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Bookreporter.com Newsletter |
September 27, 2013 |
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'Tis the Season for Wetsuits
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I am not ready to give up the pool yet, so it is wetsuit time, though it’s a short suit. While the water is “heater warm,” the air is not. Thus I head to the pool steps looking like I am ready to hit the waves. This is the time of year when I start thinking that I will be able to enjoy the water for many more months, but in reality, there’s a week or two left of this pure joy. In between playing with barbells and leg weights doing water aerobics, I read. I was completely captivated by THE PRESERVATIONIST by Justin Kramon, a great psychological thriller where the story unfolded right to the last page. In many books these days, the action moves for 2/3, and then the last 1/3 is either a race to the finish or soooo poorly crafted that it becomes a disappointment. Instead, here readers get a satisfying wrap-up to the action as Justin kept it pumping right to the end. I loved the way the story shifted around, spinning the plot from one plausible scene to another. Who to trust? Who is the villain? The roots of where each character comes from so clearly influence the action. And the way the action shifts around is so well done. Justin is a graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a newish talent with just one other book, FINNY.
In the 24-hour news rush, I am so bored with the idea of being first instead of the idea of providing fact checking. When I was in journalism class, that was what we needed to do before we submitted a piece and we needed to cite our sources. A few years ago, I read Dave Cullen’s COLUMBINE, which unfolded the facts behind the shootings in that Colorado town 10 years later. It ends up there was no “Black Trenchcoat Mafia,” and so many other "truths" were not cited right. Thus, when I got an invite to meet Stephen Jimenez, the author of THE BOOK OF MATT: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard, I was interested in hearing more about investigation of this murder that happened 15 years ago this week (it seems like yesterday). It ends up there’s a lot more behind the murder of Shepherd than was originally reported --- and, once again, years of investigation shed new light on the circumstances behind his death. Facts are laid out for more discussion. The brutality of his death is no less sad, but the background makes for page-turning reading. I wish more news stories were examined like this!
This week’s most talked-about release is DOCTOR SLEEP, the sequel to Stephen King’s 1977 classic, THE SHINING, that answers the burning question, “Whatever happened to Danny Torrance?” Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel, a now-middle-aged Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him, and a job at a nursing home where his remnant shining power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Then Dan meets Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra’s soul and survival. Joe Hartlaub raves about the book in his review: “Some of King’s best writing to date is found in DOCTOR SLEEP. I’ll never look at an RV on the highway --- or the folks inside --- the same way again. There are many clever and wonderful turns of phrase here, as well as a nod to a couple of other literary universes…”
Sandra Brown is back with another can’t-miss thriller, DEADLINE. Dawson Scott is a journalist who has recently returned from Afghanistan. He is covering the disappearance and presumed murder of former Marine Jeremy Wesson, the biological son of a pair of terrorists who are on the FBI's Most Wanted list. As Dawson delves into the story, he finds himself developing feelings for Wesson's ex-wife, Amelia, and her two young sons. But when Amelia's nanny turns up dead, the case takes a stunning new turn, with Dawson himself becoming a suspect. Joe also reviewed this one and says, “Sandra Brown, who has had a long and illustrious writing career, shows no sign of slowing down or repeating herself in DEADLINE. Indeed, the book is built upon some of her most interesting characters and creative plot twists to date.”
I read DEADLINE when I was on staycation. Much of the story is set on a private island off the coast of Georgia where the action ramps up with more murder and deception. I am glad I was not alone at the beach reading it! Sandra’s plotting is so smooth that you never see the twists coming. But you never feel cheated since, if you had been really paying attention, you might have caught the red herring. But I dare you to be able to figure it all out. It’s a pure pleasure to read her!
Ten years after the release of her Pulitzer Prize-winning debut novel, THE NAMESAKE, Jhumpa Lahiri returns with her second novel, THE LOWLAND. Two brothers born in Calcutta during World War II share a close childhood but separate from one another as adults. Subhash, the older, quieter brother, moves to the US to study marine chemistry. Udayan, the younger and more volatile, stays in India and becomes active in the Naxalite Communist movement. The circumstances that draw them apart and eventually bring their families together form the drama of THE LOWLAND. Reviewer Michael Magras calls the book “one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read. To reveal the details of the plot would spoil the pleasure, but Lahiri fans shouldn’t be surprised to learn that the novel is packed with beautiful, deceptively simple sentences and perceptive observations about American life.” It’s longlisted for the National Book Award and shortlisted for the Booker Prize.
