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My trip to Memphis was a fabulous but absolutely non-stop trip. I never even had time to unpack my laptop, let alone turn it on! On Monday, right after I flew in, I went to the National Civil Rights Museum, where I spent a very moving three hours. The museum is housed in the Lorraine Motel, which is the site where Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot on a balcony on the second floor. It was chilling to walk towards the museum and see an image that was firmly in my memory brought to life. You can see the spot marked with a wreath in the photo above. Plans are very much underway for the 50th Anniversary Remembrance on April 4th, which made being there all the more poignant.
From there, I grabbed cocktails with some publishing and bookseller friends at the Peabody Hotel, where, while we were catching up on store and book chatting, I saw the famous ducks floating in the fountain in the lobby. At 5:00 in the evening, they roll out a red carpet to the elevators; the ducks parade towards it to their home upstairs in the hotel, and they parade back down at 11 in the morning.
While I did not see this ceremony, a friend showed me her video of it, and it was quite amusing. Liz Nugent, the author of UNRAVELING OLIVER and the upcoming LYING IN WAIT, shared that someone in the hotel told her that they use the duck ceremony as an opportunity for celebrity guests staying at the hotel to move around as people are distracted watching the ducks. Sure enough, she saw Sarah Jessica Parker make her way through the lobby as the ducks were marching! And all eyes were on the ducks. Sarah Jessica was in town for Winter Institute; more on that in a moment.
From there, I headed to the opening reception, where 685 American indie booksellers plus 58 international guests were gathered with publishers and publishing professionals. It was a great time of connecting and reconnecting with colleagues. I was happy to meet up with Jamie Anderson, my bookseller friend from Downtown Books in Manteo, NC, who I had not seen in a couple of years. We grabbed dinner after the party and did a lot of brainstorming about her store and our websites. You can see us pictured with Elvis above.
Tuesday opened with Sarah Jessica Parker’s keynote talk, where she was interviewed by Pamela Paul, who is the editor of the New York Times Book Review as well as all book coverage for the Times. She spoke about her lifelong love of reading, as well her new publishing imprint, SJP for Hogarth, which is at Penguin Random House. When growing up, Sarah Jessica’s mom insisted that everywhere they went, each child (there were eight kids in the family) would have a book with them. That way they always had something to do. She shared that her mom always had a book in hand; she would even read from a book on her lap at traffic lights.
Sarah Jessica has been in a book club for years, something that has been oft-talked about. At one point after meeting her at an event, the publisher at Crown Books sent her a box of books, before they were published, that included A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA by Anthony Marra, which blew her away. As she said, “I read that book, and I wasn't even 50% through it when I was just gobsmacked. I couldn't believe what I was reading.” Their subsequent conversations where she talked about wanting to champion that book led to conversations about her launching a line of books. She’s looking for unfamiliar themes and global voices --- a chance to go to a place where she may know nothing about. The first book from the line is A PLACE FOR US, a debut novel from Fatima Farheen Mirza, which will be in stores on June 12th. I picked up a copy and met Fatima on Wednesday night at the Author Reception, and I look forward to reading it.
After attending a few terrific panels, including a speed dating session where publishers presented upcoming titles, I ducked out for a couple of hours to tour Sun Studios where Elvis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison recorded. The tour guide, named Lahna, was terrific. She made it a really fun, informational experience. You can see me singing at Elvis’ mike above; okay, I confess that I was lip-syncing. No one wants to hear me sing! The whole place had a really cool vibe and reminded me of how primitive recording and the recording industry was in the ‘50s and ‘60s. One night Elvis recorded a song, and they raced it upstairs to be played on a radio station right in the building. When they were asked to play it 14 times that night, they knew they had a hit on their hands!
That evening, Simon & Schuster hosted a dinner with their authors guests: the aforementioned Liz Nugent and Alice LaPlante. There was lots of time to chat with both of them about their work, making me really happy that I had finished both of their books. Alice’s first book, TURN OF MIND, and Liz’s UNRAVELING OLIVER both were Bookreporter.com Bets on favorites. Their new books, LYING IN WAIT (on sale June 12th), and HALF MOON BAY (on sale July 10th), are dark thrillers that are page turners. Liz lives in Dublin, and Alice now lives in Mallorca, so conversation moved briskly from writing (including future writing plans) to travel and lots of fun stories. Alice lived in the Half Moon Bay area, and we had a nice conversation about that area and the Mavericks surfing event there.
