So many authors put their own twist on Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. In Writers and Liars, Carol Goodman sets her novel on a Greek Island, brings in a group of authors who were there fifteen years earlier, and provides a Greek mythology background.

Maia Gold was one of the creatives invited to Argos Alexander’s prestigious and exclusive writers’ retreat fifteen years earlier. She fell in love, felt betrayed by her best friend and the young man she loved, and wrote a bestselling book while she was on the gorgeous island of Eris. Now, she’s the supervisor of the Museum of Ancient Antiquities at a college. When she receives Argos’ invitation to return for another retreat, she can’t resist the siren call. Now, though, she’s returning for revenge.

Although Argos doesn’t appear at the opening dinner, he leaves instructions that the small group of writers submit a short mystery story by the next morning, and one will win the contest. But, instead of finding their host, they find his body. When they try to call the police, they discover someone has cut off phone and short wave radio communications. Now, they’re stuck on the island. All their old fears and resentments return, and they suspect one of them is a killer.

It’s been fifteen years since Maia was a young ambitious woman wanting to write. Now, she learns some of her suppositions were wrong. She’s had time to grow up, and it’s interesting to watch her realize she’s made mistakes. She came to the island for revenge, and to prove to her dead parents that she still had the courage of her dreams.

I am glad I have an extensive knowledge of Greek mythology when I read this novel. It permeates the book, and I’m guessing it might slow down some readers without that background. However, Writers and Liars can certainly be enjoyed for the trope of a handful of people trapped on a island with a killer.

Carol Goodman’s website is https://carolgoodman.com/

Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman. William Morrow, 2025. 272p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley from the publisher through NetGalley, with no promise of a positive review.