As a reminder, we’re giving away all three of these reviewed titles in our Word of Mouth contest. Let us know what you’ve read for your opportunity to win these books. Fill out the form found on this page by Friday, October 4th at noon ET to be entered in our drawing.
Sharyn McCrumb’s new Ballad novel, KING’S MOUNTAIN, is the latest title in our New Release Spotlight. John Sevier had not taken much interest in the American Revolution, since he was too busy fighting Indians in the Carolinas and taming the wilderness. But when an arrogant British officer threatened his settlement --- promising to burn the farms and kill families --- the war became personal. That arrogant officer is Patrick Ferguson of the British Army, inventor of the Ferguson rifle and the devoted lover to his mistress, Virginia Sal. Roz Shea reviews the book and says, "[W]hen you are a writer of McCrumb's caliber and you discover a famous ancestor who played a major role in the American Revolution, the story of King’s Mountain was truly and irresistibly, as she said, a story that needed to be told."
Emma Chapman is our latest featured Debut Suspense/Thriller author, whose first novel is the psychological thriller HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE. Good wife Marta has been married for so long that she can hardly remember a past without Hector. But now strange visions flit at the corner of her eye, including that of a blonde girl no one else can see. Is she losing her mind, or is she starting to remember something important? Oh, this one is sooo edgy! And I loved the tasks that “a good wife” should do, which are sprinkled throughout the pages. So 1950s! We have 35 copies of the book, which releases on October 15th, to give away to those who would like to read and comment on it. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, October 10th at noon ET.
Meanwhile, our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight continues this week for RASPUTIN’S SHADOW. In Raymond Khoury’s latest thriller, FBI agent Sean Reilly must discover why a Russian embassy attaché has apparently committed suicide and a retired Russian physics professor living in Queens has vanished, all of which leads to a small device that could change the world in a deadly way. We have 50 copies of RASPUTIN’S SHADOW, which releases on October 8th, to give away to readers who would like to read the book and comment on it. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, October 3rd at noon ET.
Our Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight of Marlen Suyapa Bodden wraps up this week with our review of THE WEDDING GIFT and our interview. When prestigious plantation owner Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa’s hand in marriage, she takes with her a gift: Sarah --- her slave and her half-sister. Raised by an educated mother, Clarissa is not a proper southern belle she appears to be with ambitions of loving who she chooses, and Sarah equally hides behind the façade of being a docile house slave as she plots to escape. According to reviewer Bronwyn Miller, “Fans of THE HELP, THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and OLDEST LIVING CONFEDERATE WIDOW TELLS ALL will relish Bodden’s accomplished debut novel. Its subject matter and touching characters make it a perfect choice for book clubs.” Read much more about the book in Bronwyn’s interview with this promising first-time novelist.
Andrea Kane’s THE STRANGER YOU KNOW, which we gave away last month in a special contest, is now our latest Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight title. A Forensic Instincts team must race to uncover the identity of a serial killer before his ever-tightening circle of death closes in on Casey Woods --- the ultimate target. As the stalker methodically moves in on his prey, his actions make one thing clear: he knows everything about Casey. The killer's blood trail of death shows that each victim has a unique connection to Casey, who realizes that this psychopath won't stop until he makes sure she's dead. Says Joe Hartlaub, “Given the deep bench of the FI team members and Kane’s ability to create memorable, frightening and, above all, clever villains, the Forensic Instincts series should continue to be a popular one for as long as Kane wishes to keep it going.” Joe had the opportunity to interview Andrea, and you can see their conversation here.
I’d like to mention three other books that should be on your radar. First up is HELP FOR THE HAUNTED by John Searles, which I talked about in last week’s newsletter. It’s the story of a most unusual family, their deep secrets, their harrowing tragedy, and ultimately, a daughter’s discovery of a dark and unexpected mystery. We have our review this week from Bronwyn Miller, who has this to say: “Blending equal parts ghost story with coming-of-age tale, Searles proves quite the gifted alchemist in his third novel that’s reminiscent of early Stephen King… You’ll feel the chill in the air and the hair on the back of your neck stand up as you read, and God help you if someone sneaks up behind you!”
Wendy Corsi Staub’s new thriller is THE GOOD SISTER, in which a mother races to save her daughter before her darkest nightmare comes true. Joe Hartlaub has our review and says, “Surprises abound in THE GOOD SISTER. Staub will have your jaw dropping throughout the book, particularly near the conclusion (I never saw that coming). Additionally, you won’t be able to help but wonder how many of your friends harbor similar skeletons, ambulatory and otherwise, in their own closets.”
