Sweet Spot

Ghostwriter Mystery #3

by Kemper Donovan

The USA Today bestselling host of the “All About Agatha” podcast injects the spark and fizz of a Golden Age Murder Mystery into the present day, as a ghostwriter-turned-sleuth must find a devious killer who’s transforming her new assignment into a real-life thriller…

Ghostwriters, just like ghosts, shouldn’t exist. Knowing that the latest juicy memoir was penned by a stranger for a paycheck tends to ruin the illusion of intimacy. But not every ghostwriter is in it for the money alone.

For Belle Currer—as the ghostwriter extraordinaire prefers to be known—Genevieve Caraway’s memoir is an irresistible project, a tale of tragedy overcome. At 14, Genevieve was abducted from her bedroom by a couple and held hostage for three months. She’s now a happily married mother with a flourishing career, a poster child for thriving after trauma. Still, the scars haven’t entirely faded.

Genevieve’s lavish Utah home, “Sweet Spot,” is a guarded compound impregnable to outsiders—theoretically, at least. But Belle’s arrival coincides with the parole of Deirdre Gregory, one of Genevieve’s kidnappers. When Deirdre shows up at Sweet Spot begging to see Genevieve, she is refused. The next day, Deirdre’s dead body is found on the grounds.

How did Deirdre get in? More importantly, who killed her? Belle soon joins Detective Kay Adams, the pregnant Mormon detective assigned to the case, in sifting through the suspects. The compound is filled with family and friends—and also with secrets, including one the ghostwriter has been carrying for far too long. She knows how guilt, remorse, and love can drive people to do unthinkable things. And that no matter how much you try to keep the world at bay, the best and worst of it may find a way to get in . . .

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Audiobook, Thriller

368 pages, Hardcover

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

Kemper Donovan is a full-time writer who is currently publishing an ongoing mystery series via Kensington Books (The Busy Body is the first in this series). Previously, he published the standalone novel The Decent Proposal (HarperCollins). He is also the host of the podcast All About Agatha, dedicated to all things Agatha Christie, in which guise he has appeared on BBC TV and Radio New Zealand, and written for the official Agatha Christie website at agathachristie.com. Kemper attended Stanford University and Harvard Law School, and now lives in Southern California with his husband and two daughters. Learn more at www.kemperdonovan.com, @allaboutthedame on Twitter, @allaboutagatha on Instagram, and kemperdonovanbooks on Facebook.

Reviews

[Marcie Reads]

🍰 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗸𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿... 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 😅

The audiobook narration by Eva Kaminsky was excellent, and once the investigation picked up, I really enjoyed following the clues and trying to work out the culprit. The reveal genuinely surprised me and made the slow start worthwhile.

Unfortunately, I never connected with Belle. Her snarky inner monologue became repetitive, and the frequent moments where she addressed the reader kept pulling me out of the story. The opening was also slower than I would have liked before the mystery finally found its footing.

A clever mystery with a satisfying ending, but a protagonist who never quite won me over.

Thank you to Kemper Donovan, RBmedia | Recorded Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Sue]

Predictable and a little long winded and self indulgent.....

[Mái Medina]

Book #29
Rating ⭐️⭐️💫

Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan was such a disappointing read for me because I really wanted to love it. I’m a big fan of the author’s podcast, and to be fair, this is a very easy and quick read… but wow, I struggled so much with the writing style 😩

The inner thoughts of the main female character read more like a teenager than a professional woman in her 40s, and the descriptions of the female detective were honestly painful to read. At one point she’s described as having a “rodent-like air” with “protruding teeth” like a squirrel or beaver, and later her laugh is compared to a “chipmunk cackle” edging into “hyena territory.” It was so unnecessarily demeaning and objectifying that it completely took me out of the story.

What frustrated me the most is that these descriptions are coming from the perspective of another female character. I just found it infuriating, and there were multiple moments where I genuinely considered DNFing the book altogether.

The mystery itself was… fine. Entertaining enough to keep me reading, but the final twist felt incredibly far-fetched. I honestly would never have guessed that’s how it happened, but not in a satisfying “OMG” way… more in a “sure, I guess 😐” kind of way.

I’m genuinely sad this one didn’t work for me because I went in wanting to enjoy it so badly. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get past the writing and the way women were described throughout the book.

⭐️ 2.5 stars, mostly because I actually finished it.