On Wednesday morning, Junot Diaz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO, kicked off the day with a riveting talk about how growing up he always was looking for children like him in books. He has a picture book coming out on March 13th called ISLANDBORN, where he shares a story of children born in other places. There is a lot of talk in publishing about the subject of diversity, and he, as Roxane Gay did at this same conference last year, spoke of the challenges of being a child where no one in the books looked like them.
After many more panels and programs, there was an Author Reception where close to 100 writers met booksellers and signed advance reading copies. Then there was a dinner hosted by Other Press. There I met the very delightful Emmanuelle de Villepin, the author of our recent Sneak Peek title, THE DEVIL’S REWARD, which is coming out on May 1st. She is looking forward to hearing this early feedback from our 35 readers. She was born in France, but now resides in Milan, and is such fun to chat with; it was as if we all knew her forever. She loved hearing what resonated with me in THE DEVIL’S REWARD.
The other author guest at this dinner was Rupert Thomson, whose last book was KATHERINE CARLYLE and whose new book, NEVER ANYONE BUT YOU, will be in stores on June 5th. He, too, is such a fun dinner companion. NEVER ANYONE BUT YOU looks at two young women who find themselves in love with each other just prior to World War I. Their clandestine relationship takes a turn when one’s mother marries the other’s father and they are living under one roof. Suddenly they are living as “sisters,” no longer needing to meet on the sly. They live their lives in tony circles through the start of the Second World War. I look forward to reading it.
On the way to the airport yesterday, I asked my limo driver to swing by Graceland so I could grab some photos. She gave me some background on the attractions, including Elvis’ planes and the various events held there. I love when I do not have time for an official tour, but can get an overview of a place. You can see a photo of part of the main house above. This clearly is a mecca for his fans, with handwritten graffiti all over the stone wall outside the grounds. The driver told me of a woman who has come from London with her husband to visit Graceland for a week every year for the last 10 years; she lines her up as her driver every year. Talk about a mega fan! She already booked her trip for this April!
Last night, my husband asked me if “the Mississippi Delta was shining like a national guitar” when I looked out the window of the plane. So witty. I confess that prior to this trip, I had not even looked at where Memphis was on a map! On the plane, I found myself looking at the map in the airline magazine. We were mere miles away from both Arkansas and Mississippi, two states I have not been to. Alas, if there only was more time, I would have done some bookstore touring there.
On Monday, we were saddened to hear of Ursula K. Le Guin’s passing at the age of 88. Just last month, we reviewed a book of her essays, the now-ironically titled NO TIME TO SPARE: Thinking About What Matters. Le Guin had a phenomenal career as the author of numerous novels for adults, children’s books and short stories, predominantly in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Among her many honors were a National Book Award, five Hugo and five Nebula Awards, the Kafka Award, a Pushcart Prize, and the Harold D. Vursell Memorial Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Next week, we will share our tribute to Le Guin, courtesy of our reviewer, Katherine B. Weissman.
NEED TO KNOW by debut novelist Karen Cleveland is the latest title we’re featuring in our New Release Spotlight. On track for a much-needed promotion, CIA analyst Vivian Miller has developed a system for identifying Russian agents, seemingly normal people living in plain sight. After accessing the computer of a potential Russian operative, Vivian stumbles on a secret dossier of deep-cover agents within America’s borders. A few clicks later, everything that matters to her is threatened. Vivian has vowed to defend her country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. But now she’s facing impossible choices.
According to reviewer Joe Hartlaub, “You won’t be able to stop reading NEED TO KNOW once you start. In addition to penning a masterful plot and an extremely sympathetic, imperfect protagonist, Cleveland brings a cinematic narration to the table that makes her novel unfold visually.” I will have much more on this book next week as it will be a Bets On selection. Oh, and in case you are wondering if just Joe and I are fans of NEED TO KNOW, note this comment from my friend, Esther: “Okay, can we just talk about NEED TO KNOW? AMAZING book. Gave me two sleepless nights...so WORTH IT. LIKE LIKE LIKE.”
Another upcoming Bets On pick is ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL by Sarah Vaughan, which is our latest Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight title. James is a loving father and a charismatic, successful public figure, yet he stands accused of a terrible crime. His wife, Sophie, is convinced of his innocence and is determined to protect her family from all the vicious lies that threaten to tear them apart. Kate is the lawyer hired to prosecute the case; she is certain James is guilty and will do everything in her power to make sure he pays for his crimes. Who is right about James? Sophie or Kate? And is either of them informed by anything more than instinct and personal experience?
Ray Palen has our review and calls ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL “a sharp legal thriller with courtroom scenes that at times rival some of the best moments John Grisham has brought us” and “a clever novel, one that deserves to be read and talked about openly due to the relevant nature of the serious and sensitive subject matter.” Don’t miss my interview with Sarah, which you can read here, and you can catch my Bets On commentary in next week’s newsletter. I agree with Ray; this is one very timely novel!
