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Carol's latest "Bookreporter Talks To" interview is with Alex Berenson,
whose stand-alone thriller, THE POWER COUPLE, is a Bets On selection.
Click on the image above for the video and here for the podcast.
Carol wanted to knit this blanket, but the yarn is out of stock at Purl Soho.
So while she's waiting for the yarn to become available, she bought a jigsaw puzzle of the blanket.
You can see some of the 1,000(!) pieces above. This may take her a while to put together.
Ah, my virtual life. I had a very busy --- and fun --- weekend at the events for the Morristown Festival of Books. I enjoyed interviewing Kristin Hannah and Nadia Owusu, and then attending the programs with David Michaelis being interviewed by Bill Goldstein and V.E. Schwab in conversation with Dhionelle Clayton. I heard from many of our readers who attended the programs, which I got such a kick out of. The virtues of virtual is that you can be anywhere and attend. I really love this!
It is the first time that we worked with a book festival to produce their events. Austin was a superb producer/partner on this project, and together we overthought every --- and I mean every --- aspect of this. I am very lucky to have him on our team, and on the same page about all of the details.
Lots of events are coming up in the next few days...
On Monday afternoon, the tables are turned as I am being interviewed by Mary Kay Andrews and Patti Callahan Henry for their “Friends & Fiction” podcast. I will let you know when that airs.
Then on Monday evening at 8pm ET, I will be moderating a Women’s History Month Extravaganza featuring Lauren Willig, whose new novel, BAND OF SISTERS, releases on Tuesday. Joining us will be Marie Benedict (THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE), Kristin Harmel (THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES), and Vanessa Riley (ISLAND QUEEN), all of whom will talk about their latest books as well. Lauren shares details here on how you can purchase a ticket. I look forward to a lively and spirited discussion; this will be such a fun way to kick off Women’s History Month!
Next weekend, I am moderating (virtually, of course) two events for the Tucson Festival of Books: Lisa See (THE ISLAND OF SEA WOMEN) on Saturday at 3pm ET, and Francesca Serritella (GHOSTS OF HARVARD) and Susie Yang (WHITE IVY) on Sunday at 5pm ET. All events for Tucson are free and open to the public. Simply click on the event link for each program to join. I was told that each "room" holds 1,000 attendees. You can see the full schedule here.
My latest “Bookreporter Talks To” interview is with Alex Berenson, who many of you know for his John Wells series of thrillers. His new book, THE POWER COUPLE, is his first stand-alone work of fiction and is a Bets On pick. Rebecca and Brian Unsworth are government agents --- one in the FBI, the other in the CIA. As the book opens, they are on a vacation in Europe with their teenage children as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. But when their daughter is abducted, Rebecca and Brian’s marriage is severely tested as they will do everything possible to find her. Alex talked to me about the tumultuous life of federal agents and how secrets can complicate their personal lives. We also discussed the book’s cover, and Alex shared something that I had completely missed about the design. Click here to watch the video and here to listen to the podcast. Also, you can read my Bets On commentary here.
Steve Berry is back with a new entry in his bestselling Cotton Malone series. In THE KAISER’S WEB, a secret dossier from a World War II-era Soviet spy comes to light containing information that, if proven true, would not only rewrite history --- it could impact Germany's upcoming national elections and forever alter the political landscape of Europe. Ray Palen has our review and proclaims, "Steve Berry truly has outdone himself here, and as wild as the plot twists get, the book never loses credibility or plausibility. THE KAISER’S WEB is one of the most insightful, timely and exciting reads of the year."
Earlier this month, I wrote about "CBS Sunday Morning" correspondent Martha Teichner’s lovely memoir, WHEN HARRY MET MINNIE, and this week we are featuring our review. Here, Martha reflects on a chance encounter she had one morning with an old acquaintance while walking her dog, Minnie. This led to Martha adopting Harry, a Bull Terrier (the same breed as Minnie), and developing a strong bond with his owner, Carol, who was dying of cancer from exposure to toxins after 9/11. According to our reviewer Kate Ayers, the book “will bring tears to your eyes --- happy ones and sad ones, ones that come from knowing this is how life is meant to be. Nothing is forever. The bad comes with the good. In the meantime, be thankful for the kindness of others and the incredible connections we make.”
