The Finalist by Joan Long (Level Best Books, Independent Book Publishers Association - IBPA)

One week. Stranded on an island. No communication with the outside world.

Five authors are chosen to complete a deceased novelist’s unfinished manuscript. A million-dollar payout and lucrative publishing contract were on the line.

When one of the authors is found drowned, theories and accusations abound. Was it accident, suicide or murder?

Soon all of them blame single mom Risa for deaths on the island and she runs for her life. She has no control of what would happen to her.

The premise is clever, characters interesting, but everything is just too predictable. Nonetheless, fine read as a form of escapism.

3/5