In Shona Patel’s debut novel, TEATIME FOR THE FIREFLY, an unexpected romance develops between two misfits in traditional Indian society. This fish-out-of-water love story is told partially through letters, and set within an exotic and enchanting world where social upheaval and the threat of World War II lingers on their doorstep. Reviewer Roz Shea calls the book “a refreshing, fascinating first novel by a woman who writes with humor and pathos that comes from experience.” Roz was so enthralled by the book that she decided to interview Shona. Click here for much insight into the creation of this first novel and why Shona, a successful graphic artist, decided to try her hand at writing.
As promised, I’m naming THE HUSBAND’S SECRET as my latest Bookreporter.com Bets On selection. We reviewed the book in August, which prompted me to want to read it. Author Liane Moriarty introduces readers to Cecilia Fitzpatrick, who unearths a Pandora's box when she discovers a letter from her husband, John-Paul, to be opened only after his death. Despite her still-very-much-alive husband's plea not to read the letter, she ultimately can't resist. Sadly, the secrets within have the power to decimate her life. Click here to see why I’m betting you’ll love THE HUSBAND’S SECRET.
I’m very pleased to share with you two reader Q&As about the National Book Festival, which took place last weekend in Washington, DC. Read all about the experiences of our long-time reader Denise from Rockville, MD and our very own reviewer Amy Gwiazdowski, both of whom are long-time attendees of the festival.
While I was unable to attend Bouchercon, the world mystery convention, in Albany last weekend, I was fortunate to enlist the help of author Wendy Webb, who was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Click here to read all about her impressions of the event, which she was attending for the very first time.
The winners of the Anthony and Macavity Awards were announced at Bouchercon. Among the big winners were THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY by Louise Penny and BOOKS TO DIE FOR edited by John Connolly and Declan Burke; each received BOTH the Anthony and Macavity Awards.
We’ve posted advance readers' comments for nine books we recently gave away as part of our Author Spotlights. Click on the book titles to see what our contest winners had to say about LEAVING HAVEN by Kathleen McCleary (this “Sneak Peek: An Early Look at an Upcoming book” title is in stores Tuesday, October 1st), CRIME OF PRIVILEGE by Walter Walker, LADIES’ NIGHT by Mary Kay Andrews, I’LL BE SEEING YOU by Suzanne Hayes and Loretta Nyhan, THE ASHFORD AFFAIR by Lauren Willig, PALISADES PARK by Alan Brennert, FLY AWAY by Kristin Hannah, HEART OF PALM by Laura Lee Smith, and GARDEN OF STONES by Sophie Littlefield. Thank you to all who shared their comments with us! We love hearing from our readers.
Quick thing: Some of you have asked why your comments on reviews do not readily show up on the site when you submit them. We get an insane amount of SPAM in that mailbox, something like an email a minute, thus wading through this junk to get to your replies takes a LOT of time. I went through six pages of comments the other night (40 on a page), and there was not a legit one in the bunch. WHO has time to spin havoc like this?
We’ve updated our Young Adult Books You Want to Read feature, reviews that we’ve posted on our Teenreads.com site. This month’s selections are STEELHEART by Brandon Sanderson, THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN by Holly Black, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE by Leila Sales and NOT A DROP TO DRINK by Mindy McGinnis.
Please keep in mind that our latest poll will remain active until Friday, October 4th. Which fiction and nonfiction books releasing in September and October are you looking forward to reading the most? Let us know!
MSNBC's "Morning Joe," a stop on many an author's morning, has started the Morning Joe Book Club, "a monthly series of interviews and discussions on the hottest, new nonfiction books." The club's first selection is FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Pulitzer Prize winner Sheri Fink, which we reviewed two weeks ago. The discussion kicks off on Monday. I’ve read about half of the book and can see it spurring some really interesting conversations. As we work to bring you more nonfiction, I will be interested to see the other books that are selected.
Tonight, Greg is giving a presentation at the World Ship Society in New York about his Norwegian cruise on the MS Lofoten ship, a part of the Hurtigruten line. I have the pleasure of introducing him, which is a really nice honor, and my remarks will be lots of admiration and a tiny bit of a roast. The World Ship Society should only know that I once pointed to the Queen Mary 2 and identified it as the Queen Elizabeth 2, which is some kind of ship heresy that I will not live down with Greg’s friends.
