, this wild and crazy ride was beyond fun. Don’t get me wrong, there was a touch of the truth beneath all the satire. That being said, the crazed bridezilla-like authors and dark, unhinged madness made this into an unputdownable, binge-worthy read. So, despite the multiple murders, I’d kill to be a fly on the wall on Misery Island. Heck, I’d happily sign up to be there for real. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Everything needs to be just right for bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader's first ever fan weekend. Her sales might be slipping—only a little!—but her readers still love her enough to pony up for three days and two nights on Great Misery Island. The retreat is precisely planned, from the small batch artisanal donuts to the perimenopausal Mermaid Meditation, by Faye and her beleaguered assistant Jade—an aspiring author who can't seem to finish her own novel.
Faye's long-time agent and editor will be there, as well as Faye's number one fan, Peggy Mercer, who has been first in line at every one of Faye's events. When news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous, charismatic, rival novelist Abby Schuss, Faye thinks things can't get worse...until one of the attendees is found dead in her room, setting off an unexpectedly murderous chain of events that make pre-pub anxiety seem like a day at the beach. How far is Faye willing to go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
Thank you Laura Zigman and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 5, 2026
Content warning: death, murder, mention of: death of a spouse
So what in particular was an utter home run beyond what I’ve already named? Well, on top of the delightfully eccentric characters, literary world insights, and on-point twists and turns, I was utterly bowled over by the thought-provoking themes. With insight into loyalty, self-worth, and envy, the biting commentary meshed well with the murder mystery at its core. But then again, the hilarity of the insanity was still the best part. From a publicist with an over-the-top cat obsession to the Midsomer Murder-esque deaths, this wild and crazy ride was beyond fun. Don’t get me wrong, there was a touch of the truth beneath all the satire. That being said, the crazed bridezilla-like authors and dark, unhinged madness made this into an unputdownable, binge-worthy read. So, despite the multiple murders, I’d kill to be a fly on the wall on Misery Island. Heck, I’d happily sign up to be there for real. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Everything needs to be just right for bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader's first ever fan weekend. Her sales might be slipping—only a little!—but her readers still love her enough to pony up for three days and two nights on Great Misery Island. The retreat is precisely planned, from the small batch artisanal donuts to the perimenopausal Mermaid Meditation, by Faye and her beleaguered assistant Jade—an aspiring author who can't seem to finish her own novel.
Faye's long-time agent and editor will be there, as well as Faye's number one fan, Peggy Mercer, who has been first in line at every one of Faye's events. When news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous, charismatic, rival novelist Abby Schuss, Faye thinks things can't get worse...until one of the attendees is found dead in her room, setting off an unexpectedly murderous chain of events that make pre-pub anxiety seem like a day at the beach. How far is Faye willing to go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
Thank you Laura Zigman and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 5, 2026
Content warning: death, murder, mention of: death of a spouse
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Would you go to an author retreat on an island named Great Misery Island? Apparently there are “characters” willing to give the place a shot if a famous author is hosting. PS: A foreshadowing of the event can be found in the book’s epigraph.
This is a clever, satirical and most humorous look at the publishing and writing business with a whodunnit extra. Faye Wader, best selling author of a hit mystery series, is jealous of Abby Schuss, a romantasy author with a bigger fan base. To get more interest in her books and to build up her base, Faith decides to have an author retreat. Fifty fans sign up along with #1 fan, Peggy Mercer. Whey happens at the weekend is captured through the voices of Jade Smythe, Faith’s miserable assistant: her agent, Hall Tinder who doesn’t think her 15th novel is going to get published; and, her editor, Merry Golden, who had some hard news to deliver. When Abby Schuss shows up and Peggy Mercer comes up dead, it looks like the retreat might be a great misery for some of the guests.
I laughed a lot as I read this book. First the last names are hilarious if you think about it - Faith’s book are tanking (wader) and Abby’s are flying (Schuss) off the shelves. Second the preparations for the retreat were so tedious to read you get immediately what a selfish petty woman Faith is. There are other things I found clever but suffice it to say the ending is the best!