Other books we’re reviewing this week include SEND FOR ME, a “Read with Jenna” Today Show Book Club pick for February that marks the historical fiction debut of Lauren Fox, whose novel moves between Germany on the eve of World War II and present-day Wisconsin and is based on letters from her own family; THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan, which revolves around a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition and the four women who enter for a chance to better their lives; Susan Meissner’s latest novel, THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS, in which the fates of three women intertwine on the eve of San Francisco’s devastating 1906 earthquake, leading them on a perilous journey that will test their resiliency and resolve; and A FATAL LIE, the 23rd entry in Charles Todd’s series starring Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge, who must delve deep into a dead man’s life and his past to find a killer determined to keep dark secrets buried.
THE KITCHEN FRONT is one of the first three prize books in this year’s Spring Preview feature; the others are RHAPSODY by Mitchell James Kaplan and WE BEGIN AT THE END by Chris Whitaker (I look forward to interviewing Chris next week). As we have done for the last nine years, we are spotlighting a number of new and upcoming releases that we think people will be talking about this spring --- and beyond. We will be hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these books on select days in March and April; five readers will be awarded the book that we are giving away that day. You can sign up here for alerts so you will be notified as soon as these giveaways are up. Our preview email with all the books to be featured will go out on Monday to those who have opted into the Spring Preview newsletter, and the first contest will go live on Tuesday at noon ET.
A couple of weeks ago, we featured our review of THE PARIS LIBRARY by Janet Skeslien Charles, which is a #1 Indie Next pick for February. This week, I am happy to share my Bets On commentary about the book. And if you missed my "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Janet, you can watch it here and listen to the podcast here.
Our current Word of Mouth prizes are the aforementioned BAND OF SISTERS by Lauren Willig and INFINITE COUNTRY by Patricia Engel. Submit your comments about the books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win these titles. Be sure to enter by Friday, March 5th at noon ET. We plan to feature reviews of both in next week’s newsletter; they have been getting a great deal of buzz leading up to their releases on Tuesday.
Our poll continues to ask if you read or listen to more than one book at a time. Click here to let us know if you are a multitasker when it comes to reading! And yes, I am peeking at the responses.
A reminder that on Tuesday, March 2nd at 3pm ET, Barnes & Noble will host a Facebook Live discussion for their February book club pick, GOOD NEIGHBORS, featuring author Sarah Langan. You can catch the event on B&N’s Facebook page.
On Tuesday, we learned that Lawrence Ferlinghetti passed away at the age of 101. Founder of the famed City Lights Booksellers and Publishers, he was an activist, painter and author of numerous works of poetry, prose and drama. He wrote one of the best-selling poetry books of all time, A CONEY ISLAND OF THE MIND, and his autobiographical novel LITTLE BOY released just two years ago as he approached his 100th birthday. A few (or maybe more than a few) years ago, when Tom and I were in San Francisco, we visited City Lights Booksellers, and I felt like we were making a pilgrimage.
The Audie Awards have announced their 2021 finalists. The winners will be presented during an online ceremony on Monday, March 22nd at 9pm ET, which will be open to all. Two books on that list made me smile as I had listened to them and enjoyed them: HOLLYWOOD PARK by Mikel Jollett and BIG LIES IN A SMALL TOWN by Diane Chamberlain.
By the way, to prep for my interview with Kristin Hannah, I found myself listening to the audiobook of THE FOUR WINDS for a refresher. It was nice to hear the story that I previously had read, and I picked up more nuances from that. Kristin was on both "Today with Hoda & Jenna" and Instagram Live this week to talk about the book. Both are definitely worth watching!
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Sandy wrote, “Thank you so much for the book I received today, MASQUE OF HONOR, which I won in the Historical Fiction Author Spotlight contest! I am thrilled to win this since I have not been able to find it in stores or at my local library. I love historical fiction and am so looking forward to starting this book. Thank you, thank you!!”
Banff Film Festival Virtual World Tour: We typically attend this film festival at Princeton in April. This year, like all else, it is virtual. But there is something fun about it. We are able to see all the films over a two-week period for $52! Usually we just see seven in a night. I am planning to carve out 14 days, or rather nights and weekends, to do this!
"Behind Her Eyes" on Netflix: I started watching this series, which is based on the novel by Sarah Pinborough, the other night. I have to see how they weave in the paranormal aspects of this book.