Tomorrow, I am headed to a “yarn mix party,” a great concept where attendees bring needles to try out yarns. We are mixing various textures of Shibui. Then reading….I currently am enjoying Sandra Dallas’s upcoming novel, FALLEN WOMEN, which will be in stores on October 22nd. I am only about 20 pages in, but I know that once again Sandra is going to deliver a satisfying read. Here a young prostitute has been murdered, and her sister has come to town to figure out what has happened. Set in one of my favorite places, Denver, I am looking forward to getting into it.
Sunday night is the series finale of "Breaking Bad," which is one highly anticipated program. I am halfway through watching Season Two with no hopes of catching up before Sunday night. The big question: Do I just watch the final episode? I can see our readers who are fans reaching for the keyboard now to weigh in. Simultaneously, the new season of "Homeland" on Showtime is debuting. I had an opportunity to screen this first episode this week, and I loved picking up the story. No spoilers here. And after "Homeland," we have the highly advertised "Masters of Sex," which is based on the book of the same name by my friend from my Fordham days, Tom Maier. Taking this newsletter full circle, Tom and I took a number of journalism classes together where we learned how to fact check. By the way, I still wonder what the Jesuits are thinking about their alumni claim to fame via a bio of sex researchers.
Here’s to a great week of reading. Read on...
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com) |
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Now in Stores: DOCTOR SLEEP by Stephen King
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DOCTOR SLEEP by Stephen King (Horror/Thriller)
Stephen King returns to the character and territory of one of his most popular books ever, THE SHINING, in this instantly riveting novel about the now middle-aged Dan Torrance and the very special 12-year-old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: DEADLINE by Sandra Brown
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DEADLINE by Sandra Brown (Thriller)
Well-respected journalist Dawson Scott, who has recently returned from Afghanistan, is covering the disappearance and presumed murder of former Marine Jeremy Wesson, the biological son of the pair of terrorists who remain on the FBI's Most Wanted list. As Dawson delves into the story, he finds himself developing feelings for Wesson's ex-wife, Amelia, and her two young sons. But when Amelia's nanny turns up dead, the case takes a stunning new turn, with Dawson himself becoming a suspect. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: THE LOWLAND by Jhumpa Lahiri
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THE LOWLAND by Jhumpa Lahiri (Fiction)
Two brothers born in Calcutta during World War II share a close childhood but separate from one another as adults. Subhash, the older, quieter brother, moves to the US to study marine chemistry. Udayan, the younger and more volatile, stays in India and becomes active in the Naxalite Communist movement. The circumstances that draw them apart and eventually bring their families together form the drama of Jhumpa Lahiri’s second novel. Reviewed by Michael Magras.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
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Click here to read a review. |
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New Release Spotlight: KING’S MOUNTAIN by Sharyn McCrumb
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KING'S MOUNTAIN: A Ballad Novel by Sharyn McCrumb (Historical Fiction)
John Sevier had not taken much interest in the American Revolution. Homesteading in the Carolina mountains, Sevier was too busy fighting Indians and taming the wilderness to worry much about a far-off war, but when an arrogant British officer sends a message over the mountains, threatening to burn the settlers' farms and kill their families, the war becomes personal.
That abrasive officer is British Army Major Patrick Ferguson, who is both charmingly antagonistic and surprisingly endearing. The younger son of a Scottish earl, Ferguson suffers constant misfortunes, making his dedication and courage count for nothing. When he loses the use of his arm from an injury at Brandywine, his commander sends him south, away from the war --- which, in 1780, George Washington and the Continental Army are losing. Ordered to recruit wealthy Southern planters to the British cause, Ferguson courts disaster by provoking the frontiersmen, and suddenly the far-off war is a sword's length away. The British aristocrat on a fine white horse is the antihero to Sevier's American pioneer spirit. Two Tory washerwomen, Virginia Sal --- whose lucid voice lends humor and mysticism to the pages --- and Virginia Paul, a mysterious woman too well-acquainted with death, portray the human side of the king's army. With a regiment of British regulars and local Tory volunteers, Ferguson believes he's an indomitable force.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Sharyn McCrumb's bio
-Click here to connect with Sharyn McCrumb on Facebook.
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Click here to read more in our New Release Spotlight. |
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New Debut Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight & Contest: HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE by Emma Chapman
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We have 35 copies of HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE by Emma Chapman, which releases on October 15th, to give away to readers who would like to read the book and comment on it. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, October 10th at noon ET.
HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE by Emma Chapman (Psychological Thriller)
Marta and Hector have been married for a long time. Through the good and bad; through raising a son and sending him off to life after university. So long, in fact, that Marta finds it difficult to remember her life before Hector. He has always taken care of her, and she has always done everything she can to be a good wife --- as advised by a dog-eared manual given to her by Hector’s aloof mother on their wedding day.