We kicked off this year’s Winter Reading contests by giving away ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL, followed by THE WIFE BETWEEN US by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (another Bets On pick) and THE SPECTRUM OF HOPE: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias by Gayatri Devi, MD. Next week’s prizes will be THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW by A. J. Finn and THE MOTHER'S PROMISE by Sally Hepworth (both of which are also Bets On titles), along with ALMOST MISSED YOU by Jessica Strawser and WHITE HOUSES by Amy Bloom. We’ll announce the first contest of the week on Monday, January 29th at noon ET.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include Alafair Burke’s new thriller, THE WIFE, in which a woman must make the impossible choice between defending her husband and saving herself; THE LARGESSE OF THE SEA MAIDEN, the long-awaited new story collection from the late Denis Johnson, which was finished shortly before his death last year; and ALL-AMERICAN MURDER by James Patterson, Alex Abramovich and Mike Harvkey, an investigation into football star Aaron Hernandez's first-degree murder conviction and the mystery of his own untimely and shocking death.
My latest Bets On pick is CARNEGIE’S MAID by Marie Benedict, which we reviewed last week. Click here to see why I’m betting you’ll love this book.
Continuing for one more week is our Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight & Contest for THE MASTERPIECE by Francine Rivers, which, according to the publisher, is “a probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.” Twenty-five readers will win a copy of the book, which releases on February 6th, and share their comments on it. Be sure to enter here by Thursday, February 1st at noon ET.
There’s still plenty of time to enter our 13th annual Valentine’s Day contest, where five readers will win seven love-themed books --- including SURPRISE ME by Sophie Kinsella and THE KISS: Intimacies from Writers edited by Brian Turner --- along with chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth. For your chance to win all these goodies, all you have to do is fill out this form by Wednesday, February 14th at noon ET.
We’ve updated our Young Adult Books You Want to Read feature, books we've recently featured on Teenreads.com that we think will appeal to an adult audience. This month’s titles are LOVE, HATE AND OTHER FILTERS by Samira Ahmed, A LAND OF PERMANENT GOODBYES by Atia Abawi, and BECAUSE I WAS A GIRL: True Stories for Girls of All Ages edited by Melissa de la Cruz.
Our current Word of Mouth prize books are the aforementioned NEED TO KNOW by Karen Cleveland and THE WIFE by Alafair Burke. Submit your comments about the books you’ve finished reading, and you’ll have an opportunity to win both novels. The deadline for your submissions is Friday, February 2nd at noon ET.
You only have until next Thursday, February 1st at noon ET to enter this month’s Sounding Off on Audio contest, where we’re giving away the audio versions of Lauren Willig's THE ENGLISH WIFE, read by Nicola Barber, and Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's THE WIFE BETWEEN US, read by Julia Whelan. Let us know what audiobooks you’ve listened to, and you’ll be in the running to win both audio prizes.
Our poll continues to ask if you read or listen to author interviews. Click here to let us know your thoughts on this!
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail
Janet wrote, “I am the Grand Prize winner of the Bets On books for 2017. I am thrilled beyond belief to win so many great books. After I read them, I will see that each book is passed on to another book lover who I know will enjoy the book. I retired in 2016 after 29 years of library employment. One of my favorite parts of the job was matching the patrons with the right book. I will enjoy each book twice...once when I read it and again when I pass it on to someone else to enjoy. Thanks again for making me a winner. I have never won a grand prize before, and it is fitting that my first big win is books. I have plenty of time to read. Like I said, I am retired, but I have a part-time job as an art gallery attendant. During the slow times I get to read; what a perfect situation!"
Sandy wrote,”My daughter lives in Memphis, and your list for sightseeing is great. Graceland is a must since you are there. Made me realize that Elvis is indeed part of our American fabric. The Civil Rights Museum is very well done and sobering. Peabody ducks are charming --- get there early to be in the front. Sun Studio is iconic! Many artists in rock ‘n’ roll recorded there. The Rendezvous is famous for its Memphis barbecue. I hope the weather cooperates and that you have a wonderful time!”
Susan wrote about my Memphis tour list: "You really need to visit all those places while you are in town. Well worth your time. Enjoy your visit."
Kathryn wrote, “We are planning a trip to Nashville in May, and I asked my husband if we could swing by Memphis since you mentioned the places you wanted to visit while there. They all sound interesting. It should be a wonderful trip for you.”