Yotam Ottolenghi & Samin Nosrat: Chefs in Conversation: I am attending this event on Sunday at 2pm ET/11am PT.
You may recall that I want to knit this blanket, and they made a jigsaw puzzle based on it. The yarn is out of stock at Purl Soho, so I bought the puzzle. It has 1,000 pieces. I cannot remember the last time I did a puzzle. I started to find the corner pieces. Next I am going to sort by color. And I still will be in over my head. The yarn may arrive before I finish the puzzle. I am not sure I have this much free time! These days, I feel like I have NO free time.
The Golden Globes are airing Sunday night, and you can see the nominees here. For the first time, I have seen none of the movies since, well, theaters were not open and many movies did not come out. I think the award will get an asterisk this year. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are hosting. I hear there is going to be a red carpet, but the show will be virtual. Maybe it can be who dressed best virtually. I mean, will stars do their own hair and makeup like you and me? I will wear lipstick to watch!
Beyond this, my goal for the weekend is to hide the many wires in my office here at the house. I have bought lots of cool gizmos to wrap the wires in. I know, how exciting can a weekend get? Between this and a standing desk, I am not sure if I can contain my excitement.
And there will be reading --- lots of reading --- to prep for next week's events. Hope to "see you" at some of them!
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!
Featured Review: THE KAISER’S WEB by Steve Berry
THE KAISER'S WEB by Steve Berry (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Scott Brick
Two candidates are vying to become Chancellor of Germany. One is a patriot having served for the past 16 years, the other a usurper, stoking the flames of nationalistic hate. Both harbor secrets, but only one knows the truth about the other. They are on a collision course, all turning on the events of one fateful day --- April 30, 1945 --- and what happened deep beneath Berlin in the Fürherbunker. Did Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun die there? Did Martin Bormann, Hitler’s close confidant, manage to escape? And, even more important, where did billions in Nazi wealth disappear to in the waning days of World War II? Former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone discovers the truth about the fates of Hitler, Braun and Bormann --- revelations that could finally expose a mystery known as the Kaiser’s web. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: WHEN HARRY MET MINNIE
by Martha Teichner
WHEN HARRY MET MINNIE: A True Story of Love and Friendship by Martha Teichner (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Martha Teichner
There’s a special camaraderie among early-morning dog walkers. Gathering at dog runs in the park, or strolling through the farmer's market at Union Square before the bustling crowd appears, fellow pet owners become familiar --- as do the personalities of their beloved animals. In this special space and time, a chance encounter with an old acquaintance changed Martha Teichner’s world. As fate would have it, her friend knew someone who was dying of cancer, from exposure to toxins after 9/11, and desperate to find a home for her dog, Harry. He was a Bull Terrier --- the same breed as Martha’s dear Minnie. What begins as a transaction involving a dog becomes a deep and meaningful friendship between two women with complicated lives and a love of Bull Terriers in common. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: SEND FOR ME by Lauren Fox
A “Read with Jenna” Today Show
Book Club Pick for February
SEND FOR ME by Lauren Fox (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Natasha Soudek
Annelise is a dreamer: imagining her future while working at her parents' popular bakery in Feldenheim, Germany. There are rumors that anti-Jewish sentiment is on the rise, but Annelise and her parents can't quite believe that it will affect them. But as Annelise falls in love, marries and gives birth to her daughter, the dangers grow closer. Luckily Annelise and her husband are given the chance to leave for America, but they must go without her parents, whose future and safety are uncertain. Two generations later, Annelise's granddaughter, Clare, is a young woman newly in love. But when she stumbles upon a trove of her grandmother's letters from Germany, she sees the history of her family's sacrifices in a new light. Reviewed by Julianne Holmquist.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
- Click here to see why the book is a "Read with Jenna" pick for February.
Click here to read our review.
Announcing Bookreporter.com's 10th Annual
Spring Preview Contests and Feature
Spring is in the air (or will be very soon)! We’ve already caught the fever --- and it’s being fueled by some wonderful new and upcoming releases. Our 10th annual Spring Preview Contests and Feature spotlights many of these picks, which we know people will be talking about over the next few months. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through April 23rd at noon ET. You will need to check the site to see the featured book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce each title, which you can sign up for here.
Our first prize book will be announced on Tuesday, March 2nd at noon ET.