But now, something is changing. Small things seem off. A flash of movement in the corner of her eye, elapsed moments that she can’t recall. Visions of a blonde girl in the darkness that only Marta can see. Perhaps she is starting to remember --- or perhaps her mind is playing tricks on her. As Marta’s visions persist and her reality grows more disjointed, it’s unclear if the danger lies in the world around her, or in Marta herself. The girl is growing more real every day, and she wants something.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to visit the book’s Facebook page.
-Click here to read Emma Chapman’s bio.
-Click here to connect with Emma Chapman on Twitter.
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Click here to read more in our Debut Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight and enter the contest. |
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Bookreporter.com Talks to Marlen Suyapa Bodden, Author of THE WEDDING GIFT
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Marlen Suyapa Bodden, a practicing lawyer at The Legal Aid Society in New York City, drew upon her knowledge of modern and historical slavery to write her debut novel, THE WEDDING GIFT. Since Bodden self-published the book to widespread success, it has been picked up by several major publishing houses around the world and garnered praise from readers and authors alike. Based on a real-life court case in 1840s Alabama, THE WEDDING GIFT is told through the eyes of two women --- a plantation mistress and a slave --- who both feel the impact as a suspected illegitimate child leads to a divorce, shaking the foundations of a powerful Southern family. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Bronwyn Miller, Bodden shares her self-publishing experiences, her love for certain literary giants, and how her interest in history and work as a lawyer for the poor has inspired her writing.
THE WEDDING GIFT by Marlen Suyapa Bodden (Historical Fiction)
When prestigious plantation owner Cornelius Allen gives his daughter Clarissa’s hand in marriage, she takes with her a gift: Sarah --- her slave and her half-sister. Raised by an educated mother, Clarissa is not a proper southern belle she appears to be with ambitions of loving who she chooses and Sarah equally hides behind the façade of being a docile house slave as she plots to escape. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Marlen Suyapa Bodden’s bio.
-Connect with Marlen Suyapa Bodden on Facebook and Twitter.
-Click here to see the 35 winners who were selected to read and comment on the book.
-Click here to read more in our Women's Fiction Author Spotlight.
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Click here to read our interview. |
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Bookreporter.com Talks to Andrea Kane, Author of THE STRANGER YOU KNOW
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In THE STRANGER YOU KNOW, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Kane continues her acclaimed Forensic Instincts series. A recent string of murders appear to follow the MO of a killer well known to the Forensic team --- one they have already imprisoned. Using a blend of supernatural talents and technological wonders, the mismatched team must tackle a case both eerily familiar and horrifyingly new. In this interview, conducted by Bookreporter.com's Joe Hartlaub, Kane shares the joy of writing about a team frequently at conflict with itself, the differences between crafting series and stand-alone novels, and how her writing habits have changed to reflect her daily schedule over the years.
THE STRANGER YOU KNOW: A Forensic Instincts Novel by Andrea Kane (Thriller)
A Forensic Instincts team must race to uncover the identity of a serial killer before his ever-tightening circle of death closes in on Casey Woods --- the ultimate target. As the stalker methodically moves in on his prey, his actions make one thing clear: he knows everything about Casey. The killer's blood trail of death shows that each victim has a unique connection to Casey, who realizes that this psychopath won't stop until he makes sure she's dead. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Andrea Kane’s bio.
-Click here to visit Andrea Kane’s official website.
-Connect with Andrea Kane on Facebook and Twitter.
-Click here to read more in our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight.
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Click here to read our interview. |
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Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight & Contest: RASPUTIN’S SHADOW by Raymond Khoury
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We have 50 copies of RASPUTIN'S SHADOW by Raymond Khoury, which releases on October 8th, to give away to readers who would like to read the book and comment on it. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, October 3rd at noon ET.
RASPUTIN'S SHADOW by Raymond Khoury (Historical Thriller)
On a cold, bleak day in 1916, a mining pit in Siberia turns into a bloodbath when its miners attack each other, savagely and ferociously. Minutes later, two men --- a horrified scientist and Grigory Rasputin, trusted confidant of the tsar --- hit a detonator, blowing up the mine to conceal all evidence of the carnage.
In the present day, FBI agent Sean Reilly is tasked with a new, disturbing case. A Russian embassy attaché seems to have committed suicide by jumping out of a fourth-floor window in Queens. The apartment’s owners, a retired high school teacher and his wife, have gone missing, while a faceless killer is roaming New York City, leaving a trail of death in his wake.
