 |
|
Bookreporter.com Newsletter |
November 30, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
No Black Friday or Cyber Monday for Me! |
At the beginning of this week, my mailbox was filled with Cyber Monday offers. I have decided that neither Cyber Monday nor Black Friday are motivators for me to shop. When I got a Cyber Monday offer from the local YMCA, I realized this has reached a new level of insanity. When on Tuesday my mailbox was filled with “Cyber Monday has been extended,” I grabbed my mouse to delete delete delete. I do enjoy giving at the holidays. What I loathe is gross materialism --- and gifts bought without meaning.
Have you seen that wonderful piece about the police officer who bought boots for that homeless man a few weeks ago that has gone viral? If you missed it, you can see a piece done about it on "NBC Nightly News." I am challenging all of our readers to think about a random act of kindness like that this holiday season. Surprise someone --- a stranger, a neighbor, a co-worker who you do not know well --- with something special. It will take the bite out of the commercialism of this holiday season. And trust me, I am betting it will make you feel really good as well. Of course, something book-related would be wonderful, but instead of assigning any parameters for this, I want you to just think about something that makes you feel good.
By the way, my husband told me that we won $4 in the Powerball and it cost him $10 in tickets to do that. Not that “we” won while “he” bought the ticket. Meanwhile, I forgot to buy a ticket. By the way, when we did our marriage vows, he skipped “for richer or for poorer” and I did too.
We had a great time at the movies last weekend, which is what you do when you are not spending the weekend camping out to get special deals. We saw Lincoln on Friday. Tom is a huge history buff, thus this was something he really looked forward to seeing. It has Oscar written all over it. Great acting as well as excellent cinematography made for a wonderful experience. I had not read TEAM OF RIVALS, but it made me want to do so. On Saturday afternoon, I thoroughly enjoyed Daniel Craig…I mean Bond, I mean Skyfall. We saw it in IMAX, and the theater was barely filled (probably everyone was shopping). The action was pure Bond. We loved the little nuance moments where the music would change to the original Bond music…and as we are a “car-loving” family, we loved the cars; there is one Land Rover that I coveted, but it’s not brought into the U.S. I read about the controversy concerning Bond drinking Heineken, not martinis. The film needed financing until they brought in sponsor partners. Somehow it did not bother me…and the Adele song at the beginning is so well done. I still would like to see Life of Pi. Liz in our office saw it and loved it.
Speaking of movies…a book to have on your radar is ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO by Stephen Rebello. I am a Hitchcock junkie, and this book is a “behind-the-scenes look inside the classic suspense shocker --- and the creative genius who revolutionized filmmaking.” A great companion to the movie Hitchcock, which is in theaters now.
I’ve done some great reading this week with two books by debut writers, which is always fun since it gives me an opportunity to see writers at the start of their careers. There are so many who I have found this way through the years, and it’s been such fun following their careers. I started a manuscript for RAGE AGAINST THE DYING by Becky Masterman, which will be in stores on March 12th.
Brigid Quinn is an ex-FBI agent. She has spent a chunk of her career tracking sexual predators, and let’s just say that once you have spent your life doing that, it’s not exactly a career you leave behind really easily. She is a trained killer, has well-honed instincts, and thinks that retirement in Tucson means it’s time for a normal life with her husband Carlo and their dogs. But when you have spent a lot of time around violence, well, let’s just say that trouble seems to have a way of finding you again. I found myself enjoying (crazy word, but the right one) pulling together all the clues, and the multiple suspects made it endlessly intriguing. Masterson is a great storyteller, and the first-person narrative is just perfect here.
