5 Crime Fiction Books Featuring Writer/Author Protagonists

By Emily Hoang

The elusive writer and mysterious publishing industry are always a point of curiosity for anyone outside of the industry. With these couple books, readers get a glimpse of what happens in the minds of writers and the extremes of what they’ll do. From stealing manuscripts to facing online trolls, these books are a great satire about the literary world that’ll keep readers on their toes while laughing.

The Author's Guide to Murder

Beatriz Williams; Lauren Willig; Karen White

Years ago, literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley bought the historic Castle Kinloch as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests. Unexpectedly, he’s found dead in the castle tower’s book-lined study. This sensational murder sparks Detective Chief Inspector Euan Mcintosh’s investigation with three primary suspects: erotica writer Kat de Noir, mystery writer and mom of six Cassie Pringle, and the author of a critically acclaimed historical fiction novel. This mystery is filled with pointed satire about the literary world and unexpected friendships and romance.

Format

Hardcover

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The Sequel

Jean Hanff Korelitz

In this second installment, Anna Williams-Bonner is living a contented life of a literary widow. She’s enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity and her own debut novel, The Afterword, is released. As she indulges in her literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel that should no longer exist. Someone out there knows a little too much about her life, making it a risk for Anna’s reputation. She’s worked too hard to lose what she values the most—the sole right to her own story

Format

Hardcover

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The Secrets You Keep

Kate White

A devastating car accident leaves Bryn Harper, an accomplished self-help author, haunted by recurring, smoke-filled nightmares. Bryn’s husband Guy used to be supportive. But after they moved into their new house, disturbing incidents occur and Guy grows evasive. When a woman hired to cater their dinner party is brutally murdered, Bryn’s world unravels. Another woman in town is slain and Bryn must summon the strength to find answers and protect her own life. What would you do if you found out your new husband was keeping secrets with terrifying consequences?

Format

Trade Paperback

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Yellowface

R. F. Kuang

Authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars, but only Athena became a literary darling. June is a nobody. June has the chance to change her fate after seeing Athena’s death in a freak accident and steals Athena’s just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I. June edits Athena’s novel and sends it to her agent as her own work. Her new publisher rebrands her as Juniper Song, but she can’t escape Athena’s shadow. As emerging evidence threatens her stolen success, June races to protect her secret no matter the cost.

Format

Hardcover

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The Haters

Robyn Harding

After years of rejection, Camryn Lane’s first novel has been finally published. She is living the dream, until she receives a disturbing message from an anonymous reader. As the disturbing allegations spread, her book is flooded with bad reviews. It’s clear someone is trying to ruin her and Camryn vows to find out who’s who behind it.

Format

Hardcover

Also available from:

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Emily Hoang is a writer and editor, who is obsessed with haunted houses, ghosts, and dreams. More info can be found on her website.

5 Crime Fiction Books Featuring Writer/Author Protagonists

The Author's Guide to Murder

Format

Also available from:

The Sequel

Format

Also available from:

The Secrets You Keep

Format

Also available from:

Yellowface

Format

Also available from:

The Haters

Format

Also available from:

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