Evelyn Clarke is the pseudonym for mega-bestselling fantasy author V. E. Schwab and her friend, Cat Clarke, a novelist turned screenwriter. Needless to say, expectations have been high for their first collaboration, THE ENDING WRITES ITSELF. Fortunately, those expectations are more than borne out. This dynamic duo pens a cinematic murder mystery with plenty of unexpected swerves --- as well as the kind of publishing industry satire that only a couple of insiders could pull off.

Six novelists (including one who’s actually a pseudonym for a feuding husband and wife) are summoned to Skelbrae, a private island off the coast of Scotland, for an exclusive salon hosted by none other than the legendary Arthur Fletch. The reclusive author has maintained a low profile while writing what he’s announced to be his last book, so the guests are eager to learn all they can from one of the world’s bestselling novelists.

"Schwab and Clarke evidently are having a lot of fun with the book’s structure and plot --- and we gladly join in the game.... [C]ross-genre rivalries help add color and humor to what otherwise is a playful contemporary take on a classic murder mystery setup."

But when the group --- made up of thriller writers, a science fiction author, a horror writer, a YA author and a romance novelist --- arrives at the island, they’re greeted not by Fletch but by his longtime agent and new editor. They’re informed that Fletch is dead after drowning off the coast of the island. The authors already have been sworn to secrecy thanks to the NDAs they signed on arrival. But the stakes get even higher when all of their electronic devices are locked in a time-release safe and the real purpose of the weekend is announced. 

The writers have been brought to Skelbrae as part of a secretive contest. Fletch had not quite finished his final book at the time of his death. His publishing team is looking for someone to anonymously finish the story so that it can be released as a completed novel under Arthur Fletch’s name. The prize? A million–dollar advance, as well as a million-dollar contract with Fletch’s publisher to release their own work down the line. 

As if that weren’t a rich enough reward, there are rumors that, along with other real-life props based on iconic items from his work, Fletch's gothic manor house contains a massive book like the one featured in his novels --- made of solid gold. Clearly the scene is set for plenty of trickery and sabotage. Sure enough, the authors are soon fielding anonymous threats left on their typewriters, all while trying to fight writers’ block as the contest’s 72-hour clock ticks steadily down to zero. 

Schwab and Clarke evidently are having a lot of fun with the book’s structure and plot --- and we gladly join in the game. After initial chapters introducing each of “The Players,” the novel turns to short sections from each person’s perspective --- in several cases ending with that character’s abrupt and violent demise, in others revealing secrets that are key to the plot. Along the way, we begin to catch glimpses of each author’s backstory, both via the anecdotes that are uncovered and through the inclusion of early snippets of their writing. 

Avid readers will be especially gratified by the “peek behind the curtains” approach to the publishing industry. Grouses about questionable marketing tactics by major publishing houses, resentment of more successful authors, and cross-genre rivalries help add color and humor to what otherwise is a playful contemporary take on a classic murder mystery setup. We come away from THE ENDING WRITES ITSELF hoping for more outings from Evelyn Clarke.