[Christine]

4.25 stars
In the newest Ghostwriter mystery, the main character who goes by her pen name, Belle Currer, has the chance to ghostwrite a memoir of a woman she greatly admires. Genevieve Caraway was held hostage as a teenager, but is now thriving. Shortly after Belle arrives at Genevieve's Utah home, one of the abductors is released from prison and the next day is found dead on the grounds of the Caraway home. Belle is asked by the detective on the case to help her investigate.

The character of Genevieve seems to be inspired by Elizabeth Smart, but is definitely fictional. Belle is a flawed character, but I love her intelligence and determination. I like the humor but some of her snarkiness is mean in this book. However, Belle also shows a more vulnerable side, making her a complex character. The case takes a shocking turn, and it will be interesting to see how this affects Belle in the future. This book works as a standalone, but if you enjoy it, you'll want to go back to the first book, The Busy Body, my favorite in the series.


I received an advance copy of this book from Kensington Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Steph Troyan]

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Pub Date: 6/30
•
I received a copy of an ARC and an ALC in exchange for my honest review from NetGalley, Recorded Books Media and Kensington books and Kemper Donovan, many thanks this was a pleasure to read! I think that mystery fans will eat this book up! This was such a fun read! I am really looking forward to going back and reading the others in this series!  
•
Sweet Spot is the third in the Ghostwriter Mystery Series. I had never read the first two but had no problem reading this as a standalone, as the main characters in each of the books are different from my understanding. I definitely want to go back and read the first two in the series though. I really enjoyed this story as a whole. I loved the idea of Belle ghostwriting Geneveive's abduction story and the murder of one of the released abusers. The entire mystery was so intriguing and had me flying through this book. I did manage to figure out part of the big reveal, but not entirely which made this one even more fun for me.
•
I listened to this via audiobook while reading my ARC. Eva Kaminsky was fantastic for this role. I love where she took this story. If you just wanted to listen to this book, it's very easy to follow without the physical copy. 

[Wondrously Bookish Cristina]

This is such a delightful romp through Golden Age style murder mysteries with a ghost writer added in for good measure, and soem breaking down the forth wall. If you enjoy Benjamin Stevenson Anthony Horowitz but wish they could write their books faster, then this might right up your alley.

The narrator does such a fabulous job of giving depth to each character that I can't imagine ever reading the series with my own eyes.

Give this one a go and you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

[Michele Dancer]

This is the third book in this series and I was iffy about it at first. It is plainly inspired by an actual and extremely famous case from several years ago. It was pretty horrible reading about what happened at the time and I wasn't sure I wanted to refresh the fading memories.
As it turned out, it was so well-written and enough interesting fictional twists and turns were added that it kept me reading. It will depend upon your ability to suspend disbelief to determine whether or not you will enjoy the book. Mine is pretty strong but even I was left shaking my head and saying "no way" when the killer is revealed, but it was at the end of the story so I was able to enjoy some quality reading right up until then.
Unfortunately, my favorite character was Kay, the pregnant Mormon detective in charge of the case. She was smart, brash, and funny and deserves a series of her own, but since the amateur detective in this series is the ghostwriter, I don't think we'll be seeing her again.

[Lisa]

Another fun read with Sweet Spot. Kemper Donovan gives us a wonderfully snarky, fiercely independent ghostwriter turned accidental detective, with a sharp eye for other people’s secrets.

She’s clever, funny and prickly enough to keep things interesting, and the mystery moves along with plenty of wit and personality. For me, the real pleasure of the book was less about the mechanics of the case and more about spending time with a heroine who is observant about everyone except, apparently, the men she chooses to date.

[Bookaholic__Reviews]

Sweet Spot is the third book in the Ghostwriter mystery series but the only one that I have personally read. I don't know if Belle Currer is the FMC in those also or if each book is about a different ghost writer.


Belle Currer was hired to be a ghost writer for Genevieve Caraway who is wanting to write a memoir. Caraway was the survivor of an abduction that bears some similarities to the real life case of Elizabeth Smart. Belle arrives to Sweet Spot, the home of Caraway and around the same time, one of the persons implicated in the abduction is paroled. It doesn't take long for things to fall into a deadly spiral from there which leads to the introduction of a few more characters including Detective Kay Adams.

Tbh, I have seen a few reviews that people really didn't like Belle. I think that Belle was witty albeit a little extra at times. However for me the absolute star of the show was Kay Adams. I adored her character and she reminded me of Donna Hanscum from the tv series Supernatural.



I think this book is perfect for readers who enjoy cozy mystery and strong female characters. I know I will be going back and checking out the first two books from this series myself.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Samantha]

Another enjoyable installment in the Ghostwriter Mystery series.