Bonnie shared, “The two books I won in the last Word of Mouth contest arrived today. Thank you! I had both of them on my library's request list, and it's nice to have my own copies. My husband says thank you too! I can't wait to get started.”
A. J. Finn: The author of THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW was a longtime book editor. Here’s a piece from the New York Times called “Your Book Editor Just Snagged Your Spot on the Best-Seller List.”
"This Is Us": Got to catch up on this week’s show last night. Great writing, filming and tension. This show unfolds so well --- the closest program to a good book. The next episode will brilliantly run after the Super Bowl. I agree with my friend, David, who said, “There will be a lot of people on February 4th who will be saying, ‘I wish this football game would end so I can watch my show.'"
"The Trade": I watched the first episode of this Showtime documentary about opioids, which premieres on February 2nd. It looks at the way the opioid epidemic has impacted life here and in Mexico. I look forward to seeing the other four episodes.
"Homeland": The show returns on February 11th. I previewed the first episode, and it’s very strong. Carrie and Franny are living with Maggie's family in DC. Saul and the federal employees detained after the attempt on the President-elect's life are in prison. President Keane's administration comes under scrutiny.
We are celebrating Greg’s birthday on Sunday. He is turning 28, which is really amazing as I still am 27! Here comes yet another fudge marble cake with dark chocolate frosting to celebrate a golden birthday. After next week, I want to ban dessert! Cory will be home to celebrate on Sunday. Greg has curling this weekend; it's hard to believe he’s now been curling for four years (since the last Winter Olympics). Beyond that, I have no plans except a massage. Carrying books definitely did a number on my back. Oh, and more "Grace and Frankie." And I cannot wait to dive into the books that filled my second suitcase in Memphis; it was empty on the trip down.
The full moon next week on January 31st is a super blue moon --- "blue" because it is the second full moon in the month, and "super" refers to its brightness given the position of the earth. And if that was not enough, there will be a lunar eclipse. This bright light always affects my sleep patterns; I must find my sleep mask, which makes me feel like a Hollywood star in the '40s.
Read on, and have a great week.
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)
P.S. For those of you who are doing online shopping, if you use the store links below, Bookreporter.com gets a small affiliate fee on your purchases. We would appreciate your considering this!
New Release Spotlight:
NEED TO KNOW by Karen Cleveland
A Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
NEED TO KNOW by Karen Cleveland (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Mia Barron
In pursuit of a Russian sleeper cell on American soil, a CIA analyst uncovers a dangerous secret that will threaten her job, her family --- and her life.
What do you do when everything you trust might be a lie?
Vivian Miller is a dedicated CIA counterintelligence analyst assigned to uncover the leaders of Russian sleeper cells in the United States. On track for a much-needed promotion, she has developed a system for identifying Russian agents, seemingly normal people living in plain sight.
After accessing the computer of a potential Russian operative, Vivian stumbles on a secret dossier of deep-cover agents within America’s borders. A few clicks later, everything that matters to her --- her job, her husband, even her four children --- is threatened.
Vivian has vowed to defend her country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. But now she’s facing impossible choices. Torn between loyalty and betrayal, allegiance and treason, love and suspicion, who can she trust?
NEED TO KNOW will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick. You can read Carol’s commentary in next week’s newsletter.
- Click here to read a review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to read Karen Cleveland’s bio.
- Click here to visit Karen Cleveland’s website.
- Connect with Karen Cleveland on Facebook and Twitter.
Click here to read more in our New Release Spotlight.
Bookreporter.com Talks to Sarah Vaughan,
Author of ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL
A Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight Title
Once a political correspondent herself, author Sarah Vaughan is no slouch when it comes to knowing what goes on behind the scenes in the world of politics. Her third and latest novel, ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL, reflects that understanding, shedding light on how power corrupts, how secrets and grudges take root, and how we navigate the dangerous landscape of sexual politics. In this interview conducted by Carol Fitzgerald, the president and co-founder of The Book Report Network, Vaughan discusses where and when her ideas emerged, the challenges she faced in embracing the first-person point of view for the first time, and, of course, politics.
ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL by Sarah Vaughan (Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Julie Teal, Luke Thompson, Esther Wane and Sarah Feathers
Sophie’s husband James is a loving father, a handsome man, a charismatic and successful public figure. And yet he stands accused of a terrible crime. Sophie is convinced he is innocent and desperate to protect her precious family from the lies that threaten to rip them apart. Kate is the lawyer hired to prosecute the case: an experienced professional who knows that the law is all about winning the argument. And yet Kate seeks the truth at all times. She is certain James is guilty and is determined he will pay for his crimes. Who is right about James? Sophie or Kate? And is either of them informed by anything more than instinct and personal experience? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick. You can read Carol’s commentary in next week’s newsletter.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read a review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to visit the book’s website.
