Review of 'The Ending Writes Itself' by Evelyn Clarke

Review of 'The Ending Writes Itself' by Evelyn Clarke

Release date: April 9th, 2026

Publisher: HQ

REVIEW

This intriguing, clever and at times humorous murder-mystery-publishing-industry satire, The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (a pen name for duo V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke), attracted my attention after hearing ample discussion on it. All the while I was reading the ARC (thanks to HQ), I kept thinking of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece ‘And Then There Were None’ as well as R. F. Kuang’s Yellowface. Both of which I have enjoyed. Possibly the experienced authors were inspired by these works and the elements and topics are intentional? Even the cover reveals a clever depiction of the story with its keyhole (Christie’s locked door mystery style) and long distant image (depicting remoteness) all in the blood red colour on a white page.

The opening quote by Arthur Fletch (the subject of the novel) is revisited a number of times ‘He who holds the pen tells the truth’ in the characters’ thoughts (I won’t comment on it or spoil anyone’s reading experience). In this fictional world Arthur Fletch, is a world famous, reclusive mystery novelist. He supposedly (or his agent) sends out an invitation to six struggling writers from various backgrounds of different genres to join him on a writing retreat on his remote Scottish island (yes, owned by the author). This is an opportunity of a lifetime so, of course, they all accept. But after arriving, what they get is not what they expect. For they learn once there, the author has died and left his last manuscript incomplete. It is up to one of them to write an ending in Fletch’s style. It is a competition, though, and the one who wins— gets a million dollars and a book deal of their own. His/her name won’t be on Fletch’s story. They will be acting more as a ghost writer but it is a small sacrifice. For they will gain extraordinary funds and a contract to publish one of their own original works. Of course, as we expect, the competition will be fierce and bizarre events will happen—in keeping with the locked room mystery style premise. And believe me, heated, alarming and weird things transpire over the course of the challenge— including discovering a killer in their midst. Who knew pulling a number of people from the slush pile for this experiment would deliver at least one insane writer! The horror in the last quarter of the novel clearly reveals some riveting action.

This novel makes quite the dire statement on the publishing industry and, according to the publisher’s notes at the start, they are cringingly accurate in many respects but ‘this is also a loving and wickedly funny portrayal.’ So some of the messages may be slightly exaggerated for dramatic effect. But we have to remember, it is a business first and foremost. There will be seemingly unfair decisions made that will affect many. In this case, on the receiving end are writers. The novel certainly depicts truthfully ‘writers with hopes and dreams that have been burst time and again’. And yet despite all—they continue in the craft in case their big break comes along. This shows real perseverance. Why would you continue on such a difficult path? Speaking as a writer myself, I can say it is a result of an inborn desire or burning impulse to write. It is something inexplainable really. A gift that is sometimes hidden in the genes until it raises its head through reading, various experiences or other people’s influence.

The novel is told from a number of point of views and is broken up into Parts and book genres. Each character is analysed. Various fiction genres and tropes are represented. Part one – The Players: The Thriller Writers, The Romance Writer, The Young Adult Writer, The Sci Fi Writer, The Horror Writer, The Debut Writer. Part Two— Main Character Energy: Sienna, Rufus, Ava, Jaxon, Millie, Priscilla, Kenzo

I won’t say anything about the characters except they are well devised and delivered. And appropriate for the plot. Arthur Fletch was fun to see through others’ eyes.There were a few surprises, twists and plenty of secrets unveiled. This book offered me a strange reading experience and it was interesting delving into all the psychological aspects of the characters and their personalities. We get to know them all (or best we can!) and formulate our own opinions. Is everyone as they appear? As for the plot: I found the last quarter the most riveting. A lot happens while everything unravels. I was turning the pages rapidly at this point.

It is not the sort of book I would read every day but I appreciate what has gone into the making of it. Duo writing can be challenging but it appears these two created a fairly complimentary union as evidenced by the book’s seamless appearance. The authors have cleverly utilised their skills. But it may be a book that will divide readers. And certainly one that raises mixed thoughts about the publishing industry. It also offers a creative spin on the ‘locked room’ Agatha Christie mystery style format set in a remote place. I was looking for something different to read and this certainly fit the bill! I enjoyed various aspects of the novel.

This is a novel that many will be talking about in 2026 and possibly beyond. It will be interesting to see what conversations it will generate! 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

PS. As we know now Evelyn Clarke is a pseudonym for duo V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke. I wondered how they came up with their pen name. It seems they flipped the V. E. to Ev – short for Evelyn and used Cat’s last name Clarke). Just an observation!

Thanks to HQ and Netgalley for a review copy.