I am about halfway through FLAT WATER TUESDAY by Ron Irwin, which will be in stores on June 4th. It opens with documentary filmmaker Rob Carrey flying back to New York after a shoot in South Africa. Just before he leaves, he gets a letter from a now-sober boarding school friend who brings back some memories that he would have preferred to keep buried, though if he is honest with himself, they haunt him every day. Back in New York, as he is editing his piece and contemplating what to do with his current relationship, he is summoned to his former boarding school for some tragic reasons. The posh Fenton School in Connecticut where he spent a year as a postgraduate rower (albeit as a scholarship boarder who comes from a means well beneath that of his fellow students) and the events that happened there have scarred him. The events that surround Fenton School’s top rowing team, called the God Four, are legendary. But the scars from the year has far-reaching consequences for everyone on that team. It’s well-written, and I find myself reading far longer into the night as I plan as I am enjoying it.
On Monday of this week, we started running our Author Holiday Blogs, which we’ve brought back for a FIFTH consecutive year. From now until the start of the new year, we will be featuring new blog posts from authors every day! Thus far, we have heard from Nelson DeMille, Lee Woodruff, Juliette Fay, Jami Attenberg and Jamie Freveletti. I have read these pieces and been inspired, and they also have triggered a number of wonderful memories for me. This weekend, you can read pieces from Jon Katz and Julie Lessman. And in the days and weeks ahead, you can look forward to contributions from Eric Van Lustbader, Karen Robards, Wendy Corsi Staub, Will Schwalbe, Carla Buckley, Rebecca Coleman, and many more. These pieces are like literary gifts, and we are so appreciative of all the authors who have given us these glimpses into their lives.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since Michael Connelly introduced Harry Bosch to his readers. The latest book in the series, THE BLACK BOX, is now in stores, just in time to celebrate this milestone. Here, the veteran LAPD detective links the bullet from a recent crime to the unsolved killing of a young female photographer during the 1992 L.A. riots. His ballistics match now indicates that her death was not random violence, but something more personal. Like an investigator combing through the wreckage after a plane crash, Bosch searches for the "black box," the one piece of evidence that will pull the case together. Joe Hartlaub has our review and says, “Connelly, while not a literary stylist, is a master storyteller whose straightforward, no-nonsense prose lends itself well to constructing a subtle suspense that is infused in THE BLACK BOX from beginning to end. And while the story focuses primarily on Bosch’s case and career, some side issues involving his personal life provide an interesting contrast to the main proceedings.”
We also have a review of Magnus Flyte’s CITY OF DARK MAGIC, which we’re currently featuring in our Paperback Spotlight and giving away copies of to 25 readers. Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as it’s whispered, hell portals. Sarah Weston, a music student, lands a job at Prague Castle cataloguing Beethoven’s manuscripts for the summer. However, soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? Reviewer Amy Gwiazdowski says, “Sometimes you want a book that simply entertains, and CITY OF DARK MAGIC does just that. There’s a bit of everything here, and when one scene seems impossible, know that the next will top it. Go with it. It’s a good ride and a great way to escape reality for a bit.” If you would like to win a copy and “escape reality” for a few hours, please fill out this form by Thursday, December 13th at noon ET.
We’re also giving 10 readers the chance to win a copy of THE MATCHMAKERS OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Myers Perrine. A traumatic experience as a college freshman has left Gussie Milton frightened of being in a relationship, so she's thrown herself into caring for her aging parents, her photography business, and her church. In the eyes of Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, aka “the Widows,” Gussie would make their young pastor the perfect wife. And though the attraction proves mutual, first Gussie's past and then the pastor's hopes for the future threaten to keep them apart. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, January 3rd at noon ET.
Our Holiday Cheer contests kicked off this week with THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain; MERRY EX-MAS and BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE by Sheila Roberts; and THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis. The contests begin at noon ET Monday through Thursday (with the last giveaway ending on December 14th at noon ET) and run for just 24 hours, so you will have to check the site each day to see what is being featured. As always, we’re sending our special Holiday Cheer newsletter on the days when there are contests. If you would like to sign up for these email alerts, click here.