- Click here to read Sarah Vaughan’s bio.
- Click here to visit Sarah Vaughan’s website.
- Connect with Sarah Vaughan on Facebook and Twitter.
- Click here to read more in our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight.
Click here to read our interview.
Featured Review: THE WIFE by Alafair Burke
THE WIFE by Alafair Burke (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, performed by Xe Sands
When Angela met Jason Powell, a brilliant economics professor at NYU, while catering a dinner party in East Hampton, she assumed their romance would be a short-lived fling. To her surprise, they married the following summer. Six years later, thanks to a bestselling book and a growing media career, Jason has become a cultural lightning rod, placing Angela near the spotlight she worked so carefully to avoid. When a college intern makes an accusation against Jason, and another woman, Kerry Lynch, comes forward with an even more troubling allegation, their perfect life begins to unravel. Jason insists he is innocent, and Angela believes him. But when Kerry disappears, Angela is forced to take a closer look at the man she married. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read the review.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
CARNEGIE’S MAID by Marie Benedict
CARNEGIE'S MAID by Marie Benedict (Historical Fiction)
Carnegie. It’s a name I know well; after all, Carnegie Hall is just blocks from my office. But I confess that I knew little about Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish businessman who made his fortune in America. Marie Benedict’s CARNEGIE’S MAID drew me into his world through historical fiction. In it, Clara Kelley has made inroads into his family’s Pittsburgh home in the role of an experienced Irish maid. Actually she is a poor farmer’s daughter who sailed to America to help save her family by sending money back home.
I loved the atmosphere and the tiny details that Marie added to her prose. For those who loved "Downton Abbey," you will revel in the descriptions of life in the Carnegie home. Just as she did with THE OTHER EINSTEIN, Marie does a wonderful job of bringing her characters, warts and all, to life and giving one a great sense of the time period.
Clearly something special sparked Carnegie’s philanthropy, and it was wonderful to hear the possible story behind it. I found myself eager to learn even more about him after finishing the book. The world of culture and the arts was enhanced by his generosity and spirit. CARNEGIE’S MAID is great for a book group discussion, perhaps seeking out more about Carnegie libraries. A total of 2,509 Carnegie libraries were built between 1883 and 1929, including some belonging to public and university library systems; 1,689 in the United States. Perhaps there is one near you!
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read a review.
Click here for more books we're betting you'll love.
Women’s Fiction Author Spotlight & Contest:
THE MASTERPIECE by Francine Rivers
THE MASTERPIECE by Francine Rivers is a story of two lost souls, bound by guilt to their pasts, who discover that the very wounds that hold them captive can lead to the incredible grace needed to set them free. We have 25 copies to give away to readers who would like to read the book, which releases on February 6th, and share their comments on it. To enter, please fill out this form by Thursday, February 1st at noon ET.
THE MASTERPIECE by Francine Rivers (Romance)
In this unexpected and redemptive love story, successful LA artist Roman Velasco appears to have everything he could possibly want --- money, women, fame. Only Grace Moore, his reluctant, newly hired personal assistant, knows how little he truly has. The demons of Roman’s past seem to echo through the halls of his empty mansion and out across his breathtaking Topanga Canyon view. But Grace doesn’t know how her boss secretly wrestles with those demons: by tagging buildings as the Bird, a notorious but unidentified graffiti artist --- an alter ego that could destroy his career and land him in prison.
Like Roman, Grace is wrestling with ghosts and secrets of her own. After a disastrous marriage threw her life completely off course, she vowed never to let love steal her dreams again. But as she gets to know the enigmatic man behind the reputation, it’s as if the jagged pieces of both of their pasts slowly begin to fit together...until something so unexpected happens that it changes the course of their relationship --- and both their lives --- forever.
New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers returns to her romance roots with this probing tale that reminds us that mercy can shape even the most broken among us into an imperfect yet stunning masterpiece.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to read Francine Rivers’ bio.
- Click here to visit Francine Rivers’ website.
- Click here to connect with Francine Rivers on Facebook.
Click here to read more in our Women's Fiction Author Spotlight
and enter the contest.
Bookreporter.com's 13th Annual
Valentine's Day Contest: Enter to Win Books
and Sweet Treats for Yourself or Your Valentine!
Valentine's Day is only a few heartbeats away. We can't think of a better way to celebrate this special day than to cuddle up with your loved one...and a good book, of course!
