Where to Buy the Best Seller by Susan May
See a Problem?
Thanks for telling us about the problem.
Friend Reviews
Reader Q&A
Community Reviews
Ten year old Nem witnesses her mother's vicious murder, and she won't forget the perpetrator, (her mother's boyfriend Alan) he'll definitely come to regret that brutal act. Eventually Nem is adopted by a lovely caring couple, but she's not expecting life to be special in any way - that is until she discovers her mother's journal - something that has passed down the female line in her family. This j
* Thank you to Susan May for my early copy of Best Seller, for which I have given an honest review*Ten year old Nem witnesses her mother's vicious murder, and she won't forget the perpetrator, (her mother's boyfriend Alan) he'll definitely come to regret that brutal act. Eventually Nem is adopted by a lovely caring couple, but she's not expecting life to be special in any way - that is until she discovers her mother's journal - something that has passed down the female line in her family. This journal holds very special powers, and I was reminded of not just the 'green eyed monster (jealousy) but also of the Incredible Hulk, and more to the point his infamous saying "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry"
The journal enables Nem to control other peoples lives, so it's wise not to upset her in any way!
Fast forward a few decades and Nem becomes the protege of William Barnes, an award winning author. Nem, now known as Orelia Mason, looks to William to help her become as successful as he was with his debut novel. Unfortunately for William, as Orelia's literary career takes off, his own takes a nosedive - his reviews for his follow up novel are terrible, and both his agent and publisher turn their backs on him.
William begins to suspect that Oriela has somehow engineered his downfall after a very unpleasant exchange of words between them. He becomes obsessed with the desire to discover just what she's up to, but what he finds horrifies him, and let's just say he's treading very dangerous ground.
Well, I have to say that I found this to be an intriguing read. I didn't particularly like the main protagonists, although that wasn't always the case. I started off feeling sorry for Nem as a child, but she frightened the heck out of me as an adult! Likewise William, but the other way round, initially I found him to be a pompous creature, but eventually I was rooting for him, so a great turnaround with both characters. The plot was quite unique, and scary - imagine if you had power over others lives, what would you do with this gift - how far would you go to bring about your own desires? This was a really good read, with some truly heart pounding moments. Another winner for Susan May.
...more
As the chapters alternate the point of view then switches to William Barnes who is an autho
Best Seller by Susan May begins by introducing readers to ten-year-old Nem who has found a stray kitten and wants nothing more than to be able to keep the pet. But as Nem is begging her mother to let the kitten stay her mother's boyfriend walks in on the scene and simply flies off into a rage. Things quickly escalate and turn into a scene of pure horror as Nem's mother is brutally murdered before her eyes.As the chapters alternate the point of view then switches to William Barnes who is an author who had sold his first novel which quickly became a best seller. However, William's attempts to follow up that first novel have not gone well with the critics being none to nice with his reviews. William is sure that his luck has been stolen by a young and upcoming author, Orelia Mason, whom he'd taken on as a protégé.
Now one might wonder when diving in and reading what in the world do these two completely different stories have to do with one another? Well now that would be the question that will eventually be answered but it was quite the ride until then as the story was slowly built.
As the book goes on the seemingly opposite tales are slowly interwoven together with every thing one thought to be true flipped upside down. This thrilling suspense read has a bit of a paranormal twist to it bringing in just that edge of horror to the story so it may not be for everyone but I myself truly enjoyed the story from beginning to end.
I received a free advance copy of this book from the author.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
...more
I so wanted to love this, but sadly, it just didn't work for me.
I think my biggest issue with this was the writing style being overly exaggerated. The majority of the story is told between 2 POV's, through their internal thoughts. There is a fine line with allowing the reader to get inside a characters head and let them experience their thoughts versus being told what they are. There was a lot of
2.5 stars, rounded up because I'm a huge fan of this author and have loved all of her earlier works.I so wanted to love this, but sadly, it just didn't work for me.
I think my biggest issue with this was the writing style being overly exaggerated. The majority of the story is told between 2 POV's, through their internal thoughts. There is a fine line with allowing the reader to get inside a characters head and let them experience their thoughts versus being told what they are. There was a lot of repetition to how these characters felt, over and over, and some of the internal comments were overkill, as they were obvious. This tends to make me feel like author doesn't think I'm smart enough to get what she's putting out there.
I do give the author major points for a very creative plot and not being afraid to 'go there'. I can imagine this was a fun story to write with all the possibilities!
I am in the minority with this rating, so I do recommend you give this a read, because honestly, what the heck do I know? I'm still a fan, and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
My thanks to the author for the ARC- this review is my unbiased opinion.