Next week’s prize books will be CAPTURING CAMELOT: Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedys by Kitty Kelley, SWEET TOOTH by Ian McEwan, TO HEAVEN AND BACK: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story by Mary C. Neal, M.D., and FOUR books by Lisa Jackson: UNSPOKEN, AFRAID TO DIE: A Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Novel, YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW and BEACH SEASON (co-written by Cathy Lamb, Holly Chamberlin and Rosalind Noonan).
‘Tis the season to be giving --- and getting! We’ve posted our annual "What to Give, What to Get" Guide, a list of books that will give you tons of gift-giving ideas (and maybe a few to put on YOUR “to me/from me” list).
At this time of year, we’re always curious about whether or not you are giving or receiving books for the holidays, so (as we’ve done in previous years) we’re asking you these questions in our latest poll.
In our previous poll, we wanted to know when you start your holiday shopping. 52% of you have already started, 8% of you are already done (I’m jealous!) and only 2% of you wait until the absolute last minute. You can see the complete results here. I promised to reveal MY shopping style once this poll ended. Throughout the year when I see things, I stash them away to give as holiday presents and typically find them in January. The bulk of my shopping happens in December, and I try to do it as I am inspired and not see it as a task. I cut the list of people that we give to years ago and try to give meaningful gifts, which often has me shopping right up until Christmas Eve to get just the right thing. ALWAYS at the 11th hour, I go a tad over whatever budget I gave myself...I think because I am just in the holiday mood.
We have a brand new Word of Mouth contest for you. Let us know what you’re reading by Friday, December 14th at noon ET for your chance to win the aforementioned THE BLACK BOX, along with INVISIBLE by Carla Buckley and SHIVER by Karen Robards.
By popular request, the 2012 YA Readers Survey will now be up until Tuesday, January 1st. We know there were MANY people without power for a couple of weeks due to Hurricane Sandy, so we wanted to extend it to be sure we were able to hear from as many voices as possible. We’d love you to share this with teens who you know as we are very interested in what they are thinking about YA books today. We know these books are also read by many adults, so if you read Young Adult books, we would love to hear from you as well. It will take about 25 minutes to finish the survey, but those who do complete it are entered to win one of 450(!) young adult titles that we will be giving away when the survey closes, with thanks to our publisher friends who contributed them.
Last week, I wrote about Ken Burns’ Dust Bowl documentary. I learned this week that some of the inspiration for this excellent work came from a book called WHOSE NAMES ARE UNKNOWN by Sanora Babb, which is a little known book about the Dust Bowl. One of our readers, Tessa, wrote during the week and reminded me about a great book to read that is set in the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. It’s OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse. As Tessa says, “It’s written entirely in verse; you can read this children’s book in an hour or so. It is a 5-star read!” I love when readers share ideas like this.
Quiet weekend on the horizon. I want to get the wreath up on the front porch and contemplate some decorating as December arrives tomorrow. And I am headed to the local nursery that has these amazing double-flowering amaryllis. When I plan them now, they manage to flower throughout the winter, and the colors are lush and gorgeous. We usually bring in the hibiscus plants from the summer, but the hurricane/snowstorm caught us off-guard and thus everything died. We hear rumors that the train that runs from our area into the city may actually be up and running tomorrow, so Greg may move back from staying with his friend Ted and Suellen in the city. I’m so grateful to them for welcoming him into their home for so many nights over these past few weeks. For those who doubt how long this recovery will take, this is just a small sign of the impact of the storm.
Here’s to a great week of reading. Read on to find not only something to read now, but something to give…and get.
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)
PS. When you use the links below to purchase books, you also support Bookreporter.com as we have affiliate arrangements with each of them. Please consider this when shopping for books online! |
|
|
|
|
Now in Stores: THE BLACK BOX by Michael Connelly |
|
THE BLACK BOX by Michael Connelly (Thriller)
Harry Bosch links the bullet from a recent crime to the unsolved killing of a young female photographer during the 1992 L.A. riots. His ballistics match now indicates that her death was not random violence, but something more personal. Like an investigator combing through the wreckage after a plane crash, Bosch searches for the "black box," the one piece of evidence that will pull the case together. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
|
|
Click here to read a review. |
|
|
Now in Stores: NOTORIOUS NINETEEN by Janet Evanovich |
|
NOTORIOUS NINETEEN: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich (Mystery)
After a slow summer of chasing low-level skips for her cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds agency, Stephanie Plum finally lands an assignment that could put her checkbook back in the black. Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. Now it’s on Stephanie to track down the con man. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
-Click here to read more about the book.