Though the setting here is decidedly less interesting and less well developed than in Loose Lips, this is still a compelling story and a well structured mystery with a fun twist near the end.

I’m surprised to see so many reviewers saying they don’t care for Belle, because I find her delightful. She’s sharp, witty, and refreshingly not perfect, and seems to be able to deploy just the right amount of snark without it devolving into sanctimony.

The premise for the mystery is a bit sad, and it’s sort of an alarming portrait of victim blaming and family members who cannot cope with trauma to a loved one.

But Donovan does well at keeping the mood light without cheapening the characters’ experiences, and I always appreciate that the mysteries Donovan builds are complex but straightforward.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Molly McCarthy]

Whiplash ending (no spoilers)

I read books 1 and 2 of this series and was looking forward to the third. And I enjoyed the first 70% of this book until the author’s imagination took a wild leap landing with a series of unlikely events, finally screeching to a halt with an implausible ending. In the end it was more annoying than enjoyable.

[Jennifer Cumming]

Thank you to Goodreads and Kensington Publishing for a copy of this book and an opportunity to review!

If you are looking for a classic whodunit to read next to the pool or sitting on a plane on the way to summer vacation, this is your pick. If you have never read a Kemper Donovan before, I invite you to explore his other books and get to know Belle Currer, the ghostwriter protagonist who seems to always find herself in situations where someone ends up dead.

Sweet Spot follows Belle on her journey out west, where she is teaming up with a child-victim-turned-celebrity, Genevieve Caraway, to write Genevieve's memoir. Upon her arrival, Belle is greeted by several members of Genevieve's family and friends on what turns out to be the exact day one of Genevieve's former captors is released from prison. Shortly after Belle's arrival, the captor is found dead on Genevieve's property under suspicious circumstances, resulting in all house members becoming suspects.

As much as I loved the book and truly enjoyed being an amateur sleuth by trying to determine who was responsible for the death on the property, I found the big reveal and accompanying storyline to lack realism when compared to the rest of the story. Belle, a writer, somehow always manages to solve crimes before actual detectives and piece things together that are awfully convenient and not obvious. However, as a reader, if you can suspend disbelief and just go with the storyline without focusing on the flaws, I promise it is a fun, easy, detective mystery that validates Kemper Donovan as a fabulous and fun mystery writer.

[Tam Sesto]

Intriguing mystery with fascinating characters. I do wish the author would have been less wordy ie; filler and maybe move the Thesaurus further away. The mystery itself, which when the author was concentrating on it, was actually quite good.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Amy Gray]

Ghostwriter Belle Currer is back for a third book---this time she's set to write the memoir of Genevieve Caraway, who was abducted and held hostage as a teenager. Currer travels to Caraway's home in Utah, where right off the bat one of the kidnappers is paroled, shows up at Genevieve's house, and then is found murdered. Currer partners with a local detective to figure out who's the killer.

This latest title in the Ghostwriter series reminds me of the first title, The Busy Body, and I have some of the same criticism--I wasn't as thrilled with the meat of the investigation that mostly consisted of Belle & the detective interviewing the suspects--I would have liked a little less dialogue and more action. I didn't think this book was as funny or snarky as Loose Lips, and the killer was somewhate transparent due to Belle's blind spot/questionable decisions. Recommended if you're ok with a mystery that's mostly conversation.

[Robin]

This is the third book in a series that is strikingly original in many ways. In the first book, Donovan’s heroine was not even named. She was just functioning as a ghostwriter (and amateur sleuth) for a Hilary Clinton-esque politician, who had recently lost an election. In the second, after writing about the crime she and the Hilary character solved, she’s a mini celebrity, and she’s asked on a cruise as a writing instructor. By book two, she has a pen name – Belle Currer – though it’s made very clear it’s not her real name. In book three, Donovan has chosen to model his story on the heartbreaking abduction of Elizabeth Smart in 2002 in Utah.

This novel is also set in Utah, and the Elizabeth Smart character, Genevieve, has asked Belle to help her write a memoir of the ordeal. While Genevieve has written many other books in the self-help genre, this will be the first straight up memoir of the experience. She lives in a walled compound with husband, son, father and his boyfriend, as well as a Mrs. Danvers like housekeeper. Genevieve’s mother has just died and Belle is set to arrive for the scattering of her ashes.

