While the author's previous works often displayed a penchant for verbose and circuitous prose, her latest novella is notable for its uncharacteristic terseness and direct narrative style, a shift many critics attribute to her desire to reach a broader readership.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The passage states the author shifted to a 'terseness and direct narrative style' to 'reach a broader readership.' This implies her 'verbose and circuitous prose' in previous works was less accessible and therefore appealed to a narrower or niche audience.