|
|
Click here to read a review. |
|
|
Now in Stores: THE LEGEND OF BROKEN by Caleb Carr |
|
THE LEGEND OF BROKEN by Caleb Carr (Historical Fiction/Adventure)
In Caleb Carr's fascinating tale of the kingdom of Broken, legend meets history, new gods collide with old, science defies all expectation, virtue comes in many guises, and one noble soldier struggles to save a fortress city besieged by enemies within and without. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.
-Click here to read more about the book.
|
|
Click here to read a review. |
|
|
|
|
Bookreporter.com's Holiday Cheer Contests and Feature |
|
At Bookreporter.com, we kick off the holiday season in style with our Holiday Cheer Contests and Feature. As our gift to you, on select days in November and December, we will spotlight a book and give five lucky readers a chance to win it. You have to visit the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter the contest. If you think you will forget to check the site, no worries: we also send a special newsletter to announce the day's title.
This year’s featured titles are:
-
AFRAID TO DIE: A Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Novel by Lisa Jackson
-
ANGELS AT THE TABLE: A Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy Christmas Story by Debbie Macomber
-
BEACH SEASON by Lisa Jackson, Cathy Lamb, Holly Chamberlin and Rosalind Noonan
-
BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE: Life in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts
-
CAPTURING CAMELOT: Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedys by Kitty Kelley
-
THE CHRISTMAS PLAINS by Joseph Bottum
-
THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis
-
HOW I CAME TO SPARKLE AGAIN by Kaya McLaren
-
MERRY EX-MAS: Life in Icicle Falls by Sheila Roberts
-
THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain
-
SWEET TOOTH by Ian McEwan
-
TO HEAVEN AND BACK: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story by Mary C. Neal, M.D.
-
UNSPOKEN by Lisa Jackson
-
YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW by Lisa Jackson
-
ZOOBORNS: The Next Generation: Newer, Cuter, More Exotic Animals from the World's Zoos and Aquariums by Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland
Our next prize book will be announced on Monday, December 3rd at noon ET.
Next week's featured titles will be CAPTURING CAMELOT: Stanley Tretick's Iconic Images of the Kennedys by Kitty Kelley, SWEET TOOTH by Ian McEwan, TO HEAVEN AND BACK: A Doctor's Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again: A True Story by Mary C. Neal, M.D., and FOUR books by Lisa Jackson: UNSPOKEN, AFRAID TO DIE: A Selena Alvarez/Regan Pescoli Novel, YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW, and BEACH SEASON (co-written by Cathy Lamb, Holly Chamberlin and Rosalind Noonan).
-Click here to sign up for our Holiday Cheer Daily Featured Book and Contest alerts.
|
|
Click here to read more about this year's featured Holiday Cheer titles. |
|
|
|
|
What to Give, What to Get: “Reader Perfect” Suggestions for Holiday Giving and Getting |
|
Bookreporter.com knows that readers crave ideas for gift-giving --- and getting --- at the holidays. With this in mind, we're offering a What to Give, What to Get Guide with suggestions for everyone on your holiday list! Our selections cover a wide variety of genres, including thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, romances, memoirs and biographies. And while you're looking for gifts for others, may we suggest you jot down notes for books YOU want?
This year’s featured titles include:
|
|
Click here to see this year’s "What to Give, What to Get" Holiday Gift Guide. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paperback Spotlight & Contest: CITY OF DARK MAGIC by Magnus Flyte |
 |
We are celebrating the release of CITY OF DARK MAGIC by Magnus Flyte with a special contest that will give 25 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, December 13th at noon ET.