This year's featured titles are:
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
Featured Review: THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan
THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Jasmine Blackborow
Two years into World War II, Britain is feeling her losses: The Nazis have won battles, the Blitz has destroyed cities, and U-boats have cut off the supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio program called “The Kitchen Front” is holding a cooking contest --- and the grand prize is a job as the program’s first-ever female co-host. For four very different women, winning the competition would present a crucial chance to change their lives. They are giving it their all --- even if that sometimes means bending the rules. But with so much at stake, will the contest that aims to bring the community together only serve to break it apart? Reviewed by Cindy Burnett.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS
by Susan Meissner
THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS by Susan Meissner (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Alana Kerr Collins and Jason Culp
Sophie Whalen is a young Irish immigrant who answers a mail-order bride ad and agrees to marry a San Francisco widower named Martin Hocking, a man she knows nothing about. She quickly develops deep affection for Kat, Martin's silent five-year-old daughter, but Martin's odd behavior leaves her with the uneasy feeling that something about her newfound situation isn't right. Then one early-spring evening, a stranger at the door sets in motion a transforming chain of events. The fates of Sophie and two other women intertwine on the eve of the devastating earthquake of 1906, thrusting them onto a perilous journey that will test their resiliency and resolve and, ultimately, their belief that love can overcome fear. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: A FATAL LIE by Charles Todd
A FATAL LIE: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery by Charles Todd (Historical Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Simon Vance
A peaceful Welsh village is thrown into turmoil when a terrified boy stumbles on a body in a nearby river. With little to go on, the village police turn to Scotland Yard for help in identifying the body. When Inspector Ian Rutledge is sent from London to find answers, he is given few clues --- a faded military tattoo on the victim’s arm and an unusual label in the collar of his shirt. They eventually lead him to the victim’s identity: Sam Milford. By all accounts, he was a good man and well-respected. Then why is his death so mysterious? Rutledge uncovers a web of lies swirling around a suicidal woman, a child’s tragic fate, another woman bent on protecting her past. But where among all the lies is the motive for murder? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
THE PARIS LIBRARY by Janet Skeslien Charles
and THE POWER COUPLE by Alex Berenson
THE PARIS LIBRARY by Janet Skeslien Charles (Historical Fiction)
THE PARIS LIBRARY by Janet Skeslien Charles is such a delight. It spans 60 years and brings readers from the lights of Paris to a small town in Montana. In 1939, Odile Souchet is a librarian at the American Library in Paris, whose patrons hail from many countries. It’s a dream job for her as she delights in sharing books with readers --- and the joy of working with her colleagues. Then the Nazis invade the city. And her twin brother is taken prisoner by the Germans as he fights on foreign soil. Life changes quickly with new rules coming down every day. At one point, it is dictated that Jewish people cannot receive library materials anymore. The librarians take this as a challenge and begin ferreting out this information on the sly, which brings danger at every checkpoint.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Janet Skeslien Charles.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THE PARIS LIBRARY.
THE POWER COUPLE by Alex Berenson (Thriller)
I enjoyed Alex Berenson’s earlier books, including his debut, THE FAITHFUL SPY, but had not read his work in a while. In THE POWER COUPLE, he moves beyond his John Wells series with a stand-alone thriller. The press materials describe it as Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets Taken, which is a great comp. It’s both a look at a marriage through the eyes of a couple and a brisk espionage story.
As the reader, you get to see a story that has been hidden between the main characters that takes on a slow reveal. It’s tough to pull off two very different plotlines so well --- the marriage and the espionage. It worked for me. And it has a terrific conclusion. Do not read the ending first!
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Alex Berenson.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THE POWER COUPLE.
From left to right: Isabel Allende, Chris Whitaker, C. J. Box
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
As so many book and author events are happening online these days, we are highlighting a number of them that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links below for more info and to register.
Tuesdays at 7:30pm ET: "Talking ETERNAL with Lisa Scottoline": Join Lisa Scottoline every Tuesday night at 7:30pm ET on Facebook as she premieres a new episode from her video series, "Behind the Book: Talking ETERNAL," which reveals behind-the-scenes looks at the inspirations of her upcoming historical fiction book, ETERNAL, releasing on March 23rd. And stay tuned because immediately following each video premiere, Lisa hosts a Facebook Live to talk about the video.