Joined by Russian FSB agent Larisa Tchoumitcheva, Reilly’s investigation into the old man’s identity will uncover a deadly, desperate search for a mysterious device whose origins reach back in time to the darkest days of the Cold War and to Imperial Russia and which, in the wrong hands, could have a devastating impact on the modern world.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Raymond Khoury’s bio.
-Click here to visit Raymond Khoury’s official website.
-Connect with Raymond Khoury on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here to read more in our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight and enter the contest. |
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Bookreporter.com Talks to Shona Patel, Author of TEATIME FOR THE FIREFLY
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Shona Patel, a successful graphic artist, drew upon her experiences growing up in India as the daughter of an Assam tea planter for her debut novel, TEATIME FOR THE FIREFLY. The story centers on a young woman, Layla, whose upbringing is not unlike that of Patel herself. As Layla comes of age in India during the tumultuous years after World War II, she meets a young man named Manik. Though they feel a connection, the two recognize the obstacles tradition presents to a potential romance. In this interview with Bookreporter.com's Roz Shea, Patel opens up about the inspiration she found in her childhood home, her journey to writing creatively, and what’s in the works now that her first novel has been published.
TEATIME FOR THE FIREFLY by Shona Patel (Historical Romance)
TEATIME FOR THE FIREFLY is a charming tale of unexpected romance between two misfits in traditional Indian society. Shona Patel's debut novel is a fish-out-of-water love story told partially through letters, and set within an exotic and enchanting world where social upheaval and the threat of World War II lingers on their doorstep.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
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Click here to read our interview. |
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Bookreporter.com Bets On: THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty
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THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty (Fiction)
We reviewed THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty in August, which prompted me to want to read it. Yes, even I am influenced by our reviews! The story was not the one I guessed from the title, and it had one surprise after the other, right through to the epilogue, which is soooo deliciously satisfying. It’s set in Australia, which somehow contributes to make it even more delightful as the dialogue has a great pitch.
Cecilia Fitzpatrick is leading the “perfect” life (we all know women like her) with her husband and three girls. One day, when rummaging through the attic, she finds a letter from her husband, which is to be opened in the event of his death. He is very much alive and begs her to not open it. After toying with this for days, alas, she does unseal it and read --- and from there, her world starts to unravel.
There are two other paralleling story lines with two other women, Tess O’Leary and Rachel Crowley. Tess’s marriage has unraveled, and she headed home and enrolled her young son in the same school that Cecilia’s daughters attend. Rachel, the school secretary, still is mourning the death of her daughter nearly three decades before, and she thinks she knows the killer, a teacher at the school.
It’s a fun read, a fast read, but one you will be searching for someone to talk about it with once you are done. Great for book groups, great for just grabbing a friend to talk about it with. People keep asking if I have read it, and when I tell people about it, they all say I keep hearing about it. I love books with buzz like this that actually deliver. One more thing: gorgeous cover. It has the whole package, literally.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
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Click here to see all the books we're betting you'll love. |
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More Reviews This Week
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JIM HENSON: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones (Biography)
Brian Jay Jones draws on hundreds of hours of new interviews with Jim Henson's family, friends and closest collaborators, as well as unprecedented access to private family and company archives, to pen this comprehensive biography of Henson’s all-too-brief life: from his childhood in Leland, Mississippi, through the years of burgeoning fame in America, to the decade of international celebrity that preceded his untimely death at age 53. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
-Click here to watch the book trailer.
THE MAYAN SECRETS: A Fargo Adventure by Clive Cussler and Thomas Perry (Thriller/Adventure)
Husband-and-wife team Sam and Remi Fargo are in Mexico, when they come upon a remarkable discovery --- the skeleton of a man clutching an ancient sealed pot, and within the pot, a Mayan book, larger than anyone has ever seen. The book contains astonishing information about the Mayans, their cities, and mankind itself. The secrets are so powerful that some people would do anything to possess them --- as the Fargos are about to find out. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.
