'a boisterous satire of pseudointellectuals, impotent writers and the adult extension programs of public universities ... The tension is so strong that readers can hardly resist the temptation to peek ahead and see which student is the killer.'

(Publishers Weekly)

'Clever page turner ... sharply observed characters and great suspense laced with black humour.'

(Australian Women's Weekly)

'The Writing Class is that rare treat: a literary, comic mystery novel ... Compulsory reading for anyone who has participated in or taught a writing class, or knows someone who has considered doing so – or perhaps just if you are acquainted with rejection or revenge!'

Louise Swinn, Editorial Director of Sleepers Publishing (Readings.com.au)

'fast-paced and funny.'

(Herald Sun)

'Funny and believable.'

Cecily Ryan (Daily Telegraph)

'The Writing Class is a readable and entertaining mystery but it's also more than that. It explores ... the underbelly of the writing world — away from the spotlight of festivals and book tours — exposing the quiet desperation of the intrepid would-be who carries on their dream regardless.'

Ruth Wajnryb (Sydney Morning Herald)

'The suspense builds at precisely the right pace, enriched by the diversion of laughter, psychological insight, and a steady flow of splendidly sensible writing tips ... highly recommended.'

Ian McFarlane (The Canberra Times)

On Winner of the National Book Award: 'The funniest novel I have read, possibly ever. Brilliant, totally original, and worthy of its title. I promise you will laugh constantly and to the point of stomach damage.'

Augusten Burroughs, author of Running with Scissors and Dry

On Winner of the National Book Award 'Riotous [and] hugely funny ... Willett’s satirical abilities remain deliciously undimmed ... Amid the antic, hilarious, gender-bending battle of the sexes that Ms. Willett whips up in this book, either one may qualify as a reason to kill. Either that, or to die laughing.'

(The New York Times)

'Jincy Willett describes herself as "an ageing, bitter, unpleasant woman who spends her days parsing the sentences of total strangers". This makes her sound very much like her cynical heroine, Amy Gallup. Both have an infectious love of words and a dark wit that will appeal to aspiring writers.'

Courier Mail (Elli Housden)

'Jincy Willet has a kooky and charming style of storytelling. She throws in all kinds of crazy details, which bring the pages to life. In this book, she spins the tale of a writing teacher who presides over a class full of oddballs. When one of her students turns up dead, she sets out to solve the mystery. Anyone who’s ever wanted to write or taken a creative writing course will get a kick out of this book.'

John Searles, Cosmopolitan (msnbc.com)

Jincy Willett has crafted a funny, literary, murder mystery, well worth the reading.

(Cleveland.com)