Sunday, February 28th at 5pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors --- Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Alice Monroe --- will talk to Julia Kelly about her new novel, THE LAST GARDEN IN ENGLAND.
Monday, March 1st at 8pm ET: Women's History Month Extravaganza: Join Lauren Willig as she launches her new book, BAND OF SISTERS, and celebrates Women's History Month with moderator Carol Fitzgerald and fellow bestselling authors Marie Benedict, Kristin Harmel and Vanessa Riley. See details about how to get a ticket here.
Monday, March 1st at 9pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore Virtual Event: #1 New York Times bestselling author C. J. Box will discuss DARK SKY, the 21st installment in his series of thrillers featuring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett.
Tuesday, March 2nd at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble Virtual Book Club Event: Barnes & Noble will host a Facebook Live discussion for their February book club pick, GOOD NEIGHBORS, featuring Sarah Langan.
Tuesday, March 2nd at 7pm ET: Warwick's Virtual Event: Warwick's will host Chris Whitaker as he discusses his new book, WE BEGIN AT THE END, with Jeniffer Thompson, the Creative Director and co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival.
Tuesday, March 2nd at 8pm ET: Murder By The Book Virtual Event: C. J. Box will be in conversation with author Ingrid Thoft about his latest thriller, DARK SKY.
Wednesday, March 3rd at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors will talk to Lisa Unger, whose latest novel is CONFESSIONS ON THE 7:45.
Wednesday, March 3rd at 7pm ET: Warwick's Virtual Event: Warwick's will host Nicole LaPorte as she discusses her new book, GUILTY ADMISSIONS: The Bribes, Favors, and Phonies Behind the College Cheating Scandal, in conversation with Lacy Crawford.
Thursday, March 4th at 9pm ET: Book Passage Virtual Event: Dominican University of California’s Institute for Leadership Studies and Book Passage will welcome Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Isabel Allende, whose new book, THE SOUL OF A WOMAN, is a passionate and inspiring meditation on what it means to be a woman.
"Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers a long-form, in-depth author interview every week. For years, Carol has moderated book festivals and author events around the country. But we know that readers often do not live where they can attend an author event. Our goal is to bring these author interviews to readers, wherever they may be. Watch on video, or listen as a podcast. (The podcasts include audio excerpts.)
Here is our latest interview:
Other authors we've interviewed include:
Upcoming interviews include:
-
Chris Whitaker (WE BEGIN AT THE END)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
MISSING AND ENDANGERED: A Brady Novel of Suspense by J.A. Jance (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Hillary Huber
When Jennifer Brady returns to Northern Arizona University for her sophomore year, she quickly becomes a big sister to her new roommate, Beth Rankin, a brilliant yet sheltered 16-year-old freshman. For a homeschooled Beth, college is her first taste of both freedom and unfettered access to the internet, and Jenny is concerned that she’s too naïve and rebellious for her own good. Her worries are well-founded because one day Beth vanishes, prompting Jenny to alert campus authorities, local police and her mom, Sheriff Joanna Brady --- who calls in a favor. Beth is found, but Jenny’s concern has unwittingly put her in the crosshairs of a criminal bent on revenge. Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum.
SPEAK, OKINAWA: A Memoir by Elizabeth Miki Brina (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Sachi Lovatt
Elizabeth's mother was working as a nightclub hostess on U.S.-occupied Okinawa when she met the American soldier who would become her husband. The language barrier and power imbalance that defined their early relationship followed them to the predominantly white, upstate New York suburb where they moved to raise their only daughter. There, Elizabeth grew up with the trappings of a typical American childhood and adolescence. Yet even though she felt almost no connection to her mother's distant home, she also felt out of place among her peers. Decades later, Elizabeth comes to recognize the shame and self-loathing that haunt both her and her mother, and attempts a form of reconciliation. Reviewed by Margaret Rothfus.