...more
A remarkable, easy to follow, unpredictable with stress levels through the roof. With twists and turns that keep you captivated from start to finish while your nerves are even higher with all her stuggles along with your blood pressure. You're sure to blow a gasket so seek out medical attention if it gets overwhelming with your head about to blow. This is one well detailed, highly addictive and hard to set it down. This is an incredible read with a uniq WHAT DO YOU THINK GOES BUMP IN THE NIGHT???
A remarkable, easy to follow, unpredictable with stress levels through the roof. With twists and turns that keep you captivated from start to finish while your nerves are even higher with all her stuggles along with your blood pressure. You're sure to blow a gasket so seek out medical attention if it gets overwhelming with your head about to blow. This is one well detailed, highly addictive and hard to set it down. This is an incredible read with a unique way that Susa has for her imagination and an insight to bring her scenes to life. ...more
Number one, the length. This tome tips the scales at about 500 pages. By the author's own admission Best Seller began life as a novella and it should've remained so. You could cut 300 pages from this story and not lose anything. In fact, it would be better.
Number two, the pop culture references. This may be on trend right now but done wrong and comes across a
While I respect Susan May as an entrepreneur and everything she's accomplished, I just can't rate this book any higher for several reasons.Number one, the length. This tome tips the scales at about 500 pages. By the author's own admission Best Seller began life as a novella and it should've remained so. You could cut 300 pages from this story and not lose anything. In fact, it would be better.
Number two, the pop culture references. This may be on trend right now but done wrong and comes across as your grandmother trying to be hip. Worse still, it detracts from the story.
Number three, the POV. The story is told in alternating first person POVs. Nothing wrong with that except each scene had only the one character in it for most of the book. We never got to experience the interaction between them. It was just never ending navel gazing and introspection that severely hamstrung the flow of the book. I longed for dialogue.
Number four, the plot. When I heard about this book I was excited. I thought what an innovative idea and I couldn't wait to read it. The anticipation made the eventual result that much more disappointing. When the plot finally got moving it contained a glaring hole. (view spoiler)[If you give someone a fake number, you shouldn't believe it's them when they call you! (hide spoiler)]
For all these reasons, I have to rate this 2 stars. Though I'm sure there will be many more 5 stars from Susan's die hard fans.
...more
It is annoying how sometimes life gets in the way of reading a good book. I hated having to close the book every couple of chapters. So I just waited for the weekend and dived into the book and what a dive!! A fascinating journey into the head of a "once a best seller" author, his descent into the hell of envy and jealousy and his "battle" with bad luck.
Nem survived many tragedies partly because of her discov
Thank you Susan May for this Early Review Copy. It was such a treat to read this book.It is annoying how sometimes life gets in the way of reading a good book. I hated having to close the book every couple of chapters. So I just waited for the weekend and dived into the book and what a dive!! A fascinating journey into the head of a "once a best seller" author, his descent into the hell of envy and jealousy and his "battle" with bad luck.
Nem survived many tragedies partly because of her discovery of an old journal with mysterious powers to control luck, a family heirloom that fell into her hands after her mother's murder. The power to control the good and bad fortune of others is frightening but it comes in handy to smooth her path.
On the other hand, William Barnes, after only one best seller, saw his career wither and die , while that of his fellow author and old "apprentice " Orelia Mason rise at an incredible speed. In his mind, she stole his life and he would stop at nothing to get it back.
Nem and William were amazing characters, I enjoyed there company all along the book. Technically, she is the "evil" character and he is kind of a victim. Still, I couldn't help always feeling sorry for her, even in the worst moments and couldn't help but despise him most of the book until the end changed my mind a bit.
I loved how the story was written. The continual alternation of chapters about Nem and William, without a clear connection between the two of them, until we get to that point where the two lines of story meet and we get to the truth and all becomes clear.
I liked following the change in the different characters personalities , it was fascinating. And I just loved the end, especially that last chapter, it actually made me laugh so hard and let me tell you, it was not a funny scene, I was laughing because I was surprised and because the last page of the book opened a whole new load of scenarios and possibilities that I did not expect.
I think till today I read almost all of Susan's books and for me this one is the best. I definitely recommend it!
...more
Enough has been said about the plot and I don't want to risk including a spoiler. So I'll take a different approach by saying I've been reading Susan May's writings for a few years and she just keeps getting better and better. Best Seller is her best work to date and there aren't enough positive adjectives to described how much I enjoyed this novel. The characters are well-developed and it was interesting to experien
Thanks to the author, Susan May, for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.Enough has been said about the plot and I don't want to risk including a spoiler. So I'll take a different approach by saying I've been reading Susan May's writings for a few years and she just keeps getting better and better. Best Seller is her best work to date and there aren't enough positive adjectives to described how much I enjoyed this novel. The characters are well-developed and it was interesting to experience the psychological changes they made throughout the novel. The story line is perfectly paced and expertly thought out. Ms. May has become masterful at intrigue and knows how to keep you wanting to read more by ending each chapter with a mini-cliffhanger!!
