Carol Goodman’s latest offering, Writers and Liars, presents readers with a sophisticated locked-room mystery that transcends the typical confines of the genre. The novel follows Maia Gold, a museum curator and one-time promising author, who receives an unexpected invitation to return to the Greek island of Eris—site of a prestigious writers’ retreat that forever altered her life fifteen years prior. What begins as a potential second chance at literary success quickly transforms into a deadly game of cat and mouse among a group of writers harboring long-buried resentments.
The premise immediately establishes Goodman’s mastery of atmospheric storytelling. The isolated Greek island setting serves as more than mere backdrop; it becomes a character unto itself, steeped in mythological significance that mirrors the complex web of relationships among the assembled writers. The author’s decision to ground her mystery in classical mythology—particularly the labyrinth of the Minotaur and the concept of Nemesis—adds layers of meaning that elevate the work beyond standard thriller fare.
Character Development and Psychological Complexity
Goodman excels in creating psychologically nuanced characters who feel authentically flawed and human. Maia Gold emerges as a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles with creative block, family legacy, and unresolved trauma resonate deeply. Her relationship with the enigmatic Annika Greer and Ian Davies creates a triangle of tension that drives much of the novel’s emotional core. The author skillfully reveals how past betrayals—both real and imagined—can poison relationships for decades.
The supporting cast of writers each brings distinct motivations and secrets to the island. From the aging mystery novelist Olivia Knox, desperately clinging to relevance, to the pretentious critic Sydney Norton, whose caustic reviews mask deeper insecurities, each character serves a specific purpose in Goodman’s carefully constructed puzzle. The character of Eleni, the Greek housekeeper with her own tragic connection to the island’s dark history, provides emotional weight and cultural grounding to the narrative.
Mythological Underpinnings and Thematic Depth
One of Writers and Liars’ greatest strengths lies in Goodman’s integration of Greek mythology into her contemporary thriller. The island of Eris, named for the goddess of discord, becomes a perfect metaphor for the strife and competition that drives the creative process. The author’s use of the labyrinth myth—both literally and metaphorically—creates a rich symbolic framework that explores themes of artistic inspiration, the price of ambition, and the cyclical nature of revenge.
The novel’s exploration of classical antiquities smuggling adds another layer of complexity, connecting contemporary crimes to ancient treasures. This subplot allows Goodman to examine issues of cultural heritage and exploitation while maintaining the mystery’s momentum. The author’s background and extensive research in classical studies clearly inform these elements, lending authenticity to the academic and archaeological details woven throughout the narrative.
Structural Sophistication and Pacing
Goodman demonstrates considerable skill in managing the novel’s complex structure. The narrative alternates between present-day events on the island and flashbacks to the original retreat fifteen years earlier, gradually revealing the truth behind past betrayals and current motivations. This technique builds suspense effectively while allowing for deep character development and the slow revelation of crucial information.
The pacing proves generally strong, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter character-driven scenes. However, certain middle sections occasionally feel bogged down by lengthy exposition about Greek mythology and archaeological details. While these elements ultimately serve the story’s thematic purposes, they sometimes interrupt the thriller’s momentum. The author’s tendency to over-explain mythological references may also alienate readers less familiar with classical literature, though it rewards those who appreciate the deeper symbolic connections.
Literary Merit and Genre Conventions
Writers and Liars succeeds in elevating the mystery genre through its literary aspirations. Goodman’s prose is polished and atmospheric, capable of shifting between the stark beauty of the Greek landscape and the claustrophobic tension of the underground labyrinth. Her descriptions of the island’s ancient mysteries and modern corruption create a vivid sense of place that lingers in the reader’s imagination.
The novel’s examination of the writing life itself adds meta-textual depth that distinguishes it from conventional mysteries. Goodman explores the competitive nature of literary success, the corrosive effects of envy among writers, and the question of whether great art requires great suffering. These themes resonate particularly strongly in an era of social media literary culture and shifting publishing landscapes.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, Writers and Liars suffers from occasional structural issues. The revelation of certain key plot points feels somewhat rushed, particularly regarding the true nature of Argos Alexander’s death and the complex motivations behind the reunion invitation. Some readers may find the resolution’s reliance on coincidence and hidden passages bordering on the implausible, even within the heightened reality of a thriller.
The novel’s treatment of sexual assault, while sensitively handled, occasionally feels instrumentalized for plot purposes rather than fully explored as a traumatic experience. Additionally, certain character behaviors, particularly in the book’s climactic underground sequences, strain credibility despite the atmospheric and symbolic weight of these scenes.
Comparison to Goodman’s Previous Work
Readers familiar with Goodman’s previous novels, including The Lake of Dead Languages and The Widow’s House, will recognize her signature blend of Gothic atmosphere and psychological complexity. Writers and Liars represents a natural evolution of her themes while attempting a more ambitious mythological framework. The novel shares DNA with her earlier works in its exploration of female friendship, academic settings, and the long shadows cast by past traumas.
The book’s academic thriller elements recall Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series, while its isolated setting and literary aspirations echo Agatha Christie’s classic mysteries updated for contemporary sensibilities. Goodman’s work also shares thematic ground with recent literary thrillers that examine toxic creativity and artistic exploitation.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Contemporary Mystery Fiction
Writers and Liars succeeds as both an engaging mystery and a thoughtful examination of artistic ambition’s darker impulses. While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambitions, Goodman’s sophisticated approach to character development and mythological symbolism creates a reading experience that rewards attention and re-reading. The novel’s exploration of classical themes through a contemporary lens offers something substantial for readers seeking more than surface-level thrills.
The book will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate academic mysteries, mythologically-informed fiction, and complex psychological portraits of creative individuals. Despite some pacing issues and moments of implausibility, Writers and Liars demonstrates Goodman’s continued growth as a writer capable of delivering both intellectual satisfaction and genuine suspense.
Similar Reads for Mystery Lovers
Readers who enjoyed Writers and Liars should consider:
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt – For its academic setting and exploration of classical themes
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – For its ensemble cast of literary-minded characters
- What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley – For its blend of classical education and mystery
- Still Life by Louise Penny – For its examination of artistic communities and hidden secrets
- The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco – For its combination of classical learning and murder mystery
Writers and Liars ultimately rewards patient readers with its rich symbolism, complex characterizations, and thoughtful examination of the creative process’s ethical dimensions, making it a standout entry in contemporary mystery fiction.
