The Ending Writes Itself, set to be published in April 2026, is the first collaboration between authors VE Schwab and Cat Clarke, a mystery book set on a reclusive island off the coast of Scotland.
Plot
The book follows a group of six ambitious authors, who have been invited to a saloon with world famous writer, Arthur Fletch, on his private island, but when they arrive they are shocked to discover he is dead.
The real reason for their invite is this – his late publisher and editor want one of them to write the ending to the last book in his most successful series, the one the world have been waiting for with baited breath. The book that he never got to complete.
Although the invited authors are talented, they have never managed to break out of the “midlist” of publishing. Winning comes not just with having your ending published, but a lucrative book deal, and two million dollars.
The authors sign non-disclosure agreements, have their devices locked away – and then are left in the castle. As the 72 hours they have to write start to count down, don’t forget that is a competition to die for.
Review
As the novel progresses and perspectives change, it becomes increasingly unclear who you can actually trust. Some of them simply withhold important information, some are straight up lying to you. The point of view chapters are not always predictable, but based on whose insight is most urgent.
The Ending Writes Itself uses aspects of gothic literature, including a castle with secret passageways and the fear of the supernatural, as well as poking fun at but employing classic tropes of having no access to technology and splitting up the group.
I can certainly understand why it has a shout line of “the book everyone will be talking about in 2026”. It is not just a locked room mystery, but also a comment on the publishing industry, and what the constant need for success can do to authors. This is a book that does not bore you for a second, but instead implores you to turn the page.
The Ending Writes Itself will be published by HQ in April 2026
Brig Newspaper were given access to an early copy from events at Bloody Scotland
Featured Image Credit : Harper Collins Publishers