If you like dark mysteries that are skillfully written, Susan May is the author to read. You won't be disappointed.
After the novel ends, I love her Imagination Vault, She discusses where her ideas come from and how she fits them into her novels. Fascinating stuff!
...more
Best Seller is a book about exactly that, but how do you achieve such a desired accolade. William Barnes is such a person. His first book swept the book world by storm, but then his next one is less so & so with his 3rd. In the meantime, he meets Orelia Mason, who he takes under his wing. Is this a chance meeting or something more?
William begins to believe Orelia is behind his downfall, but how. He starts I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy supplied at no charge by the author/publisher.
Best Seller is a book about exactly that, but how do you achieve such a desired accolade. William Barnes is such a person. His first book swept the book world by storm, but then his next one is less so & so with his 3rd. In the meantime, he meets Orelia Mason, who he takes under his wing. Is this a chance meeting or something more?
William begins to believe Orelia is behind his downfall, but how. He starts to follow her. Who is Orelia? When William first meets her she is called Nem. Nem witnessed the savage murder of her mother & inherits the mysterious green book that her mother kept secret from her. William starts to believe this green book has something to do with the meteoric rise of Orelia and feels he needs to see it and find out what it's all about. One to read & highly recommended. ...more
This is the second Susan May book I have read, and I am definitely a fan!
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
...more
I received this book as a free audible download from an author promotion. I'm always a little leery about promotional copies, since I assume that only beginning authors with few fans or medi
This was the first book by Susan May I've read and I have a feeling it won't be the last. She's an excellent writer who certainly knows her way around a plot. I felt her characters could have been more developed, but I favor character-driven stories as a rule rather than plot-driven, so that could be just me.I received this book as a free audible download from an author promotion. I'm always a little leery about promotional copies, since I assume that only beginning authors with few fans or mediocre authors who fail to achieve a respectable following would be willing to give their work away for free. In this case, the old saying about people who assume proved quite true. This book was very good, well worth the thirteen plus hours required to listen to it.
I won't recap the story. If you're reading this you probably already have an idea of what it's about and I don't want to provide any spoilers. I didn't even know the genre when I started. Nem's harrowing experience at the beginning instantly hooked me and bonded me to her character. May's descriptions of William's reaction to his reader's criticisms were so vivid and realistic that I'm almost afraid to criticize her work for fear of sending May diving beneath her desk to curl into a fetal position until her calves cramp. I admit to losing patience with William at times. He seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time bewailing his fate. Perhaps a bit less angst from him would improve the story.
May's insights into the life and motivations of writers and the world of publishing were reminiscent of another recent read, "Bestseller" (the name is just coincidence) by Olivia Goldsmith, but May manages to shed light on the subject without all the name-dropping, kitschy gossiping, and viscious back-stabbing which riddles Goldsmith's novel.
May's writer's voice is reminiscent of Stephen King. Her character's inner dialogues are peppered with folksy mannerisms which are easy to relate to. The plot also bears a slim resemblence to King's "Thinner", where a gypsy curse wreaks havoc with people's lives. All the same, May has her own distinctive style which sets her apart from the crowd.
The concept, a journal which has the power to alter the fortunes of people based on the interpretation of the journal's owner, is a fascinating premise, rife with the potential to create both disruptions and moral dilemmas and May fulfills the promise of such a theme marvelously. Some of the fates which characters meet with are deliciously gruesome, although if it were my choice, I would have made more effort have the fate fit the crime, so to speak. In some cases it did, while others seemed totally unrelated. The way May allows some victims to seemingly escape justice, only to have it meted out again unexpectedly is brilliant.
In the author's afterward, she mentions that her initial concept was only from William's point of view. I send a heartfelt "thank you" to her husband for suggesting she add Nem's point of view to the story. It was much richer for the addition. The character arc of both Nem and William surprised me by the end. It wasn't what I expected at all. The character of the old man at the end was a very nice touch as well. He added that creepy, unexpected twist of an ending which really makes the story even more memorable. Lots of room to wonder about what happens after the last page. Possible sequels? I'm not a fan of series books but, done well, this has a lot of potential.
My biggest complaint, which would have forced me to stop listening if the story hadn't been so good, was the narrator, Steve Marvel. I've heard many people criticize narrators, saying they ruined the book for them but I'd been fortunate because I'd never had that experience . . . until now. Marvel's voice wasn't great, I felt he was a bit too gravelly for my taste, but I could live with that, right up until he spoke in Nem's voice. Ouch. His interpretation of a female voice, let alone a female child's voice, shot me straight out of the story. He sounded like a warbly, hoarse, irritating old woman suffering from the after effects of fifty years of smoking resulting in cancer of the throat. Throughout the story, every time he put on a female voice my skin crawled and I wanted to power-wash my eardrums. Fortunately, the novel is related mainly through narrative prose rather than a lot of dialogue or else I probably wouldn't have been able to get through it. For this reason, I strongly recommend the print version as opposed to the audible telling.