This is a book I’m definitely going to reread again. It has the chutzpah that sparkles and tantalizes you. Don’t miss it.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is a clever, satirical and most humorous look at the publishing and writing business with a whodunnit extra. Faye Wader, best selling author of a hit mystery series, is jealous of Abby Schuss, a romantasy author with a bigger fan base. To get more interest in her books and to build up her base, Faith decides to have an author retreat. Fifty fans sign up along with #1 fan, Peggy Mercer. Whey happens at the weekend is captured through the voices of Jade Smythe, Faith’s miserable assistant: her agent, Hall Tinder who doesn’t think her 15th novel is going to get published; and, her editor, Merry Golden, who had some hard news to deliver. When Abby Schuss shows up and Peggy Mercer comes up dead, it looks like the retreat might be a great misery for some of the guests.
I laughed a lot as I read this book. First the last names are hilarious if you think about it - Faith’s book are tanking (wader) and Abby’s are flying (Schuss) off the shelves. Second the preparations for the retreat were so tedious to read you get immediately what a selfish petty woman Faith is. There are other things I found clever but suffice it to say the ending is the best!
This is a book I’m definitely going to reread again. It has the chutzpah that sparkles and tantalizes you. Don’t miss it.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
May 5, 2026
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
Faye Wader is having her first ever fan weekend, three days and two nights on Great Misery Island, and a bevy of activities planned for her fans. Faye's stressed out and over-worked assistant Jade will be there to make sure things run smoothly. Also in attendance will be Faye’s long-time agent and editor, as well as Faye’s number one fan, Peggy Mercer, who is always first in line at every one of Faye’s events. Then news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous, charismatic, rival novelist Abby Schuss, which sets Faye off on a spiral. Faye thinks things can’t get worse … until one of the attendees is found dead in her room, setting off an unexpectedly murderous chain of events. How far is Faye willing to go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
Faye was so unlikable, she made the perfect "villain" of the story. She would say or do the worst things and then when she realized she made whatever group of fans she happened to be speaking to at the time mad, or repulsed, or some other negative feeling towards her, she would immediately backtrack and try to rewrite the narrative. Which of course further alienated her audience. It was just a vicious cycle. Then the murders started, and well, I don't want to spoil that for you, but I will just say it became sort of an Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None situation. It definitely made me question my interactions with authors and wonder how genuine those were, or if all authors are as fake as Faye and feel as annoyed by their fans as she did.
Faye Wader is having her first ever fan weekend, three days and two nights on Great Misery Island, and a bevy of activities planned for her fans. Faye's stressed out and over-worked assistant Jade will be there to make sure things run smoothly. Also in attendance will be Faye’s long-time agent and editor, as well as Faye’s number one fan, Peggy Mercer, who is always first in line at every one of Faye’s events. Then news comes that the weekend will be crashed by glamorous, charismatic, rival novelist Abby Schuss, which sets Faye off on a spiral. Faye thinks things can’t get worse … until one of the attendees is found dead in her room, setting off an unexpectedly murderous chain of events. How far is Faye willing to go to get exactly what she wants from her author weekend?
Faye was so unlikable, she made the perfect "villain" of the story. She would say or do the worst things and then when she realized she made whatever group of fans she happened to be speaking to at the time mad, or repulsed, or some other negative feeling towards her, she would immediately backtrack and try to rewrite the narrative. Which of course further alienated her audience. It was just a vicious cycle. Then the murders started, and well, I don't want to spoil that for you, but I will just say it became sort of an Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None situation. It definitely made me question my interactions with authors and wonder how genuine those were, or if all authors are as fake as Faye and feel as annoyed by their fans as she did.
May 14, 2026
Author Faye Wader's career is starting to wane. Her mystery series about a crime-solving math teacher still has legions of fans, but new writers, like Abby Schuss, who has been organizing fan events, are surpassing her in popularity and sales. In response, Faye plans her own fan weekend in her home state of Massachusetts on the remote Great Misery Island. Her assistant, Jade Smythe, an aspiring writer, organizes a fun weekend for fifty of Faye's most dedicated fans, including superfan Peggy Mercer, who has discovered a secret about Faye. Also attending are her agent Hal and editor Merry from the publisher Hatchet House. Faye eagerly awaits getting their reaction to the manuscript of her 15th novel, but she will not be happy to learn that they don't feel it is sellable, as it dwells too much on the angst of her aging protagonist. Then, rival Abby Schuss unexpectedly shows up for the speaker's panel and Faye is outraged. How did this happen? The event started off very badly as one of the guests is found dead in her room and they must keep it under wraps during the event. Was it an accident, or something more sinister?