She is picked up at the airport by Genevieve’s best friend, Abi, who is now dating the man Belle was briefly involved with in the first book. There are a roil of emotions going on, and when the news arrives that one of Genevieve’s kidnappers, who has just been released from prison, has turned up at the front door, everything goes even more sideways. The kidnapper is sent away but the woman is later discovered dead of an apparent fentanyl overdose within the compound the next morning.

The police, who treat Genevieve and her family with kid gloves, are willing to see it as an overdose, but Belle is not so sure, and she soon partners up with one of the detectives on the case, a stalwart Mormon who is also an excellent investigator. She’s willing to work with Belle because of her writing, in addition to the fact that she’s actually solved two murders. The two women make a cute pair, with the sophisticated New Yorker Belle sometimes underestimating Kay’s smarts. Kay’s homespun manner disguises a keen intelligence.

The investigation takes the two to the prison where one of the kidnappers is still incarcerated. They aren’t allowed to see him, but they interview the social worked at the prison who worked with the woman, who said she felt she was totally rehabilitated and very unlikely to have killed herself. The mystery part of this novel is extremely clever, and the only caveat I had with it was how easily Belle hops into bed with a prison guard she’s using for book background.

She and Genevieve bond over their childhoods and the heaviness of assuming blame – Belle has her own family tragedy and resulting estrangements – and the end of the book leaves a very tantalizing thread for the next novel. These novels are cozies with an edge: Donovan does not sheathe his claws, and it’s most often to the benefit of the story, making it fresh and interesting. I’m looking forward to knowing even more about Belle in the next book.

[Just Blue Through Books]

Thank you to NetGalley and to RB Media for the ARC of Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan.

Eva Kaminsky does an excellent job narrating the story -- I genuinely could not stop listening this and devoured it in a day - I wasn't even trying to multitask, at one point I was just on the couch with my eyes closed fully immersed in it.

And, wow, Kemper Donovan. I have read all three books in the series (and do highly recommend that to readers, especially the first book), and I think I felt a bit lukewarm about the second book after loving the first, but this one blew me out of the water.

First, we see a lot of growth for Belle, both with a resolution with Denny from Book 1, but also with finally learning more about her background and who she is and her actually thinking about why she is the way she is. Excellent character development that has been building and finally has pay off - and also the kind of reveal that is understandable and makes it easier to understand her.

Second, the mystery itself and where it takes Belle. I had my doubts at first because I don't love when any media takes a person made famous by tragic circumstances (in this case, Elizabeth Smart) and redoes their story. I liked the first book so much because it was someone who chose to be a public figure (Hilary Clinton) vs someone who became a public figure due to the horror of an incident. That being said, Donovan has a tragic backstory for Genevieve but takes it in a very separate and interesting and different direction. The way Belle and Kay handle it is respectful while also being an absolute page turner. I at first was confused about Kay and what type of foil she might be, but I loved her being on the page with Belle and riffing off each other in really wholesome ways (especially about her daughter, Caro). I think the case of characters was well thought out and that Donovan does an excellent job with the mystery and the murder and its resolution (completely wanting to avoid any spoilers but I was wowed).

Honestly, I loved this one. It ends in a place where a fourth book could really give us more on Belle (perhaps her real name?) amongst other things and it really shows how Belle's evolution and journey are going to shape other stories in the series vs her encountering new murders that shape her -- she now has a lot more strength and awareness that she is willing to use and confront.

[Caitlin Barnett]

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an advance copy of Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan. Full disclosure, I had not read the previous books in this series before diving into this one. I do, however, really like the author’s podcast and did learn beforehand that you can kind of jump in with these and not feel lost. Donovan gives you enough background be feel up to speed without overloading and making you realize you should have just started with book 1.

Our main character, Belle, has been hired ghostwrite Genevieve’s harrowing story of being abducted and held hostage as a teenager, Just as Belle arrives to Genevieve’s “impenetrable” compound, one of the kidnappers is paroled and turned away from the compound when she tries to talk to Genevieve. However, that’s not the last we see the kidnapper as her body is found inside the compound the following morning. And now we enter into our classic locked room mystery scenario and Belle must work with the local police to find answers to the questions that will hopefully lead to their killer. Not only do they have to find out who killed her since everyone is already there, but also figure out how the woman even gained entrance in the first place.

In terms of characters, Belle is an enjoyable main character to follow through the mystery’s twist and turns. She’s sharp and a little snarky (although too be fair, maybe a little too snarky sometimes). I mean, I don’t necessarily really like people, but she may have even me beat. That being said, I still found her relatable and quirky in the best ways.