I did experience a technical glitch in that the chapter headings were always one chapter ahead of the chapter being read, so it started with the narrator saying it was chapter one, but on my phone screen it showed chapter two. This continued throughout the entire book but it certainly didn't detract from the story at all.
I don't give stars lightly but this book would certainly have earned five stars if not for the irritations caused by the narrator. Had I read this in print, I have no doubt it would have gotten a five-start review. I definitely recommend this book.
...more 
I love this author although her mind and creativity scares me a little bit, I do understand why her style has been referenced as similar to Steven King. They both come up with these unique and spine tingling, mind blowing and intriguing and so much more. This is a definite must read.
...more
I don't do what I call "HS Book Report" reviews. If prospecting readers are looking for a story synop I think I've read all of Susan May's books so I know she has been compared to Stephen King. I agree but feel they're more like the mature King, as in "Duma Key" and not "Carrie" or "Pet Cemetary". However, when I was reading her latest novel, "Best Seller" I felt more like this could have been written by Dean Koontz in the early 2000's. "The Good Guy" or "The Good Husband" is what this felt like.
I don't do what I call "HS Book Report" reviews. If prospecting readers are looking for a story synopsis, the author's summary will be better than any reviewer could do. I prefer to share what I liked (or didn't like) about a book. If you're familiar with Dean Koontz or Stephen King and you like their works, in particular, the ones without the Blood & Guts, you're going to love "Best Seller". The action is well paced and allows you to keep up w/o heavy breathing. Some books just feel way to fast paced without any obvious need for that. Make no mistake, there is plenty of action and suspense. There are many plot twists that will have you expecting one outcome but understanding why the shift to an unexpected one.
As is proper for character development, the beginning introduces us to the main characters while showing us some significant developmental items from their past. One thing that I especially liked was the time shifts that allowed for a better understanding of current events. This is done by giving us more details of past events while the current action takes place. As in any business, craft, or profession, there are widely varying degrees of ethical behaviors. Best Seller gives us an insight into the publishing business that shows us it's politics like any other field.
The author quotes Stephen King who said: "...to be successful the artist in any field has to be in the right place at the right time." Susan clearly shows us that this may be considered Luck and, there is Good and Bad Luck. What happens when someone can influence that Luck is the basis of this great book. I just hope she'll consider a sequel...for the survivors.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
...more I enjoyed every page of Ms. May's novel and plan on reading more of her work. The pacing and flow of this story was suspenseful. The character development was believable. I wanted to continue reading late into the night, in order to get to the end. And what an ending! This is definitely a book worth reading! ...more
This is the very first book I read from Susan May. And I must say it is going to be one of her greatest hits. The book speaks to you in a very frank manner. In the beginning, you feel like you can't even grip the story , but before u reach the middle chapters, the puzzle pieces fall in place.
The story isn't just a mystery thriller, it has a deeper meaning if you stop and think. Jealousy isn't born, its absorbed. Hatred begets hatred.
The book also made me think about
"Well, well, well, William!"This is the very first book I read from Susan May. And I must say it is going to be one of her greatest hits. The book speaks to you in a very frank manner. In the beginning, you feel like you can't even grip the story , but before u reach the middle chapters, the puzzle pieces fall in place.
The story isn't just a mystery thriller, it has a deeper meaning if you stop and think. Jealousy isn't born, its absorbed. Hatred begets hatred.
The book also made me think about the troubles and struggle and above all "magic" an author has to go through while writing, publishing and then waiting for the fate of their book. Susan May, you have inspired me to write. A long ago dream of mine, which I may think about all over again.
I love the flow of the story and how it connects different scenarios.
Despite of my liking towards the book, I have something to criticize too (not negatively, of course).
The book ended too fast. The effort author has put in is tremendous. Just as each step of each character is well elaborated, I just wish the ending was more explanatory as to how Nem knew of things she came to know about other people. What were the drawbacks of the book not officially handed over to her. See, a little more explanation to satisfy our wandering mind.
I can already imagine Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman playing the two main characters in a blockbuster movie based on this book. :)
Well done, Susan May. Very well done!
...more
Anisia (USA/GREECE) Susan May is a very talented author. Readers are quite justified in calling her "The female Stephen King". Especially "The Best Seller", her latest work is breathtaking! The battle between the two main characters and the unpredictable ending made me unable to put it down.
Anisia (USA/GREECE) ...more
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that
To enjoy a Susan May starter library of two free books, join her reader's club atsusanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
...moreRelated Articles
Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.
Where to Buy the Best Seller by Susan May
Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52886536-best-seller
0 Response to "Where to Buy the Best Seller by Susan May"
Post a Comment