The Ending Writes Itself, Evelyn Clarke (Review by Caitlin Winkler)
Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
The scream that I emitted when I learned that I was going to get an ARC of The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke to review was truly glass-shattering. To say this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, would be putting it mildly. Because this book is a mystery, I am going to strive to keep this review rather purposefully vague as I would not want to do anything to take away from the experience you, as the reader, will have from page 1 until the very end! Because what an amazing story this writing duo gives us!
Invitations go out to six authors inviting them to visit the famous author, Arthur Fletch, at his private island home in Scotland. Each of these writers are both shocked and extremely invested, for reasons all their own, to accept and attend. Imagine their surprise upon arriving to hear that Arthur Fletch is actually deceased and the invitations offer these struggling writers a chance to compete in a contest where the winner will have their final chapter chosen to complete Arthur Fletch’s series finale. An added bonus, the winner will get advantages in the world of publishing to bolster their own failing careers. The catch, they only have 72 hours to complete one of the most famous series of all time, and all without any access to electronics; typewriter and paper only. What unfolds is a thrilling mystery as well as a view of the darker side of writing and publishing.
What a ride! Oh, the way I soaked up every single minute of this book! Being perfectly honest-this book was almost perfect to me. The only reason why I did not rate this a true 5 stars, is because I found the ending to feel a bit rushed and would have liked to see some more detail fleshed out to really wrap up this incredible story. But that is just me being picky and very reserved with giving out a true 5 stars. That being said, this is the first time I have rated a mystery/thriller anything higher than 3.75 stars since Gone Girl, which should be very telling!! Cannot recommend this book enough!
P.S. Fun Fact-in case you did not know this; Evelyn Clarke is actually two authors-Cat Clarke and V.E. Schwab—did I mention V.E. Schwab!! Instant must-read author for me!