Thanks, Celadon Books and Macmillian Audio, for the arc and ALC! 

 

After reading THE PLOT by Jean Hanff Korelitz, I was curious about what could happen in THE SEQUEL, the book that follows it. But Jean Hanff Korelitz is quite the mastermind of making a suspense mystery book work, especially when you think there is no possible way it could. 

 

Just like THE PLOT, THE SEQUEL is a very slow-building suspense mystery. If you want something quick where you are always on your toes, this book is not for you. But if you enjoy getting to know characters, their thought process, and the places they are at and coming and going to, this is the suspense mystery for you. It builds as it pulls you into an ending that is nothing you could have ever guessed. 

 

I read and listened to the book. The consistently exceptional Julia Whelan narrated the audiobook. I enjoyed listening to this book more than I did reading it. Was it because of Julia Whelan? There’s always that chance because she’s an excellent narrator. I genuinely think it was just a better listen than read. 

 

I would love to say you can read this without reading THE PLOT, as that book does get spoiled, but if you want my honest opinion, I wouldn’t. I would read THE PLOT first—do the audiobook for that one, too; it was great! Then, I would listen to THE SEQUEL to give you a well-rounded story. 

 

Content warnings: gun violence, blackmail, kidnapping, drugging, discussion of suicide, sexual assault, abandonment, child death