The Author Weekend by Laura Zigman is a dark, fun send-up of the publishing world, told from the perspectives of Jade, Faye, Hal, and Merry. The weekend's event schedule and the characters' interactions will keep you amused. Faye's publicist, Xoey Catz (formerly Katz), was a favorite. She arrives with her cat, Fluff, who has his own Instagram account, in his stroller, the bedazzled Fluff Mobile. However, the star here is Faye, who is deliciously unhinged. Enjoy.
The Author Weekend by Laura Zigman is a dark, fun send-up of the publishing world, told from the perspectives of Jade, Faye, Hal, and Merry. The weekend's event schedule and the characters' interactions will keep you amused. Faye's publicist, Xoey Catz (formerly Katz), was a favorite. She arrives with her cat, Fluff, who has his own Instagram account, in his stroller, the bedazzled Fluff Mobile. However, the star here is Faye, who is deliciously unhinged. Enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While the synopsis of this book made me think that it was a variation of And then there were none, it’s not strictly a whodunit. It’s not even a mystery. None of the usual tropes are present: their cell phones are confiscated, but they have landlines in each room; there is no storm, no real isolation. You also know who does the killing, and readers are privy to all the secrets. So why is it so suspenseful? Because it’s so well written and impeccably narrated by Gabra Zackman; Carol Monda; Joel Froomkin and Emily Lawrence. They portray all the characters with great nuance, delivering excellent performances. Faye Wader, the bestselling writer at the heart of this novel, is not likable. As much as I wanted to cheer for her, she does nothing to ingratiate herself to the reader. And yet, I was riveted, needing to know what she was going to do next. There are a lot of dialogues about books, reading, fiction and even grammar (which makes me nervous to write a review about it, I can picture the characters commenting on my poor writing skills).I enjoyed the backstage access to the publishing world, with enough drama to fill a soap opera. Bonus points for adding a kitty influencer, which added some much needed humor without being cutesy.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Blackstone Publishing.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Blackstone Publishing.
May 5, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Laura Zigman, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Gabra Zackman, Carol Monda, Joel Froomkin, and Emily Lawrence. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!
This is bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader's first-ever fan weekend. Everything is precisely planned by Faye and her assistant down to the smallest detail. What wasn't planned was the attendance of rival novelist Abby Schuss. Faye thinks things can't get worse - until there's a dead body.
I'm been a fan of Zigman's work in the past and this was so much fun - I can't count how many times I laughed out loud at the antics. Told from multiple POV, we hear from Faye, Jade, as well as her publisher, agent, and others. The audiobook cast makes this even more fun and I so enjoyed listening to it. It's a satirical (maybe?) look into the publishing world, where allegiances are only as good as the latest sale numbers, with the addition of a locked-room murder mystery. Certainly not all the characters are likable, but they are ones that you will still be kind of rooting for because you can relate to their insecurities. It's wild and the ending was pitch perfect. A must read if you like your humor a little on the dark side!
This is bestselling mystery writer Faye Wader's first-ever fan weekend. Everything is precisely planned by Faye and her assistant down to the smallest detail. What wasn't planned was the attendance of rival novelist Abby Schuss. Faye thinks things can't get worse - until there's a dead body.
I'm been a fan of Zigman's work in the past and this was so much fun - I can't count how many times I laughed out loud at the antics. Told from multiple POV, we hear from Faye, Jade, as well as her publisher, agent, and others. The audiobook cast makes this even more fun and I so enjoyed listening to it. It's a satirical (maybe?) look into the publishing world, where allegiances are only as good as the latest sale numbers, with the addition of a locked-room murder mystery. Certainly not all the characters are likable, but they are ones that you will still be kind of rooting for because you can relate to their insecurities. It's wild and the ending was pitch perfect. A must read if you like your humor a little on the dark side!