WHILE PARIS SLEPT by Ruth Druart (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available; read by Luke Thompson, Frazer Hadfield, Jane Collingwood and Heather Long
Santa Cruz, 1953. Jean-Luc is a man on the run from his past. The scar on his face is a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation in France. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door. Paris, 1944. A young Jewish woman's past is torn apart in a heartbeat. Herded onto a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope. On a darkened platform, two destinies become intertwined, and the choices each person makes will change the future in ways neither could have imagined. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
DO NO HARM by Christina McDonald (Domestic Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Joy Osmanski and Kyle Tait
Emma loves her life. She’s the mother of a precocious kindergartener, married to her soulmate --- a loyal and loving police detective --- and has a rewarding career as a doctor at the local hospital. But everything comes crashing down when her son, Josh, is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Determined to save him, Emma makes the risky decision to sell opioids to fund the life-saving treatment he needs. But when somebody ends up dead, a lethal game of cat and mouse ensues, her own husband leading the chase. With her son’s life hanging in the balance, Emma is dragged into the dark world of drugs, lies and murder. Will the truth catch up to her before she can save Josh? Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
THE ECHO WIFE by Sarah Gailey (Science Fiction/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Xe Sands
Martine is a genetically cloned replica made from Evelyn Caldwell’s award-winning research. She’s patient and gentle and obedient. She’s everything Evelyn swore she’d never be. And she’s having an affair with Evelyn’s husband. Now, the cheating bastard is dead, and both Caldwell wives have a mess to clean up. Good thing Evelyn Caldwell is used to getting her hands dirty. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
GUILTY ADMISSIONS: The Bribes, Favors, and Phonies Behind the College Cheating Scandal by Nicole LaPorte (True Crime)
Audiobook available, read by Betsy Foldes Meiman
GUILTY ADMISSIONS weaves together the story of an unscrupulous college counselor named Rick Singer, and how he preyed on the desperation of some of the country's wealthiest families living in a world defined by fierce competition and a community of deeply insecure parents who will do anything to get their kids into name-brand colleges in order to maintain their own A-list status. Investigative reporter Nicole LaPorte lays bare the source of this insecurity --- that in 2019, no special "hook" in the form of legacy status, athletic talent or financial giving can guarantee a child's entrance into an elite school. The result is paranoia, deception and true crimes at the peak of the American social pyramid. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
THE UPSTAIRS HOUSE by Julia Fine (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Courtney Patterson
Megan is mostly raising her newborn alone while her husband travels for work. She is wracked with guilt over her unfinished dissertation --- a thesis on mid-century children’s literature. Enter a new upstairs neighbor: the ghost of Margaret Wise Brown --- author of the beloved classic GOODNIGHT MOON --- whose existence no one else will acknowledge. It seems Margaret has unfinished business with her former lover, the once-famous socialite and actress Michael Strange, and is determined to draw Megan into the fray. As Michael joins the haunting, Megan finds herself caught in the wake of a supernatural power struggle --- and until she can find a way to quiet these spirits, she and her newborn daughter are in terrible danger. Reviewed by Margaret Rothfus.
LANDSLIDE by Susan Conley (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Rebecca Lowman
After a fishing accident leaves her husband hospitalized across the border in Canada, Jill is left to look after her teenage boys --- "the wolves" --- alone. Nothing comes easy in their remote corner of Maine: money is tight; her son, Sam, is getting into more trouble by the day; her eldest, Charlie, is preoccupied with a new girlfriend; and Jill begins to suspect her marriage isn't as stable as she once believed. As one disaster gives way to the next, she begins to think that it's not enough to be a caring wife and mother anymore --- not enough to show up when needed, to nudge her boys in the right direction, to believe everything will be okay. But how to protect this life she loves, this household, this family? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
COMES THE WAR by Ed Ruggero (Historical Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Tim Campbell
April 1944, the 55th month of the war in Europe. The entire island of Britain fairly buzzes with the coiled energy of a million men poised to leap the Channel to France, the first, riskiest step in the Allies’ long slog to the heart of Germany and the end of the war. Lieutenant Eddie Harkins is tasked to investigate the murder of Helen Batcheller, an OSS analyst. Harkins is assigned a British driver, Private Pamela Lowell, to aid in his investigation. Soon a suspect is arrested, and Harkins is ordered to stop digging. Suspicious, he continues his investigation only to find himself trapped in a web of Soviet secrets. As bombs fall, Harkins must solve the murder and reveal the spies before it is too late. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on March 2nd
Below are some notable titles releasing on March 2nd 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 available the week of March 1st, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
THE AFFAIR by Danielle Steel (Fiction)
In this riveting novel, Danielle Steel explores a high-profile affair that reverberates throughout an entire family, from the wounded wife to her husband --- torn between two women --- to the wife’s close-knit sisters and their mother.