CITY OF DARK MAGIC by Magnus Flyte (Urban Fantasy/Thriller)
Once a city of enormous wealth and culture, Prague was home to emperors, alchemists, astronomers, and, as it’s whispered, hell portals. When music student Sarah Weston lands a summer job at Prague Castle cataloging Beethoven’s manuscripts, she has no idea how dangerous her life is about to become. Prague is a threshold, Sarah is warned, and it is steeped in blood.
Soon after Sarah arrives, strange things begin to happen. She learns that her mentor, who was working at the castle, may not have committed suicide after all. Could his cryptic notes be warnings? As Sarah parses his clues about Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved,” she manages to get arrested, to have tantric sex in a public fountain, and to discover a time-warping drug. She also catches the attention of a four-hundred-year-old dwarf, the handsome Prince Max, and a powerful U.S. senator with secrets she will do anything to hide.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to see the book trailer.
-Click here to read Magnus Flyte's bio.
-Click here to visit Magnus Flyte's official website.
-Connect with Magnus Flyte on Facebook and Twitter.
|
|
Click here to read more in our Paperback Spotlight and enter the contest. |
|
|
Special Contest: Enter to Win a Copy of THE MATCHMAKERS OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Myers Perrine |
|
Once again, the Widows of Butternut Creek are determined to find a bride for Pastor Adam. This time, their candidate is as gun shy as the pastor!
We are celebrating the release of THE MATCHMAKERS OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Myers Perrine with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, January 3rd at noon ET.
THE MATCHMAKERS OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Myers Perrine (Romance)
A traumatic experience as a college freshman has left Gussie Milton frightened of being in a relationship, so she's thrown herself into caring for her aging parents, her photography business, and her church. In the eyes of Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, aka “the Widows,” Gussie would make their young pastor the perfect wife. And though the attraction proves mutual, first Gussie's past and then the pastor's hopes for the future threaten to keep them apart.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Jane Myers Perrine's bio.
|
|
Click here to read all the contest details. |
|
|
|
|
Featured Suspense/Thriller Author: Andrew Britton, Author of THE OPERATIVE |
 |
THE OPERATIVE by Andrew Britton (Thriller)
After more than a decade on the deadly front lines of the war on terror, Ryan Kealey believes he’s finally put danger behind him --- and some of his demons to rest. But his calm is shattered when he’s swept into a merciless terror attack during a charity gala in downtown Baltimore. Among the dozens of casualties is the wife of CIA Deputy Director John Harper. With normal channels of investigation obstructed, Harper turns to Kealey, the one man with the resources, expertise --- and freedom from government interference --- to pursue the awful truth.
Following a string of secrets and violence, Kealey blazes a trail from the confines of the innermost chambers of government and big business to the dimmest reaches of the human psyche, forced to match wits with a new nemesis aided by new allies, each with a unique agenda. Slowly, Kealey unspools an unimaginable conspiracy that suggests America may in fact be its own worst enemy.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Andrew Britton’s bio.
-Click here to visit Andrew Britton’s official website.
|
|
Click here to read more in our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight. |
|
|
Teenreads.com’s 2012 YA Readers Survey |
 |
Teenreads.com’s 2012 YA Readers Survey asks you what you think about books and authors --- as well as your thoughts about a whole lot more happening in pop media culture! Your responses will help us shape our editorial features: we really value your feedback.
This survey is for everyone who loves reading YA who is over 10 years old and is living in the U.S. (many of the questions are so U.S.-based that those residing elsewhere would not be able to reply). So make sure you spread the word to your friends, family and any adults who read YA! If you are under 13, there will be a form your parents must complete in order to be eligible to win a prize.
And, to reward your efforts, by completing this survey you are eligible to enter a contest to win one of 450 FREE books. We assume it will take between 20-30 minutes to complete the questions. Please allow the appropriate amount of time to complete this survey. We had a group of teens test out the survey for us, and they told us that it was fun to fill out and they actually learned more ways to find great YA! We did our last survey in 2009, and the input we received was invaluable. With your help, this year's survey will be even better than last time!
