Carol Goodman’s latest psychological thriller, Writers and Liars, serves up a masterfully crafted mystery that reads like a modern retelling of Greek tragedy set against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea. This gripping novel takes readers on a journey to the fictional island of Eris, where past betrayals and present vengeance collide in spectacular fashion.
The story follows Maia Gold, a museum curator whose promising writing career stalled fifteen years ago after a traumatic experience at an exclusive writers’ retreat. When she receives another invitation to return to the Greek island where it all began, she’s drawn back into a web of unresolved conflicts and buried secrets that threaten to destroy everyone involved.
The Architecture of Suspense
Goodman demonstrates her mastery of the genre by constructing a narrative that mirrors the ancient labyrinth featured prominently in the story. The plot unfolds in carefully measured reveals, each chapter peeling back another layer of deception while leading readers deeper into the mystery. The author’s classical education shines through in her intricate weaving of Greek mythology throughout the contemporary thriller, creating a rich tapestry that elevates the material beyond typical locked-room mysteries.
The novel’s structure is particularly impressive in how it balances multiple timelines. Goodman seamlessly shifts between the present-day reunion and flashbacks to the original retreat, gradually revealing the traumatic events that shaped each character’s trajectory. This dual narrative approach allows for complex character development while maintaining the tension necessary for an effective thriller.
The island setting becomes almost a character in itself, with Goodman’s vivid descriptions of the whitewashed villa, ancient ruins, and treacherous sea caves creating an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and menacing. The author’s ability to make the Mediterranean paradise feel claustrophobic and threatening is a testament to her skill in crafting atmospheric suspense.
Character Dynamics and Development
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its complex character relationships. Maia Gold emerges as a compelling protagonist whose fifteen-year journey from promising writer to emotionally guarded museum curator feels authentic and relatable. Her relationships with former friends Ian Davies and Annika Greer form the emotional core of the story, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the corrosive effects of unresolved guilt.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed, from the bitter mystery writer Olivia Knox to the scheming critic Sydney Norton. Each character arrives on the island carrying their own baggage and motivations, creating a powder keg of interpersonal tension that keeps readers guessing about everyone’s true intentions.
Goodman excels at revealing character through action and dialogue rather than exposition. The way each writer responds to the murder mystery challenge reveals their personality, ambitions, and moral boundaries. The author’s understanding of the publishing world and academic circles adds authenticity to the characters’ professional rivalries and insecurities.
Mythological Undertones and Literary Depth
What sets Writers and Liars apart from other mystery novels is Goodman’s sophisticated incorporation of classical mythology. The parallels between the contemporary story and ancient Greek tales of revenge, sacrifice, and transformation add layers of meaning that reward careful readers. The island’s dark history as a site of ancient rituals provides a haunting backdrop that echoes through the modern narrative.
The character of Argos Alexander, the mysterious billionaire host, embodies the capricious nature of the Greek gods, manipulating his guests like chess pieces even from beyond the grave. The revelation of the island’s true history and its connection to the characters’ families creates a sense of fate and inevitability that drives the story toward its powerful conclusion.
Goodman’s academic background in classics is evident but never feels heavy-handed. She integrates mythological references naturally into the narrative, using them to illuminate character motivations and thematic concerns rather than showing off her erudition.
Pacing and Plot Construction
The novel maintains excellent pacing throughout its substantial length, carefully balancing moments of intense action with quieter character development scenes. The mystery unfolds logically, with clues planted skillfully throughout the narrative without feeling forced or obvious. Goodman avoids the common thriller trap of withholding information unfairly from readers; instead, she allows careful readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters.
The multiple murders and reveals are well-spaced to maintain momentum without overwhelming the reader. Each death feels consequential and adds to the mounting tension rather than simply raising the body count. The author shows restraint in her violence, focusing more on the psychological impact of the murders than graphic details.
Areas for Improvement
While Writers and Liars succeeds on many levels, it’s not without minor flaws. The novel’s length occasionally works against it, with some middle sections feeling slightly padded. A few plot threads could have been trimmed without losing the story’s impact. Additionally, some readers might find the extensive classical mythology references overwhelming, though others will appreciate the literary depth they provide.
The revelation of certain family connections strains credibility somewhat, relying on coincidences that feel more convenient than organic. However, these issues don’t significantly detract from the overall reading experience.
Themes and Social Commentary
Beyond its surface appeal as a mystery thriller, the novel explores deeper themes about the costs of artistic ambition, the corrosive effects of unresolved trauma, and the power dynamics within creative communities. Goodman’s portrayal of the publishing world’s treatment of aging female writers and the pressure on authors to continuously reinvent themselves feels particularly relevant.
The book also examines how past traumas can shape entire lives and the importance of confronting painful truths rather than burying them. The theme of revenge and its ultimate hollowness runs throughout the narrative, culminating in a resolution that emphasizes healing over retribution.
Writing Style and Technical Craft
Goodman’s prose is elegant and atmospheric without being overwrought. She has a particular talent for creating vivid sense memories that transport readers to the Greek island setting. Her dialogue feels natural and distinct for each character, helping to maintain clarity even with a large cast.
The author’s background in gothic and suspense fiction is evident in her ability to create an underlying sense of unease even in seemingly peaceful moments. Her descriptions of the island’s ancient labyrinth are particularly effective, creating a genuinely unsettling atmosphere that enhances the story’s supernatural elements.
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to the Genre
Writers and Liars represents Carol Goodman at her finest, combining the atmospheric suspense of her earlier works like The Lake of Dead Languages and The Night Villa with a more sophisticated plot structure and deeper character development. The novel succeeds both as an engaging page-turner and as a literary work that rewards closer examination.
For readers who enjoyed Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series or Kate Morton’s historical mysteries, this book offers similar pleasures in its combination of literary sophistication and compelling mystery plotting. Fans of Ruth Ware’s psychological thrillers will appreciate the claustrophobic island setting and unreliable narrators.
Goodman has crafted a novel that honors the traditions of the mystery genre while adding her own distinctive voice and scholarly perspective. Writers and Liars stands as both an entertaining thriller and a thoughtful meditation on creativity, friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives.
Similar Reads You Might Enjoy
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – For mystery lovers who enjoy ensemble casts and literary references
- The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley – For those who love isolated settings and multiple suspects
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley – A wedding party thriller with similar psychological depth
- The Silent Companion by Laura Purcell – Gothic atmosphere with historical elements