HELP FOR THE HAUNTED by John Searles (Mystery)
Sylvie Mason’s parents have an unusual occupation --- helping “haunted souls” find peace. After receiving a strange phone call one winter’s night, they leave the house and are later murdered in an old church in a horrifying act of violence. A year later, the inquisitive teenager pursues the mystery, moving closer to the knowledge of what occurred that night --- and to the truth about her family’s past and the secrets that have haunted them for years. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
THE GOOD SISTER by Wendy Corsi Staub (Thriller)
The relentless bullying Jen Archer's older daughter, Carly, has been taking at school has taken a toll on the entire family. When Carly's friend suddenly commits suicide, Jen's fears reach an all-time high. Carly turns to Internet message boards for help, finding a kindred spirit in "Angel." But as she shares more and more, is she truly confiding in a friend...or risking her life at the hands of a dangerous madman? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to visit Wendy Corsi Staub’s official website.
SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMEONE DEAD: An Agatha Raisin Mystery by M. C. Beaton (Mystery)
When brassy, ballsy, bleached blonde Gloria French moves from London to a small village in the Cotswolds, she quickly offends the locals so severely that one of them murders her with a bottle of poisoned homemade wine. This senseless crime creates a complicated puzzle for detective Agatha Raisin to solve before she becomes a victim herself. Reviewed by Amie Taylor.
KATE: The Future Queen by Katie Nicholl (Biography)
For the past several years, the world has had glimpses of a royal romance well documented by the media. Now the fairy-tale, royal wedding is history, and a new prince has recently been born to this young couple. Katie Nicholl's biography gives readers a thorough look at the young woman known simply as Kate. She is a duchess, the wife of a soon-to-be king, and a future Queen Mother. This book very ably answers the question: Who is Kate? Reviewed by Carole Turner.
THE LUDWIG CONSPIRACY by Oliver Pötzsch (Historical Thriller)
An encoded diary by one of Ludwig II’s confidants falls into the hands of modern-day rare book dealer Steven Lukas, who soon realizes that the diary may bring him more misery than money. Others want the diary as well --- and they will kill to get it. Lukas teams up with a beautiful art detective to investigate each of Ludwig’s three famous castles for clues to crack the diary’s code as mysterious thugs and Ludwig’s fanatical followers chase them at every step. Just what in the diary could be so explosive? Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
SHAMAN: A Novel of the Ice Age by Kim Stanley Robinson (Historical Fantasy)
Thorn, a shaman, lives to pass down his wisdom and his stories --- to teach those who would follow in his footsteps. Heather is the healer who, in many ways, holds the clan together. Elga is an outsider and the bringer of change. And Loon is the next shaman who is determined to find his own path. But in a world so treacherous, that journey is never simple --- and where it may lead is never certain. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.
THE EDGE OF NORMAL by Carla Norton (Thriller)
Ten years ago, Reeve LeClaire was kidnapped and held captive. After a lucky escape, she has spent the last six years trying to rebuild her life, a recovery thanks in large part to her indispensable therapist Dr. Ezra Lerner. But when he asks her to help another girl rescued from a similar situation, Reeve realizes she may be the only one who can protect her from a cunning predator who is still out there, watching every move. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.
THE KIDS GOT IT RIGHT: How the Texas All-Stars Kicked Down Racial Walls by Jim Dent (Sports)
New York Times bestselling author Jim Dent pens the compelling story of how a black and white player came together to break the color barrier in Texas football in 1965. Jerry LeVias and Bill Bradley bonded as friends at the Big 33 high school all-star game, producing a dramatic finish that fans still talk about. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
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Young Adult Books You Want to Read
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Our company, The Book Report Network, has a number of websites about books and authors in addition to Bookreporter.com. Throughout the year, Bookreporter.com features adult books on Teenreads.com, our site for young adult readers, that we think will have definite appeal to a teen audience. In the spirit of sharing, we are now spotlighting a selection of titles each month from Teenreads.com that we believe are great reads that you might enjoy.
Here are our latest featured titles:
STEELHEART by Brandon Sanderson (Dystopian/Adventure)
Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. But with incredible gifts came the desire to rule. Nobody fights these Epics but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they study Epics, find their weaknesses, and then assassinate them. And David wants in. He wants Steelheart, the Epic who killed his father.
THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN by Holly Black (Dystopian Thriller)
Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown's gates, you can never leave.
NOT A DROP TO DRINK by Mindy McGinnis (Dystopian Fiction)
Fans of classic frontier survival stories, as well as readers of dystopian literature, will enjoy this futuristic story in which water is worth more than gold. Teenager Lynn has been taught to defend her pond against every threat: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty or doesn't leave at all.
THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE by Leila Sales (Fiction)
Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and, most importantly, a love for DJing.
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Click here to see all the young adult books we recommend you read. |
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This Week’s Poll and Word of Mouth Contest
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Poll:
Which fiction and nonfiction titles releasing in September and October are you planning to read?