May 16, 2026
This was my first Laura Zigman book and I must say, it won't be my last. This amusing suspense story set inside the publishing industry about an author and her nemesis who have been around since long before the arrival of social media and the need to perform, promote, and build an author platform for fans is a welcome treat for readers who are dying to know more about the lives of their favorite authors. When Faye Wader plans a getaway weekend with her biggest fans because that's what all the other big authors are doing, things soon go south, leaving her to desperately guard secrets that could undo her author career. Together with her assistant, Jade, she tries to salvage the weekend, but it seems like no matter what happens to appease the fans and publishing executives, things continue to roll down hill. A cozy suspense novel filled with humor that you don't need to be an author to appreciate, The Author Weekend is filled with interesting and likable characters that sometimes feel like they are from a Women's Fiction story, which also happens to be the protagonist's chosen genre. Over all, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. And if you do happen to write or work in the publishing industry, you might find yourself chuckling about some insider jokes that could also make you want to watch your back. All joking aside, I highly recommend this clever novel!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Author Weekend is messy, dramatic, and dripping in petty ambition.
Chaos wrapped in satire, this delivers. Think clashing egos, fragile reputations, and the kind of jealousy that simmers just beneath polite smiles. Faye Wader is the definition of an unreliable, slightly delusional main character and is desperate to hold onto her success while everything around her starts to crack. Reading while she's trying to control every detail of this weekend while it slowly spirals out of her grasp was both painful and wildly entertaining.
The setting is an exclusive author retreat on Great Misery Island. It is perfect. It feels isolated, tense, and just a little unhinged from the start. Add in a rival author, a loyal (and slightly obsessive) fan, a burnt-out assistant, and industry insiders with their own agendas… and you can already feel the disaster brewing.
And when the murder finally occurs? It somehow makes all the chaos feel even more unhinged in the best way.
It leans into dark humour and character drama and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive.
Everyone is a little terrible, and it works.
Thank you so much Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Laura Zigman for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
Chaos wrapped in satire, this delivers. Think clashing egos, fragile reputations, and the kind of jealousy that simmers just beneath polite smiles. Faye Wader is the definition of an unreliable, slightly delusional main character and is desperate to hold onto her success while everything around her starts to crack. Reading while she's trying to control every detail of this weekend while it slowly spirals out of her grasp was both painful and wildly entertaining.
The setting is an exclusive author retreat on Great Misery Island. It is perfect. It feels isolated, tense, and just a little unhinged from the start. Add in a rival author, a loyal (and slightly obsessive) fan, a burnt-out assistant, and industry insiders with their own agendas… and you can already feel the disaster brewing.
And when the murder finally occurs? It somehow makes all the chaos feel even more unhinged in the best way.
It leans into dark humour and character drama and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive.
Everyone is a little terrible, and it works.
Thank you so much Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Laura Zigman for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
May 18, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
This book events occur over an author’s first fan weekend. The story is told from multiple viewpoints including the author, her assistant, agent and publicist.
The book is supposed to be satire, and I guess that’s what it was? I’m not sure it reached the point of satire or “dark humor” for me. I definitely found it dark, though. However, I’ve seen several reviews that found it hilarious, so maybe this is just a case of “wrong book at the wrong time” for me.
I thought I would enjoy this book, but I just never quite loved it. It was ok, and I was definitely hooked to keep reading. However, it just overall didn’t work for me. I think the issue for me is probably the fact that I just really disliked basically every character. I could almost feel empathy for the main character, but I don’t feel like I ever quite got there.
The buildup was slow, which I was ok with, but the last couple hours of the book turned unhinged real quick lol
I did like the author’s writing style so even though this one didn’t quite work for me, I would try another book by her for sure!
This book events occur over an author’s first fan weekend. The story is told from multiple viewpoints including the author, her assistant, agent and publicist.
The book is supposed to be satire, and I guess that’s what it was? I’m not sure it reached the point of satire or “dark humor” for me. I definitely found it dark, though. However, I’ve seen several reviews that found it hilarious, so maybe this is just a case of “wrong book at the wrong time” for me.
