Killing Monica
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | June 23, 2015 |
| Founder | Candace Bushnell |
| Products | Novel |
Killing Monica is a novel authored by American writer Candace Bushnell, initially published in hardcover format on June 23, 2015. Released through Grand Central Publishing, the narrative follows Pandy "PJ" Wallis, a prominent author whose bestselling novels about a young woman living in Manhattan have been adapted into major motion pictures.
Synopsis
Pandy Wallis, a champagne-loving novelist based in New York, has established her reputation through a collection of books featuring her alter ego, Monica. These stories were transformed into films starring the actress Sondra-Beth Schnowzer. Following a recent divorce, Pandy aspires to transition toward more serious literary work centered on an ancestor. The plot weaves together flashbacks detailing her friendship with Sondra-Beth and the collapse of her marriage, as well as her determination to eliminate the character Monica from her life.
Characters
- Pandy PJ James Wallis – The central character and author.
- Sondra-Beth Schnowzer – The actress and former companion.
- Henry – The loyal literary agent representing Pandy.
- Monica – The fictional persona created by Pandy, reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw.
Reception
The book received predominantly negative feedback from leading critics. New York Magazine labeled it as "critically reviled." According to The New York Times Book Review, the writing was "overwrought and repetitive," with characters frequently expressing exaggerated emotions, and the plot twist was deemed implausible. The Washington Post described it as "a disorganized narrative lacking cohesion." Both The Independent and New York Daily News issued unfavorable critiques, calling it poorly composed and an "unfunny farce." Further negative evaluations were published by Kirkus Reviews, The Scotsman, Toronto Star, and Publishers Weekly.