I thought the mystery was very well put together and definitely has a bit of that Golden Age feel. Plus, I truly didn’t see the ending coming and that always boosts my opinion of any mystery novel. I always feel a little sad when I’m looking forward to a mystery and can figure it out from the beginning. Donovan saved me from that fate, which is awesome.

I genuinely ended up enjoying this more than I thought and absolutely feel the need to go back and read the prior books in the series now. Sometimes a well-though out mystery that’s also just plain fun is exactly what I, as a reader, need and Donovan certainly provided that.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K]

Quick Summary: A tale to tell mystery/thriller

My Review: Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan is book #3 in A Ghostwriter Mystery series. It was released on 6/20/26.

About the Book: "...a ghostwriter-turned-sleuth must find a devious killer who’s transforming her new assignment into a real-life thriller …"

In My Own Words: A modern day whodunit with an old school appeal

What I Liked/Loved:

🕵️‍♀️ - Belle Currer -> layered & likable
🤫 - Colorful characters with secrets galore
🎬 - Vibe of story - > Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil meets Fargo
🪡 - Dead ends & dangling threads angles (everything means something)
🧩 - Unpredictability until the very end
👥❓- Love Triangle...not??? (Surely, there is more to this. I must know.)
🗣️ - Confessions
🍭 - The word play associated with sweet spot
🔮 - That ending!

About the Audiobook: This novel was brilliantly narrated by Eva Kaminsky. I was completely locked in the entire time. The listening experience came across like a full cast, and that says something. Bravo!

My Final Say: This was my first exposure to A Ghostwriter Mystery book, and I am hooked. I cannot wait to read books 1 and 2. It was fantastic!

The story was captivating and made me want to see how everything started for the ghostwriter sleuth. It was simple without being straightforward. It was dark yet not blindingly so. It was unexpected and tragic. It was golden.

Other: Readers who enjoy a good old-fashioned mystery will like this novel.

Special Note: Due to the nature of some of the content, a warning advisory is suggested. Potential readers should refer to any author/publisher notes.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 🔎🌀
Format: 🎧
Narrator: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Title: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (RBmedia | Recorded Books), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I thoroughly enjoyed the listening experience. I look forward to reading/listening to more books from this writer.

[Maureen Hester]

Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan, and narrated by Eva Kaminsky, was a 3.5 star audiobook mystery for me (rounded up to 4 here). Sweet Spot is the story of Belle, a ghostwriter who steps into the role of pseudo-detective. Belle is hired to ghostwrite a memoir for a woman who was abducted in her youth, and her kidnapper appears dead on her property the day after her release from prison- all shortly after Belle's arrival to begin her project. This one drew my attention because the beautiful yet minimal cover art stood in such stark contrast to the yellow background, and it was very visually interesting. The description sealed the deal- I think the term ghostwriter, even though not meant to be spooky, really helped lend an air of mystery to the description!

There was a good deal I liked about this. First- the narration by Kaminsky was fantastic. I really enjoyed Belle's snarky internal monologue, and I felt it really added to the story and the atmosphere. I liked that she kind of pulled the reader/listener out of the story for a few moments to give her perspective on events (usually in a way that made me chuckle). The mystery absolutely held my attention, and there were many twists I did not anticipate. I don't think that the sequence of events was the most believable or realistic (like the role Belle played in the investigation, and how she seemed to be way ahead of law enforcement while having access to the same information...), but I don't think that necessarily detracted from the story too much.

This is the third novel in a series, and it worked great as a standalone. I will definitely be going back to check out the first 2, though! I recommend this to anyone looking for a mystery that isn't overly scary or gory. I think this is a great beach mystery--- but I will warn you: you'll want to stay curled up with your book rathern than splashing in the water, so plan your beach company accordingly!!!

[Ann Onimaus]

Sweet Spot is a somewhat slow-paced mystery, as much of the story focuses on Belle's interactions with Genevieve, Detective Kay, and the rest of the cast, rather than the investigation itself. The story leans heavily into character development, allowing readers to get to know Belle through her inner dialogue, reflections, and observations about both her past and present. Her thought processes and personal perspective take center stage, making this a very character-driven mystery.
I listened to the Advance Listener Copy (ALC), and the narrator did an excellent job bringing Belle's personality to life as well as creating voices for the other characters. While the investigation remains an important part of the story, it often takes a back seat to the characters and their relationships. That's not necessarily a drawback; it simply reflects where the novel places its emphasis. Readers looking for a mystery with strong character exploration will likely appreciate this. I also enjoyed Donovan's writing style. The descriptions were vivid and easy to visualize, while the dialogue felt witty, intelligent, and engaging. The character interactions were one of the book's strongest aspects.
Although this is the third book in A Ghostwriter Mystery series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Donovan provides enough background information for new readers to follow the story without feeling lost, while still maintaining interest in the broader series.
There were a few moments where I noticed plot devices being used to move the story forward, particularly through certain character decisions. Likewise, there were instances where information was intentionally withheld to preserve the mystery. While these techniques were noticeable at times, they didn't significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

[Elaine]

So this was definitely not what I was expecting!
At times I was laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all.
At times I was gripping my seat and grinding my teeth.
And at times I was completely smitten with all the goings on...

This was cute, funny and yet horrible and scary too. It revolves around the fact that a young girl was taken (years ago) and was missing for several months. And then one day returned. Since then, no one can figure out just what happened or why? Why was she set free? Why wasn't she hurt? (I mean emotionally she was tortured and will be for the rest of her life... but....)

So the girl (Genevieve) is now a grown woman who's married and has a child of her own... and Belle has been hired to be a ghostwriter for her autobiography. It's a crazy thing and the way they've gone about it is also funny... but she's here now.

But things are already NOT going as planned. Things are happening that are causing other things to change... like a chain reaction.

And when Belle tries to go interview the people responsible for the event, she is shut down immediately. No one has been able to talk to the monster who did this to Gen.

And the twists just keep coming! Just when you think you are done, the floor drops out again!

#SweetSpot by @KemperDonovan and narrated nicely by @EvaKaminsky.

3 solid stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This one was released in June, so look for it on shelves now!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and @RecordedBooks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Katie]

Overall, this was a fun read. It's not one I'll be revisiting—I tend to be a voracious re-reader when I find my fictional loves—but I enjoyed my time with it. It took me a bit longer than others because I wasn't completely engaged with the writing style, but I did feel the need to finish because I wanted to see how it ended.

I'd actually listened to the audiobook of the second book in the series first (entirely my own fault—I somehow didn't realize it was a series). Fortunately, they work very well as standalones. I'll probably go back and listen to the first book rather than read it. For whatever reason, I connect better with Kemper Donovan's writing in audio than in print.

I'm also a fan of Kemper Donovan himself and really enjoy his podcast. As a rabid Agatha Christie fan, I appreciate finding a kindred cozy-mystery spirit who clearly shares an affection for the Grand Dame's style while still making it his own.

As a native Utahn who, along with the rest of the state, was glued to the TV during Elizabeth Smart's disappearance—and as a Mormon—I was especially curious to see how those elements would be handled. I thought Donovan did justice to all of those facets, balancing them with care while still allowing room for humor. The buck-toothed Mormon had me giggling.

My one small hesitation is entirely a matter of personal taste. I always struggle to fully connect with narrators who directly address the reader. I know it's an intentional stylistic choice, and I can see why it appeals to many readers, but it tends to keep me just a little bit at arm's length from the story.

Even so, I had a great time with this one, and I'm looking forward to experiencing more of the series—especially in audiobook form.

[Barbara Schultz]

Title: A Sweet Spot
Author: Kemper Donovan
Series: The Ghostwriter #3
Genre: Thriller
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Eva Kaminski
Publisher: RB Media / A John Scognamiglio Book
Pub Date: June 30, 2026
My Rating: 2.7 Stars!
Pages: 368

Belle Currer—is a ghostwriter who prefers the name—Genevieve Caraway. Genevieve’s memoir is tale of tragedy overcome. When Genevieve was fourteen, she was abducted from her bedroom by a couple and held hostage for three months. She’s now a happily married mother with a successful career, considered a poster child for thriving a trauma. Although, some memories have not entirely faded.

Genevieve’s lavish Utah home, “Sweet Spot,” is a guarded compound impregnable to outsiders
However, when Belle’s arrives at Sweet Spot, Deirdre Gregory, one of Genevieve’s kidnappers is there begging to see Genevieve. She, of course, is refused. The next day, Deirdre’s dead body is found on the grounds.

I read The Busy Body which was the first in this series. I gave it a ranking higher than 3 but not a 4. But was curious enough and wanted to read another in this series.
Unfortunately, I struggled with Belle. I finished but never got to the point of enjoying it.
I read Julie Clark’s The Ghostwriter and I - 5 star loved it- so it definitely set the bar high for ghostwriter type stories.