I thought I would enjoy this book, but I just never quite loved it. It was ok, and I was definitely hooked to keep reading. However, it just overall didn’t work for me. I think the issue for me is probably the fact that I just really disliked basically every character. I could almost feel empathy for the main character, but I don’t feel like I ever quite got there.
The buildup was slow, which I was ok with, but the last couple hours of the book turned unhinged real quick lol
I did like the author’s writing style so even though this one didn’t quite work for me, I would try another book by her for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Author Weekend by Laura Zigman. Thanks to blackstonepublishing for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Faye Wader is having her first author’s weekend, inviting her best fans to an island for a three days. When news that her nemesis, glamorous rival novelist Abby Schuss, has joined the weekend, Faye doesn’t think it could get worse ; until a guest turns up dead.
This is a dark story that really gets in the depths of the publishing world. It was a very psychological look at an author and the weekend that’s supposed to be entirely about her. She definitely has some issues that get worse and worse as the weekend goes by. It shows the cut throat world of the industy, but also how perception is king. I really liked the ironic ending and felt a little bit of dark humor there.
“It was supposed to be a weekend to remember. One none of us would ever forget. Books. Beach. Booze. Buzz. No one was supposed to die.”
Read if you like:
-Downward spirals
-Books about books or publishing industry
-Multi perspectives
The Author Weekend comes out 5/5.
Faye Wader is having her first author’s weekend, inviting her best fans to an island for a three days. When news that her nemesis, glamorous rival novelist Abby Schuss, has joined the weekend, Faye doesn’t think it could get worse ; until a guest turns up dead.
This is a dark story that really gets in the depths of the publishing world. It was a very psychological look at an author and the weekend that’s supposed to be entirely about her. She definitely has some issues that get worse and worse as the weekend goes by. It shows the cut throat world of the industy, but also how perception is king. I really liked the ironic ending and felt a little bit of dark humor there.
“It was supposed to be a weekend to remember. One none of us would ever forget. Books. Beach. Booze. Buzz. No one was supposed to die.”
Read if you like:
-Downward spirals
-Books about books or publishing industry
-Multi perspectives
The Author Weekend comes out 5/5.
Review of advance copy
This isn't Laura Zigman's first novel, but "The Author Weekend" marks my first encounter with her work. I practically devoured this book in an afternoon, and I must say, it left a lasting impression. It's an incredibly entertaining read that balances humor and darkness, provoking laughter until guilt kicks in. The novel exposes a shadowy side of the publishing industry that makes me wonder whether such depths truly exist. The characters are richly drawn, with complexities that kept me rooting for the protagonist despite the shocking twists and turns. Zigman's storytelling is bold and compelling, filled with sass, snark, and angst that bring the narrative vividly to life. The power of her prose made me feel like I was right there at the party, cheering on the heroine from the pages of her fictional world. And I have to ask—how fabulous was this Author's Weekend? Honestly, sign me up—I'm all in.
Thank you to the publisher, Black Stone Publishing, the author, Laura Zigman and my favorite bookstore, Bedford Books for this ARC. The book releases on May 5, 2026.
Thank you to the publisher, Black Stone Publishing, the author, Laura Zigman and my favorite bookstore, Bedford Books for this ARC. The book releases on May 5, 2026.
May 8, 2026
The Author Weekend feels like a season of The White Lotus set on an island off the North Shore of Massachusetts. Great Misery Island is the perfect backdrop for this twisty murder mystery, and the name alone tells you things are not going to end well.
The story follows Faye Wader, a bestselling mystery author hosting an exclusive fan weekend that quickly spirals into chaos. What makes the audiobook especially entertaining is the cast of characters and the four first-person narrators, each bringing a different perspective and personality to the drama. At its core, the story is a messy publishing-world satire filled with secrets, rivalries, and egos, and before long, bodies start showing up.
The audiobook narration keeps the story moving at a fast pace, and the multiple points of view make it easy to get invested in the characters, even when they’re behaving badly. If you enjoy locked-island mysteries, publishing drama, and dark humor with a side of murder, this is a fun listen.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.
The story follows Faye Wader, a bestselling mystery author hosting an exclusive fan weekend that quickly spirals into chaos. What makes the audiobook especially entertaining is the cast of characters and the four first-person narrators, each bringing a different perspective and personality to the drama. At its core, the story is a messy publishing-world satire filled with secrets, rivalries, and egos, and before long, bodies start showing up.