The survey will close on Tuesday, January 1st at 11:59 PM ET.
|
|
Click here for more information and to take the 2012 YA Readers Survey. |
|
|
|
|
This Week’s Reviews |
 |
A WORKING THEORY OF LOVE by Scott Hutchins (Fiction)
Neill Bassett is working hard to become accustomed to his life as a recently divorced single while also trying to breathe new life into his father. Although Neill Bassett Senior died years ago, he left behind tons of detailed journals that his son has inputted into an artificial intelligence company's computer. Shockingly, the experiment may actually work, resurrecting the man who, while alive, was a mystery to his son. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
THE MAN WHO SAVED THE UNION: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace by H.W. Brands (Biography/History)
Ulysses Grant rose from obscurity to discover he had a genius for battle, and he propelled the Union to victory in the Civil War. After Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the disastrous brief presidency of Andrew Johnson, America turned to Grant again to unite the country, this time as president. In H. W. Brands' page-turning biography, Grant emerges as a heroic figure who was fearlessly on the side of right. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan.
THE WALNUT TREE: A Holiday Tale by Charles Todd (Historical Romance)
It is 1914 and days before the German army overtakes Belgium and threatens France. Lady Elspeth Douglas finds herself torn between duty to family and to the war effort, as well as in the midst of a bittersweet love triangle a few months prior to Christmas. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
TARGET LANCER by Max Allan Collins (Historical Mystery)
Nathan Heller, "P.I. to the Stars," knows that a conspiracy is in the works long before November 22, 1963. Several years earlier, he had been involved in the early stages of a plan to assassinate Fidel Castro that was cut short when his Mafia contact was murdered. After being interrogated by gangsters and contacted by U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Heller realizes that he may be the one person who can prevent a devastating political assassination. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
A QUESTION OF IDENTITY: A Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler Mystery by Susan Hill (Mystery)
Haunting prose; smart, civilized characters --- and a good dose of spine-tingling suspense. The latest in the superb Simon Serrailler series is a macabre tale of an elusive killer of elderly women. But Susan Hill’s brainy chief superintendent, while able to crack the most difficult cases, is not so adept at solving his personal problems. Reviewed by Kathy Weissman.
THE THIEVES OF LEGEND by Richard Doetsch (Thriller)
In a world of dark and light, where East meets West, a horrific act of violence propels former thief Michael St. Pierre into a mystery that began 500 years ago. With his girlfriend’s life on the line and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, can Michael stop a madman from attaining an ancient artifact before he can turn its deadly power against the rest of the world? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
PANDORA’S TEMPLE: A Blaine McCracken Novel by Jon Land (Thriller)
What if Pandora’s Box was real? Rogue agent Blaine McCracken finds himself facing this very question --- and the greatest threat to mankind. He must find the mythical undersea Pandora’s Temple and locate the infamous box before it falls into the wrong hands and threatens all. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE COLONY by A. J. Colucci (Thriller/Horror)
When a deadly supercolony of ants begins a series of gruesome attacks on New York City, the desperate mayor turns to the greatest ant expert in the world, Paul O'Keefe, who then calls on his ex-wife Kendra Hart, an entomologist studying fire ants in the New Mexico desert, for help. When the ants launch an all-out attack, Paul and Kendra hit the streets of New York to search for the coveted queen and unlock the secrets of an indestructible new species before the president nukes Manhattan. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE HOLLOW MAN by Oliver Harris (Thriller)
The first book in a series of tense and twisting police procedurals, THE HOLLOW MAN starts with London police detective Nick Belsey at rock bottom, and then embroils him in a brazen identity theft scam and possible murder that could leave him either wealthy or dead. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
|
|
|
|
|
Contests Running on Other Sites in TheBookReportNetwork.com |
 |
We have a number of contests currently running on our other sites in TheBookReportNetwork.com. Please take a look at them below, and enter for your chance to win some fabulous books!
ReadingGroupGuides.com
ABOVE ALL THINGS by Tanis Rideout
We are celebrating the forthcoming release of ABOVE ALL THINGS --- Tanis Rideout’s debut novel that tells the harrowing story of George Mallory’s third and final attempt to summit Mount Everest in 1924 --- with a special contest. 50 readers will have the opportunity to each win an advance copy of the book, which will be in stores on February 12th, for their group. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, December 5th at noon ET.
“What Are You Reading?” Monthly Contest Feature
Let us know what your group is reading in November, and you’ll be entered in a giveaway to win multiple copies of a book for your group! Our latest prize book is THE PARIS WIFE, Paula McLain’s bestselling novel that captures the love affair between Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Hadley. We have 12 copies of the book, which is now available in paperback, to give away to three groups. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, December 5th at noon ET.
Teenreads.com
Holiday Bundle of Cheer
At Teenreads.com, we have brought back our Holiday Bundle of Cheer Contest and Feature. As our gift to you, we are giving five readers a chance to win seven amazing books, along with some incredibly festive goodies. Be sure to enter the contest before Friday, December 14th at noon ET for your chance to win!
Word of Mouth
Send us your current reading recommendations with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. This contest period, one teen reader will be randomly chosen to win a copy of THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken and FALLING KINGDOMS by Morgan Rhodes. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, January 2nd at noon ET.
FaithfulReader.com
THE MATCHMAKERS OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Myers Perrine
We are celebrating the release of THE MATCHMAKERS OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Myers Perrine with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Thursday, January 3rd at noon ET.
A HEARTBEAT AWAY by Harry Kraus
We are celebrating the release of A HEARTBEAT AWAY by Harry Kraus with a special contest that will give 20 readers the opportunity to win the book. In addition, one of these winners will be awarded a Harry's Gift Box from Harry & David that includes Royal Riviera pears, white extra-sharp cheddar cheese, hickory-smoked summer sausage, olive oil crackers and mixed nuts. The deadline for entries is Thursday, December 13th at noon ET.
FaithfulReader.com’s Monthly Contest
In our latest monthly contest, 50 readers will receive a copy of COURTING CATE, the first installment in Leslie Gould's The Courtships of Lancaster County series. The deadline for entries is Monday, December 10th at noon ET.
|
|
|
This Week’s Poll |
|
Are you planning to give books as gifts this holiday season? Please check as many as apply.
Yes, I am planning to give print books (hardcovers/paperbacks).
Yes, I am planning to give eBooks.
Yes, I am planning to give audiobooks.
Yes, I am planning to give a gift card that will allow the recipient to buy a print book, eBook or audiobook.
No, I am not planning to give any books or book gift cards this year.
I am not sure what I am doing.
Are you hoping to receive books as gifts this holiday season? Please check as many as apply.
Yes, I am hoping to receive print books (hardcovers/paperbacks).
Yes, I am hoping to receive eBooks.
Yes, I am hoping to receive audiobooks.
Yes, I am hoping to receive a gift card so I can buy a print book, eBook or audiobook.
No, I would not like to receive any books or book gift cards this year.
I am not sure.
|
|
Click here to answer the poll. |
|
|
Word of Mouth: Tell Us What You're Reading --- and You Could Win THREE Books! |
Tell us your current reading recommendations with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from November 30th to December 14th, FIVE lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of THE BLACK BOX by Michael Connelly, INVISIBLE by Carla Buckley and SHIVER by Karen Robards.
To make sure other readers will be able to find the books you write about, please include the full title and correct author names (your entry must include these to be eligible to win). For complete rules and guidelines, click here.
-To see reader comments from previous contest periods, click here.
|
|
Click here to enter the contest. |
|
As always, here are a few housekeeping notes. If you are seeing this newsletter in a text version, and would prefer to see the graphics, you can either read it online or change your preferences below.
|
|
|