We're giving readers the chance to win one of our five Bookreporter.com Valentine's Day prize packages, which includes one copy of each of our featured titles and some delicious chocolates. Enter between now and Wednesday, February 14th at noon ET for your opportunity to be a lucky (and beloved!) winner.
If you're feeling frisky, share with us your all-time book character crush. Don't be shy, we all got 'em! We'll post the top 10 literary loves and lusts --- along with the five winners --- right after Valentine's Day.
This year's featured titles are:
Click here to enter the contest.
Bookreporter.com's Fourth Annual
Winter Reading Contests and Feature
Our Winter Reading Contests and Feature have returned for a fourth year! On select days between now and February 23rd at noon ET, we are hosting a series of 24-hour contests spotlighting a book releasing this winter (or a book publishing in the spring that we would like to get on your radar now) and giving five lucky readers a chance to win it. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.
Our next prize book will be announced on Monday, January 29th at noon ET.
This year's featured titles are:
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
Now Available: HIGH DESERT HIGH by Steven Schindler
Looking to the open desert sky is the first step to opening one’s mind.
The Elevated Press announces the release of award-winning author Steven Schindler’s sixth novel, HIGH DESERT HIGH.
Undercover cop Paul Santo chased drug dealers and junkies through the worst parts of New York City during the worst of times. He did his job well and was decorated for it. But times have changed and so has Santo. After decades on the job, he was fed up with the pressures from bosses and the street. He snapped one boozy night, retired the next day, and after a family tragedy, drove cross-country with his estranged daughter to begin a new life in the mysterious California high desert. Just as the Joshua trees reach up to the heavens, Paul’s journey transcends earthly ambitions when strange sightings could mean a path to enlightenment…or madness.
“A sometimes trippy journey of discovery and healing.”
– 4 out of 5 stars Foreword Reviews
“A sublimely unusual tale of a man’s dementia or, perhaps, his awakening.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“An extraordinary and deftly crafted read from beginning to end.”
– Midwest Book Review
Visit www.TheElevatedPress.com for more information.
Bookreporter.com's Latest Blog Post:
“My Life with Edna: How I Research the Edna Ferber Historical Mysteries” by Ed Ifkovic,
Author of MOOD INDIGO
Ed Ifkovic is the author of the Edna Ferber series, meticulously researched historical mysteries based on the life of the titular “largely forgotten American writer.” In an essay written exclusively for Bookreporter.com, Ifkovic explains why he found Ferber so endlessly fascinating in the first place, as well as what drives his research and how it helps shape the series. Understanding his thought process and his enthusiasm will make reading his latest Edna Ferber mystery, MOOD INDIGO, all the more enjoyable.
MOOD INDIGO: An Edna Ferber Mystery by Ed Ifkovic (Historical Mystery)
Dougie Maddox is the financially astute but socially naïve only son of a Fifth Avenue dynasty. His widowed mother, known as Lady Maud, has kept the 35-year-old on a short leash, but Dougie has crossed paths with Belinda Ross, the new Broadway songbird. He's mesmerized by her, but she seems besotted by him. When Belinda is found strangled late one night in a Times Square Automat, jealous, hot-tempered Dougie is the prime suspect. But British wit Noel Coward, along with Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and playwright Edna Ferber, team up to clear Dougie's name. Their investigation inevitably takes them deep into Belinda's circle and her past.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read Ed Ifkovic's blog post.
