After a relatively quiet couple of years here on the Not the Booker, our old friend the Lord of Chaos has swooped down to add an extra bit of excitement and drama into this year’s competition.

Following on from my review of her novel The Ludlow Ladies’ Society, Ann O’Loughlin has decided to withdraw from the competition. She has asked us to post the following statement:

My name is Ann O’Loughlin and I am the author of The Ludlow Ladies’ Society, published by Black & White Publishing. I wish to inform you that on my instructions, Black & White Publishing on Wednesday (13 September) asked the Guardian to withdraw my book from the Not the Booker shortlist.

I feel a great sense of relief to be moving away from a competition that caused so much stress in my life and that of my family.

As I withdraw, I would like to make a few things clear.

I did not ask to be nominated for this competition. I was concerned from the off with the level of unjustifiable criticism in the Guardian comments section directed at my novel by those who had not even read it. I am very proud of The Ludlow Ladies’ Society and very grateful for the loyal readership for my novels all over the world. My work has been translated in to eight languages and is also published in the US. My readership continues to grow and my relationship with my readers is very important to me.

As an author, when you send out your book for review, you must take it on the chin when the review is less than favourable. However, what is harder to take is that the review of The Ludlow Ladies’ Society contained inaccuracies and – unbelievably for a book review – a spoiler on the plot.

While the Guardian did make some corrections when the errors were pointed out, following a period of reflection, I feel I no longer want to continue in the competition.

The fact that the reviewer Mr Sam Jordison did not enjoy the novel or the style of writing has nothing whatsoever to do with my decision. Any attempt to say or represent otherwise would be wrong.

As a writer it gladdens my heart that people all over the world love the books I write, and this is what I will now get back to doing. Thank you to all the readers who have contacted me with messages of support.

I wish all the remaining shortlisted authors well.

I am sad that offence was caused – I had no intention of causing Ann any personal insult. Obviously, I have my own opinion about the existence of any spoilers in my review, but this is Ann’s decision to make. What we can agree on is that we wish her very well, and that we hope that she is spared any stress in future.

Meanwhile, we can focus on the remaining five books on our excellent shortlist. Despite what has happened with The Ludlow Ladies’ Society, this is turning into a vintage year of outstanding books. I’ve enjoyed some of the novels so much I’m actually worried that I’m about to bust through my annual ecstatic adjective quota. If next week’s book, Elizabeth Strout’s Anything Is Possible, is as good as the last few, it’s going to be hard to rein myself in. I also can’t wait to find out what happens in the voting and judging rounds. We have some great contenders on our hands and it’s a pleasure to be able to shine the spotlight on them.

Onwards!