THE BABYSITTER: My Summers with a Serial Killer by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan (True Crime/Memoir)
THE BABYSITTER is a chilling true story reminiscent of Ann Rule’s classic THE STRANGER BESIDE ME, about a little girl longing for love and how she found friendship with her charismatic babysitter --- who was also a vicious serial killer.
BAND OF SISTERS by Lauren Willig (Historical Fiction)
A group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the height of World War I in this sweeping novel based on a true story --- a skillful blend of "Call the Midwife" and THE ALICE NETWORK --- from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig.
THE COMMITTED by Viet Thanh Nguyen (Literary Thriller)
Both literary thriller and brilliant novel of ideas, THE COMMITTED is a blistering portrayal of commitment and betrayal that will cement Viet Thanh Nguyen’s position in the firmament of American letters.
DARK SKY: A Joe Pickett Novel by C. J. Box (Mystery/Thriller)
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett must accompany a Silicon Valley CEO on a hunting trip --- but soon learns that he himself may be the hunted --- in this thrilling new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author C. J. Box.
INFINITE COUNTRY by Patricia Engel (Fiction)
For readers of Valeria Luiselli and Edwidge Danticat, INFINITE COUNTRY is an urgent and lyrical novel about a Colombian family fractured by deportation, offering an intimate perspective on an experience that so many have endured --- and are enduring right now.
LATER by Stephen King (Paranormal Thriller/Horror)
#1 bestselling author Stephen King returns with a brand-new novel about the secrets we keep buried and the cost of unearthing them.
THE LOST APOTHECARY by Sarah Penner (Historical Fiction)
With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, THE LOST APOTHECARY is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance, and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.
A MAN AT ARMS by Steven Pressfield (Historical Fiction)
From the acclaimed master of historical fiction comes an epic saga about a reluctant hero, the Roman Empire and the rise of a new faith.
RHAPSODY by Mitchell James Kaplan (Historical Fiction)
Set in Jazz Age New York City, this stunning work of fiction, for fans of THE PARIS WIFE and LOVING FRANK, explores the timeless bond between two brilliant, strong-willed artists.
SMALL MAGIC: Short Fiction, 1977-2020 by Terry Brooks (Fantasy/Short Stories)
Escape to worlds full of adventure and magic in the first-ever Terry Brooks short-story collection, featuring both new and fan-favorite stories from all three of his major literary worlds: Shannara, Magic Kingdom, and The Word and the Void.
THE SOUL OF A WOMAN by Isabel Allende (Memoir)
From the New York Times bestselling author of A LONG PETAL OF THE SEA comes a passionate and inspiring meditation on what it means to be a woman.
SPARKS LIKE STARS by Nadia Hashimi (Fiction)
An Afghan American woman returns to Kabul to learn the truth about her family and the tragedy that destroyed their lives in this brilliant and compelling novel from the bestselling author of THE PEARL THAT BROKE ITS SHELL, THE HOUSE WITHOUT WINDOWS and WHEN THE MOON IS LOW.
WE BEGIN AT THE END by Chris Whitaker (Mystery/Thriller)
Chris Whitaker has written an extraordinary novel about people who deserve so much more than life serves them. At times devastating, with flashes of humor and hope throughout, it is ultimately an inspiring tale of how the human spirit prevails and how, in the end, love --- in all its different guises --- wins.
WHO IS MAUD DIXON? by Alexandra Andrews (Psychological Thriller)
Taut, twisty and viciously entertaining, WHO IS MAUD DIXON? is a stylish psychological thriller about how far into the darkness you’re willing to go to claim the life you always wanted.
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Our Latest Poll: Juggling More Than One Book
Do you read or listen to more than one book at a time? Please check all that apply.
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I read more than one print book.
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I read more than one e-book.
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I listen to more than one audiobook.
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I read a print book and an e-book.
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I read a print book and listen to an audiobook.
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I read an e-book and listen to an audiobook.
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I read a print book and an e-book, and listen to an audiobook.
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I only read or listen to one book at a time.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, March 5th 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 February 19th to March 5th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of BAND OF SISTERS by Lauren Willig and INFINITE COUNTRY by Patricia Engel.
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.
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