THE LARGESSE OF THE SEA MAIDEN: Stories by Denis Johnson (Fiction/Short Stories)
Audiobook available, read by a full cast
THE LARGESSE OF THE SEA MAIDEN is the long-awaited new story collection from Denis Johnson. Written in the luminous prose that made him one of the most beloved and important writers of his generation, this collection finds Johnson in new territory, contemplating the ghosts of the past and the elusive and unexpected ways the mysteries of the universe assert themselves. Finished shortly before Johnson’s death, this collection is the last word from a writer whose work will live on for many years to come. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
ALL-AMERICAN MURDER: The Rise and Fall of Aaron Hernandez, the Superstar Whose Life Ended on Murderers' Row by James Patterson and Alex Abramovich, with Mike Harvkey (True Crime)
Audiobook available, read by Peter Coleman
He was a college All-American who became the youngest player in the NFL and later a Super Bowl veteran. He was a star tight end on the league-dominant New England Patriots, who extended his contract for a record $40 million. Aaron Hernandez's every move as a professional athlete played out in the headlines, yet he led a secret life --- one that ended in a maximum security prison. What drove him to go so wrong, so fast? ALL-AMERICAN MURDER is the first book to investigate --- from the unique vantage point of thriller writer James Patterson --- Hernandez's first-degree murder conviction and the mystery of his own untimely and shocking death. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
MUNICH by Robert Harris (Historical Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by David Rintoul
Hugh Legat is a rising star of the British diplomatic service, serving at 10 Downing Street as a private secretary to the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain. Rikard von Holz is on the staff of the German Foreign Office --- and secretly a member of the anti-Hitler resistance. The two men were friends at Oxford in the 1920s, but have not been in contact since. Now, when Hugh flies with Chamberlain from London to Munich, and Rikard travels on Hitler's train overnight from Berlin, their paths are set on a disastrous collision course. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE CHALK MAN by C. J. Tudor (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Euan Morton
In 1986, Eddie and his friends are just kids on the verge of adolescence. They spend their days biking around their sleepy English village and looking for any taste of excitement they can get. The chalk men are their secret code: little chalk stick figures they leave for one another as messages only they can understand. But then a mysterious chalk man leads them right to a dismembered body, and nothing is ever the same. In 2016, Eddie is fully grown and thinks he has put his past behind him. But then he gets a letter in the mail, containing a single chalk stick figure. When it turns out that his friends got the same message, they think it could be a prank…until one of them turns up dead. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
WINTER by Karl Ove Knausgaard (Memoir)
Audiobook available, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
In WINTER, we rejoin Karl Ove Knausgaard as he waits for the birth of his daughter. In preparation for her arrival, he takes stock of the world, seeing it as if for the first time. He writes about the moon, water, messiness, owls, birthdays --- to name just a handful of his subjects. He fills these oh-so-familiar objects and ideas with new meaning, taking nothing for granted or as given. New life is on the horizon, but the earth is also in hibernation, waiting for the warmer weather to return, and so a contradictory melancholy inflects his gaze. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
ETERNAL LIFE by Dara Horn (Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers
Rachel is a woman with a problem: she can’t die. Her recent troubles --- widowhood, a failing business, an unemployed middle-aged son --- are only the latest in a litany spanning dozens of countries, scores of marriages and hundreds of children. In the 2,000 years since she made a spiritual bargain to save the life of her first son back in Roman-occupied Jerusalem, she has tried everything to free herself, and only one other person in the world understands: a man she once loved passionately, who has been stalking her through the centuries. But as the 21st century begins, and her children and grandchildren develop new technologies that could change her fate and theirs, Rachel knows she must find a way out. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE LAST THING SHE EVER DID by Gregg Olsen (Psychological Thriller)
For years, Liz and Owen have admired their good friends and neighbors, Carole and David. They appear to have it all --- security, happiness and a beautiful young son named Charlie. Then Charlie vanishes without a trace, and all that seemed safe is shattered by a tragedy that is incomprehensible. It took one fleeting moment for Liz to change the lives of everyone she loves --- a heartrending accident that can’t be undone. Neither can the second-worst mistake of her life: concealing it. There’s another good neighbor who has his own secrets, his own pain, and his own reasons for watching Liz’s every move. And only he knows that the mystery of the missing boy is far from over. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
THIS LOVE STORY WILL SELF-DESTRUCT by Leslie Cohen (Romance)
Audiobook available, read by Karissa Vacker and Aaron Landon
Eve is a dreamer, a feeler, a careening well of sensitivities who can’t quite keep her feet on the ground or steer clear of trouble. She’s a laugher, a crier, a quirky and quick-witted bleeding-heart-worrier. Ben is an engineer, an expert at leveling floors who likes order, structure and straight lines. He doesn’t opine, he doesn’t ruminate, he doesn’t simmer until he boils over. So naturally, when the two first cross paths, sparks don’t exactly fly. But then they meet again. And again. And then, finally, they find themselves with a deep yet fragile connection that will change the course of their relationship --- possibly forever. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
FIRE SERMON by Jamie Quatro (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Christine Marshall
Maggie is entirely devoted to her husband Thomas, their two beautiful children, and to God --- until what begins as a platonic intellectual and spiritual exchange between writer Maggie and poet James transforms into an erotically charged bond that challenges Maggie’s sense of loyalty and morality, drawing her deeper into the darkness of desire. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
THE KING OF BONES AND ASHES: A Witches of New Orleans Novel by J. D. Horn (Dark Fantasy/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Sophie Amoss
Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who have relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. Young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too --- caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine. Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.