-Click here to take the poll.
Word of Mouth:
Tell us your current reading recommendations with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from September 20th to October 4th, FIVE lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of DEADLINE by Sandra Brown, DOCTOR SLEEP by Stephen King, and THE LOWLAND by Jhumpa Lahiri.
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.
Please note: You must enter your full address, using correct capitalization and filling in all fields if you would like to be eligible to win a prize.
Also, we realize that many times, your opinion of a book will change as you get further along into the story. Thus, to ensure that your comments and ratings accurately reflect your entire reading experience, we ask that you finish reading the book before you submit your comments about it.
One important technical note: If you're using an iPad or another iOS device to access the Word of Mouth page and you would like to enter the contest, you must wait for the page to fully load before you can rate your book. Only then will the stars be clickable.
-Click here to enter the contest.
-To see reader comments from previous contest periods, click here.
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Contests Running on Other Sites in TheBookReportNetwork.com
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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
MOONRISE by Cassandra King
We are celebrating the release of MOONRISE --- in which a newlywed discovers a secret that forces her to decide if she can ever trust or love again --- with an exciting contest. Three groups will win 10 SIGNED first editions of the book with special bookplates, along with an opportunity to chat with the author, Cassandra King, via phone or Skype. The deadline for entries is Thursday, October 3rd at noon ET.
ACCELERATED by Bronwen Hruska
We are celebrating the paperback release of ACCELERATED --- in which a single dad and his son discover what lies beneath the gilded facade of an elite Upper East Side private school --- with a special contest. Six groups will receive 12 copies of the book, and four of these groups also will win a Skype chat with the author, Bronwen Hruska. The deadline for entries is Thursday, October 3rd at noon ET.
HAVANA LOST by Libby Fischer Hellmann
We are celebrating the release of HAVANA LOST --- an epic thriller set largely in Cuba that spans three generations of the same Mafia family --- with a special contest. Fifteen groups will receive one copy of the book, while three other groups will win three copies of the book AND a Skype chat with the author, Libby Fischer Hellmann. The deadline for entries is Thursday, October 3rd at noon ET.
"What Are You Reading?" Monthly Contest Feature
Let us know what your group is reading in September, and you will be entered in a giveaway to win multiple copies of a book for your group! Our latest prize book is THE ROUND HOUSE by Louise Erdrich, the National Book Award-winning novel about a boy on the cusp of manhood who seeks justice and understanding in the wake of a terrible crime that upends and forever transforms his family. We have 12 copies of the book, which will be available in paperback on September 24th, to give away to three groups. The deadline for entries is Thursday, October 3rd at noon ET.
Kidsreads.com
SAMMY KEYES AND THE KILLER CRUISE by Wendelin Van Draanen
Sammy Keyes knew that getting to know her new dad on a cruise would be a little uncomfortable. But when an heiress disappears from the ship, it turns out everyone is in for a rocky ride. We are celebrating the release of SAMMY KEYES AND THE KILLER CRUISE, Wendelin Van Draanen’s penultimate Sammy Keyes mystery, with a special contest that will give five readers the opportunity to win a SIGNED copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 16th at noon ET.
JACK STRONG TAKES A STAND by Tommy Greenwald
Jack Strong is overworked and stages a sit-in on his couch, refusing to get up until his parents let him quit some of the extracurriculars. We are celebrating the release of JACK STRONG TAKES A STAND by Tommy Greenwald with a special contest that will give 15 readers the opportunity to win a SIGNED copy of this tale of protest. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, October 8th at noon ET.
DUKE by Kirby Larson
Eleven-year-old Hobie Hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country during World War II, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, Duke. We are celebrating the release of DUKE by Kirby Larson with a special contest that will give 15 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. The deadline for entries is Monday, September 30th at noon ET.
FaithfulReader.com
THE SECRET KEEPER: Home to Hickory Hollow, Book 4 by Beverly Lewis
We are celebrating the release of THE SECRET KEEPER with a special contest that will give 30 readers the opportunity to win a copy of this fourth installment in Beverly Lewis's Home to Hickory Hollow series. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 16th at noon ET.
THE PRAYER BOX by Lisa Wingate
We are celebrating the release of THE PRAYER BOX with a special contest that will give five readers the opportunity to win a copy of Lisa Wingate's latest book. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 16th at noon ET.
FaithfulReader.com’s Monthly Contest
In our latest monthly contest, 30 readers will receive a copy of REBELLIOUS HEART by Jody Hedlund, a star-crossed love story about two people who find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 16th at noon ET. |
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