Book Review: The Screenwriter by Amanda Reynolds

I’m pleased to be welcoming Amanda Reynolds to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, The Screenwriter.

Every screenwriter knows the best stories come from the truth…

But the truth can be terrifying

Marnie thought she’d left behind her days of writing ‘celebrity’ tell-all memoirs, but when her big break as a screenwriter turns to dust she’s forced to take another ghost writing job.

Except this time it’s for someone who is actually famous. Or rather, infamous. Blythe Hopper. A reclusive former Hollywood star who recently murdered her screenwriter husband.

And Marnie has her own reasons for wanting to meet Blythe, not least because of an email she received from Blythe’s husband, sent two days after he was shot dead.

But Marnie soon learns Blythe is not a woman to be messed with.

Dark secrets lurk at the Hoppers’ palatial London home – secrets long buried, which Marnie is determined to unearth. At any price.

Because this isn’t just about Blythe’s past.

It’s about Marnie’s too.

*****

With her screenplay about to go into production, Marnie Wilde thought she could finally say goodbye to her career as a ghostwriter but when that falls through, she has no choice but to return to being a ghost. However, needing the job is not the only reason she has decided to help write Blythe Hopper’s memoir. She wants answers but will she find them?

This is the first novel I have read by Amanda Reynolds and I really didn’t know what to expect. The premise for The Screenwriter intrigued me and so I was so excited to be invited onto the blog tour for her latest novel.

Marnie is an interesting yet mysterious character. I like how she was written. There is a slight dark humour to her voice which I loved and it made me warm to her.

Blythe was not so fortunate. She also had an air of mystery but was what you’d expect from a Hollywood actress who uses her manager as a gatekeeper against someone she’s invited into her home. With the fact that her career took a downward trajectory though and with the events at the beginning of the novel, I read with an open mind, knowing there was possibly more to her than first presented.

The story itself is a good one. Amanda Reynolds does a really good job of slowly but skilfully building tension until you’re at the point where you can’t put the book down. I needed to know why Marnie was there, what Blythe was hiding and how the former’s mother fitted into it all.

The setting was also good. The house was an enigma with its long grass and disintegrating demeanour. I really felt that it was the kind of house where the term, ‘if walls could talk,’ would be very relevant. It would have a lot to say.

I know I say this with pretty much all of the books I review but I’m not sure how much more I can say without giving anything away and I really hope you discover this gem of a novel for yourselves.

The Screenwriter is a gripping psychological thriller that had me enthralled from the first page until the end. If you’re a fan of the genre or looking for a good read, I recommend this one. I loved it. I am now a fan of Amanda Reynolds and look forward to seeing what she does next.

About Amanda Reynolds –

Amanda Reynolds is the bestselling psychological suspense author whose debut novel, Close To Me, was adapted as a major six-part TV series for Channel 4 in 2021.

Previously published by Headline, her books have been translated into multiple languages. Amanda lives near Cheltenham.

Say hello via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to Amanda’s newsletter. 

The Screenwriter was released by Boldwood Books on 16th January 2024. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.