PEACH by Emma Glass (Fiction)
Audiobook available, narrated by Yasmin Paige
Staggering around the town streets in the aftermath of an assault, Peach feels a trickle of blood down her legs, a lingering smell of her anonymous attacker on her skin. It hurts to walk, but she manages to make her way to her home, where she stumbles into another oddly nightmarish reality: Her parents can't seem to comprehend that anything has happened to their daughter. The next morning, Peach tries to return to the routines of her ordinary life. And yet, as she struggles through the next few days, she is stalked by the memories of her unacknowledged trauma. Though she tries to close her eyes to what has happened, Peach at last begins to understand the drastic, gruesome action she must take. Reviewed by Bianca Ambrosio.
Next Week’s Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on January 30th
Below are some notable titles releasing on January 30th that we would like to make you aware of. We will have more on many of these books in the weeks to come. For a list of additional hardcovers and paperbacks releasing the week of January 29th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
THE BLOODY SPUR: A Caleb York Western by Mickey Spillane and Max Allan Collins (Western)
The Santa Fe Railroad wants to build a spur through Trinidad, New Mexico, linking the town to the cattle trade. Only one man stands against it --- rancher George Cullen. At the request of the town council, Sheriff Caleb York rides out to the Bar-O to reason with his old friend. But the stubborn blind rancher won’t budge. With murder in the wind, the whole town is in danger. Who will be the next target?
DARK IN DEATH by J. D. Robb (Mystery/Thriller)
On a chilly February night, during a screening of Psycho, someone sunk an ice pick into the back of Chanel Rylan’s neck. As Eve Dallas puzzles over a homicide that seems carefully planned and yet oddly personal, she receives a tip from an unexpected source: an author of police thrillers who recognizes the crime --- from the pages of her own book.
THE GRAVE’S A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE: A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley (Historical Mystery)
In the wake of an unthinkable family tragedy, 12-year-old Flavia de Luce is struggling to fill her empty days. For a needed escape, Dogger, the loyal family servant, suggests a boating trip for Flavia and her two older sisters. Suddenly something grazes Flavia’s fingers as she dangles them in the water. She clamps down on the object, which turns out to be a human head, attached to a human body.
HELLBENT: An Orphan X Novel by Gregg Hurwitz (Thriller)
Secret government forces are busy trying to scrub the remaining assets and traces of the Orphan Program, and they have finally tracked down Jack Johns, the man who raised and trained Evan Smoak (formerly Orphan X, now the Nowhere Man). With little time remaining, Jack gives Evan his last assignment: find and protect his last protégé and recruit for the program.
INTO THE BLACK NOWHERE: An UNSUB Novel by Meg Gardiner (Psychological Thriller)
In southern Texas, on Saturday nights, women are disappearing. Rookie FBI agent Caitlin Hendrix, newly assigned to the FBI's elite Behavioral Analysis Unit, fears that a serial killer is roaming the dark roads outside Austin. As Saturday night approaches, Caitlin and the FBI enter a desperate game of cat and mouse, racing to capture the cunning predator before he claims more victims.
THE MONK OF MOKHA by Dave Eggers (Biography)
When Mokhtar Alkhanshali discovers the astonishing history of coffee and Yemen’s central place in it, he travels deep into his ancestral homeland to tour terraced farms high in the country’s rugged mountains and meet beleaguered but determined farmers. But when war engulfs the country and Saudi bombs rain down, Mokhtar has to find a way out of Yemen without sacrificing his dreams or abandoning his people.
THE POPE OF PALM BEACH by Tim Dorsey (Mystery/Humor)
Growing up, Serge A. Storms was enthralled by the Legend of Riviera Beach, a welder who surfed the local waves long before the hot spots were hot. Meanwhile, there was a much murkier legend from Serge’s youth --- that of the crazy hermit living in a makeshift jungle compound farther up the mysterious Loxahatchee River than anyone dared to venture. Serge moved away but never forgot, and is back now, with those legends looming larger than ever in his memory.
STILL ME by Jojo Moyes (Romance)
Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. Lou throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world. Before she knows what's happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
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Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, February 2nd at noon ET.
Word of Mouth Contest: Tell Us What
You're Reading --- and You Can Win Two Books!
Tell us about the books you’ve finished reading with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from January 19th to February 2nd at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of NEED TO KNOW by Karen Cleveland and THE WIFE by Alafair Burke.
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 rules and guidelines, click here.
- To see reader comments from previous contest periods, click here.
Sounding Off on Audio Contest: Tell Us What
You're Listening to --- and You Can Win Two Audiobooks!
Tell us about the audiobooks you’ve finished listening to with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars for both the performance and the content. During the contest period from January 2nd to February 1st at noon ET, two lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win the audio versions of Lauren Willig's THE ENGLISH WIFE, read by Nicola Barber, and Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's THE WIFE BETWEEN US, read by Julia Whelan.
To make sure other readers will be able to find the audiobook, 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.
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