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Words are power, and ideas are dangerous.

Parker Rubec, a quirky hipster writer, leaves his deadbeat life to go to Paris in attempts to finish his novel. When a mysterious stalker leaves him a trail of notes, Parker follows to catch a good story.

A decade prior, on the other side of the globe, Greysen Price must escape his toxic job as an inventor, erase his identity, and flee the country.

When the two lives intertwine, chaos ensues.

The Idea Man is a multi-point-of-view comedic thriller, the first book in a trilogy. This plot-twisting thriller is a must for lovers of action-packed stories with a touch of awkward hilarity. Get your copy today!

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2020

3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Kristin Helling

20 books42 followers
Kristin Helling writes stories that invite readers into small-town secrets and edge-of-your-seat suspense. She is the author of the Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery series, where charming coffee shops, quirky neighbors, and autumn festivals are never too far from a chilling murder. Kristin also writes thrillers and suspense novels, blending heart-pounding twists with deeply human characters who face danger, deception, and dark truths.

A lifelong booklover, Kristin grew up with a passion for storytelling and the idea that even the coziest places can hold the deepest mysteries. When she’s not writing, she owns a coffeehouse/roastery/bakery, co-owns her publishing company Wordwraith Books, is married to a photographer, and is Mama of two.

Her writing reflects her love of community, mystery, and the delicate balance of warmth and danger. Whether you prefer a comforting whodunit by the fire or a thriller that keeps you up all night, Kristin has a story to share.

📚 Series: Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery (In Roast Mortem, In Cold Brewed, Roastly Apparitions, with more to come!)

🔎 Genres: Cozy mystery, thrillers, suspense

For fans of: Gilmore Girls, Agatha Christie, and stories that blend charm with chills

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
1,383 reviews20 followers
February 11, 2021
This is book 1 in a trilogy, although I found the ending of this book satisfying in itself. The stories of two men alternate between chapters. Greysen, is an inventor of medical solutions that will improve the lives of humanity but he works for a company that is focused on profit not saving humanity. Parker is an aspiring writer visiting Paris for inspiration. Parker has a mysterious stalker.
This book is described as a comedic thriller but both words apply more to the last part of the book. The beginning is spent getting to know these two men and the people in their lives. It is interesting, will make you think about your own values and provide a deeper understanding of these two men. I cared about both of them as the story developed. Although I found the ending satisfying, I am interested in the continuing story.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,045 reviews64 followers
February 13, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I enjoyed this suspenseful story that has twists and turns that left me turning pages fast. This is a well developed story that is engaging and fast paced. This is a story about a writer who goes to Paris to finish his book. But what will happen when to lives collide together? This is a an action packed story that has characters that are connectable and come to life on each page. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews54 followers
May 26, 2020
Wildly imaginative! Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Teresa.
238 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2021
When I started reading “The Idea Man” by Kristen Helling; the first book in the trilogy, I could not see the connection between the inventor, Greysen Price and the young writer, Parker Rubec. Numerous guesses later, I was surprised how the author finally made the two characters’ stories intertwine; which resulted in a most satisfying ending for me. It didn’t end as a cliffhanger (which I despite in most books that end that way) but I knew that Greysen and Parker’s story was not over. The book was thrilling and suspenseful. I was always rooting for Greysen’s girlfriend Molly and enjoyed their relationship; more so than Parker and Noriana’s relationship.
I will definitely read the next book, “The Marked Man” to find out how their stories continues. This author is very talented and a true find. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
125 reviews
January 2, 2021
Great series starter!

When Parker goes to Paris to get inspiration for his novel, he finds himself involved in his own mystery. Who is leaving him notes and what do they want?
Greyson is an inventor who wants to make the world a better place. But the company he works for is only interested in making money.
Profile Image for Ckelsey.
300 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
3.5⭐️. It rounded down for the audiobook. The narration just didn’t do it for me. The story itself however was great. Need to reread the physical book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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