Want to thank NetGalley and RB Media/ A John Scognamiglio Book for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 30, 2026.

[Jeanette]

OMG, in the last two hours I had another close call tornado experience. It has to be my 5th or 6th now but the worst were 64 and 60 years ago. SO GLAD I have a house, room and a laptop right now. And the lights are still on. Electricity is a very good thing. Some of my garden and plants are toast. Jan., March or July in ILLINOIS. It is always an adventure.

This book was tongue in cheek narrator corny but pretty funny and a bit savvy for the first third of its length. And also semi-believable. But after a whole day at the Sweet Spot in Utah? Nope. Especially the not believable aspect.

Not only were the twists more sad than thriller- but the ending? Belle was just as much a psycho in some interpretations of what that actually IS than the perp of the murder was, IMHO. Her choices AND her behaviors being Off putting is defining it mildly for me. UGH! By the ending I didn't even like our frail elfin past victim; the one who is a grown up mom/wife now lounging in her top room cocoon while "buddy" spilling all her legacy effusions.

I only gave it a 3 star because I had enjoyed the first half. But I am not tempted to read anything else by this author. TOO MUCH TIME spent on describing outfits and room assemblies with their furnishing down to the fluff fringes for me. But worst than that, the people? Beyond soulless. I was liking the policewoman Kaydence- but even she accepting partnership for the inquiry? NOT a chance. I also vastly disliked the cuts and sarcasm re Mormons and Catholics. It has all become so cliche' in the last couple of decades on top of the ignorance shown in myriad details of context.

[Den]

This review contains spoilers, read at your own risk.

I normally enjoy the Kemper Donovan, Belle Currer mysteries. They are implausible and full of plot holes, but they are witty and fun. Belle Currer is not a saint and I’m fine with her imperfections. Writing is her passion, her reason to get out of bed in the morning.

I am disappointed that in this book, Belle Currer lost her integrity as a writer. She got a dream job ghostwriting a memoir for Genevieve Caraway, a famous woman she has always admired. She signed an NDA to keep information she learned confidential. She signed a contract to work with Genevieve. She owes this woman some loyalty. A murder happens. The police detective makes her an unofficial partner in the investigation. Totally implausible, but I’m still interested.

Then Belle completely breaks the NDA, and her professional integrity, by sharing everything she knows and later learns about Genevieve with the police detective. She divulges everything she knows about Genevieve, a woman who deserves her loyalty, to a detective, a total stranger, to whom she owes no loyalty. At this point I no longer have any respect for Belle. She threw her professional integrity, along with Genevieve, under the bus.

She has just committed professional suicide. What famous person will hire her to ghostwrite their memoir after she has violated her NDA and revealed every secret?

I no longer like Belle. She was always a complicated character, but I always liked her. This ruined the book for me. Any future books about Belle are tainted for me. She threw everything away to be on the inside of a murder investigation.

[Jess Manners]

3.5? I like Donovan's voice (I assume, given all his references, he is also an older millennial with Gen X siblings...I mean, maybe not, but I feel like I have an abnormally high hit rate with all his references and asides...none of which *really* feel totally spot-on for a 42-year old straight lady [I say with the expertise of a 41-year old straight lady who got all the references. Logic!])
Anyway, this continued to be mostly fun, and I think I'm glad that we finally got the backstory, but I'm not sure about the resolution! A bit too quick and a bit too dark? And in retrospect, I wanted a bit more of the *why* I mean, yes, he killed her because she was going to expose him, but I think I needed more of an explanation of a) exactly how he persuaded his BFF to change places with him...there's devotion, and then there's "I'll change my identity, work as a janitor in a high security prison for two years so I can become a guard in that place and then willingly swap places with you and take your life sentence"...And...why exactly did he want to stick around? Belle implies it's because he needed to be near the family, but again, why? And if it wasn't so much that, and was just self-preservation, because his buddy would expose him if he ran...I don't know, that feels like a weird deal, too.
I also needed a few more beats of the thought process before we leap from Wrong Theory about Wrong Suspect to Exactly Right Theory about Exactly Right Suspect...
I do like her Mormon Cop Buddy, though! Maybe she'll come back?

[Leanne]

Belle Currer is such a fun narrator to follow: sharp, observant, a little slippery in her own right, and quietly carrying more guilt than she lets on. Dropping her into Genevieve Caraway’s immaculate Utah compound — all curated perfection and tightly controlled access — sets the stage beautifully. You can feel the tension humming beneath the surface long before Deirdre Gregory turns up dead on the grounds.

The locked‑in atmosphere is delicious. A guarded estate, a cast of family and friends with polished façades and messy secrets, and a ghostwriter who sees more than she should. Belle’s partnership with Detective Kay Adams adds a lovely dynamic too — Kay’s steady, grounded presence balancing Belle’s more intuitive, emotionally tangled approach.

What makes the story sing is the blend of classic whodunnit structure with modern psychological nuance. Everyone has something to hide, but the motives feel rooted in real hurt, real history. And Belle’s own secret — the one she’s been carrying far too long — gives the mystery an extra layer of ache.

A smart, fizzy, tightly woven mystery with Golden Age charm and contemporary bite. Perfect for readers who love a locked‑compound puzzle with heart, humour, and a heroine who knows that sometimes the most dangerous secrets are the ones we keep from ourselves.

With thanks to Kemper Donovan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Elisa]

There is so much to love in this book, that I don’t know where to begin! I guess it’s Belle’s voice, so relatable, so witty, it’s like Oscar Wilde teamed up with Dame Agatha to write this novel. I loved the meta-dialogue so much, that I think Belle would definitely be my bestie. If she was real, and didn’t hate people. The cast of suspects is so well drawn, that I pictured them perfectly in my head. This time, the Poirot to Belle’s Hastings is adorable, and very sharp. The setting is delicious, a fancy mansion more secure than Fort Knox. I loved the descriptions of the fabulous rooms, Donovan is so inventive. But the plot? OMG the plot, so reminiscent of classics from the Golden Age. It is perfect. I had a suspect in my head, but dismissed my theory because I couldn’t find a way to make it work. Once the whole twist is revealed, it was surprising how everything clicked. All the clues were there, craftily hidden. Is it a little over-the-top? Absolutely. Did it make me gasp and clutch my imaginary pearls? Oh yes! Then… well, it gets a little silly, in my opinion, but I will overlook it because I didn’t even notice at the time (only after I finished the novel). So really, I couldn’t recommend this book any more. Absolutely wonderful.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Kensington Publishing.

[Davena]

Sweet Spot
by Kemper Donovan

This is the third book in the Ghostwriter Mystery Series. I read and reviewed the second book, Loose Lips, back in February last year. I gave it a big thumbs up. Sweet Spot isn't quite the locked-room mystery that Loose Lips was, though it does have some of its elements, and they were smartly woven in.

Belle Currer is a ghostwriter, and she's been pursuing the gig of writing Genevieve Caraway's memoir. At 14, Genevieve was abducted from her bedroom by a couple and held hostage for three months. She's now the poster child for thriving after trauma, but her scars still remain.

Genevieve's lavish Utah home, Sweet Spot, is a guarded compound, but Belle's arrival coincides with the parole of one of Genevieve's kidnappers. The next day, a dead body is found on the grounds of Sweet Spot.
How did it get there? And more importantly, who killed them? Belle soon joins Detective Kay Adams, the pregnant Mormon detective assigned to the case, in sifting through the suspects.

Sweet Spot is a delightful mix of suspense and wit, with vividly drawn characters and twists that'll keep you guessing. If you like books by Anthony Horowitz, Fiona Hardy or Agatha Christie (who I believe is a major influence on this author), then I think you'll like this one.

Thumbs up 👍

#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf #RBmedia @allaboutagatha #SweetSpot #NetGalley

[Denice Langley]

Book #3 in the Ghostwriter Mystery series. Belle Currer makes her living as a ghostwriter for the rich and/or famous. She moves into their lives as an invisible auto-correct to a novice writer, ensuring the publishers receive the book they paid for. Genevieve Caraway’s memoir is an irresistible project, a tale of tragedy overcome. At 14, Genevieve was abducted from her bedroom by a couple and held hostage for three months. You'd never know it to look at her, but she's not quite as "over it" as the world thinks. Her happily married with children reputation covers the lingering trauma she's never let go. When Bell arrives at Genevieve's Utah residence, Soft Spot, she finds a distinctly different home than she had expected. Soft Spot is a secure compound built to keep everyone outside Genevieve's haven. When one of her childhood kidnappers is murdered....inside the compound....Genevieve is the prime suspect. This is an original plotline with some surprising twists as Belle decides this crime and the investigation would make a great book even better.

Kemper Donovan is the host of a podcast devoted to crime and investigations. The first three books in the Ghostwriter series have set a high bar for Donovan's continued success, but I'm pretty sure that with Belle along, his next book will be a winner too.