The audiobook narration keeps the story moving at a fast pace, and the multiple points of view make it easy to get invested in the characters, even when they’re behaving badly. If you enjoy locked-island mysteries, publishing drama, and dark humor with a side of murder, this is a fun listen.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ALC.
May 14, 2026
Wow. This was an impulse read after reading the description as I was looking for a mystery to read. This author, Laura Zigman, was a new author for me.
I can’t fully put my finger on why I enjoyed this novel so much. It was both funny and unpredictable. Sometimes, reading the character’s choices was like watching a train wreck about to happen.
Faye Wader is a mystery author who seems to be nearing the end of her career--at least, the silence from her publisher about her new novel and the edits from her agent suggests this. Faye is typically a shy, aging, people-avoiding author, but decides to host her first-ever fan weekend on a secluded island called Great Misery Island with the help of her assistant, Jade. Unfortunately, things do not go according to plan and one of Faye’s fans ends up dead.
There are some other notable characters to watch for Faye’s author nemesis, Abby Schuss and a cat-loving social media expert.
A novel definitely worth a read.
I can’t fully put my finger on why I enjoyed this novel so much. It was both funny and unpredictable. Sometimes, reading the character’s choices was like watching a train wreck about to happen.
Faye Wader is a mystery author who seems to be nearing the end of her career--at least, the silence from her publisher about her new novel and the edits from her agent suggests this. Faye is typically a shy, aging, people-avoiding author, but decides to host her first-ever fan weekend on a secluded island called Great Misery Island with the help of her assistant, Jade. Unfortunately, things do not go according to plan and one of Faye’s fans ends up dead.
There are some other notable characters to watch for Faye’s author nemesis, Abby Schuss and a cat-loving social media expert.
A novel definitely worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Author Weekend is a humorous inside look into the publishing industry. When established author Faye Wader decides to host a fan weekend, she hopes it will boost her lagging sales. A curated three day retreat on Misery Island with themed events around the main character in the novels is sure to attract her readers. Faye’s most devoted fan, her agent and publisher are all in attendance. When her nemesis, popular and charismatic author Abby Schuss crashes the event, Faye thinks it’s the worst thing that can happen until one of the guests is discovered dead in her room.
Faye’s increasingly desperate lengths to stay relevant in the cut-throat publishing industry build the suspense. A variety of characters including a publicist obsessed with her cat, add to the humor. This laugh out loud page turner is a refreshing twist on the classic mystery.
Faye’s increasingly desperate lengths to stay relevant in the cut-throat publishing industry build the suspense. A variety of characters including a publicist obsessed with her cat, add to the humor. This laugh out loud page turner is a refreshing twist on the classic mystery.
May 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ALC of this title.
This book was FUN! Set during a fan weekend for a waning in popularity author, Faye Wader, we get an inside look at the publishing world and what it's like to be an author desperately holding onto their fame. Other characters include Jade (Faye's assistant), Abby Schuss (Faye's rival and arch nemesis), Hal (Faye's agent), and Merry (Faye's editor). I loved the different perspectives from each character, but I loved Faye the most!
The dark satirical nature of this novel was delicious. Without spoiling anything, the deaths were less shocking and more "oh my god this is fantastic." I LOVED the ending.
If you are a fan of dark satire, this one is for you. The narration by different narrators really captured each character, but a physical copy of this would also be perfect. I was rooting for crazy Faye!
This book was FUN! Set during a fan weekend for a waning in popularity author, Faye Wader, we get an inside look at the publishing world and what it's like to be an author desperately holding onto their fame. Other characters include Jade (Faye's assistant), Abby Schuss (Faye's rival and arch nemesis), Hal (Faye's agent), and Merry (Faye's editor). I loved the different perspectives from each character, but I loved Faye the most!
The dark satirical nature of this novel was delicious. Without spoiling anything, the deaths were less shocking and more "oh my god this is fantastic." I LOVED the ending.
If you are a fan of dark satire, this one is for you. The narration by different narrators really captured each character, but a physical copy of this would also be perfect. I was rooting for crazy Faye!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews