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It's July 16th already. I want to slow down the calendar. Also, I think we need some makeup days on summer for all the rain that we have been seeing these last two weeks in between the extreme heat. Just as I head to the pool many nights, the inevitable thunderstorm comes through and thwarts those plans. I wish I was an early morning swimmer. I may need to start trying lunchtime swimming again!
We hosted this month's “Bookaccino Live” event on Wednesday afternoon. We presented 26 books releasing between now and August 3rd, along with nine from September, that I wanted to get on your radar. For those who joined us live, I loved our Q&A session after the formal presentation. For those who missed the event, click here to watch it and here to see a list of all the titles that I talked about.
Next month’s "Bookaccino Live" event will take place on Wednesday, August 11th at 2pm ET. I will present titles releasing between August 10th and September 7th, along with a few from October, that I think will appeal to you. Click here to sign up. Those attending the live event will be asked to answer a survey about the books from the presentation that they are most interested in reading and will be eligible to win a prize.
My latest “Bookreporter Talks To” interview is with Scott Shepherd, whose first mystery novel, THE LAST COMMANDMENT, is now in stores and will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick. In it, a Scotland Yard detective tracks a serial killer from London to New York City. Scott had the idea for this book for a while and talked about how he played around with it in his head for a long time (decades, actually) before writing it. He spoke in-depth about the characters, explained why he chose London and New York for its settings, and alluded to where they are going in future books without giving too much away.
A longtime writer and producer with years of experience running network television series, Scott discussed the challenges of writing for the screen versus what happens in a novel. Our conversation about television writers’ rooms will give you a better idea of how things come together on the small screen. His family has a rich Hollywood history; his great-grandfather was Louis B. Mayer from MGM, so he shares some fun stories of growing up when celebrities were just the friends of your family. Wait until you hear who read him bedtime stories! Click here to watch the video and here to listen to the podcast.
Ray Palen has our review and says that THE LAST COMMANDMENT "called to mind Thomas Harris’ earlier work --- a serial killer novel with just the right amount of intensity, suspense and a clever murderer who always seems to be one step ahead of everybody else." My Bets On commentary will appear in next week’s newsletter.
Daniel Silva is back with the 21st installment in his series featuring art restorer and legendary spy Gabriel Allon. THE CELLIST explores one of the preeminent threats facing the West today --- the corrupting influence of dirty money wielded by Russia. It is at once a novel of hope and a stark warning about the fragile state of democracy. Our reviewer Roz Shea has this to say: "Akin to a diabolical game of chess, THE CELLIST is a sophisticated voyage through the world of concert halls, art museums, lavish receptions and the occasional chase scene --- all delivered with Silva’s crafty dry wit and innuendo."
SUCH A QUIET PLACE, Megan Miranda’s new psychological thriller, is about a mysterious murder in an idyllic and close-knit neighborhood. Rebecca Munro has our review and calls the book "[a]nother classic Megan Miranda hit" and says that it "will have you thinking twice before you share a key with your neighbor. But even better, it will make you second-guess any judgments you have about them, too." I look forward to catching up with Megan next week for a “Bookreporter Talks To” interview.
Word of Mouth Reminder
THE CELLIST and SUCH A QUIET PLACE are our current Word of Mouth prizes. Submit your comments about the books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win both these highly anticipated thrillers. Please do so by Friday, July 23rd at noon ET.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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THE SWEETNESS OF WATER: Nathan Harris’ debut novel, which is Oprah’s latest book club pick, is about the unlikely bond between two freedmen who are brothers and the Georgia farmer whose alliance will alter their lives --- and his --- forever. Please keep in mind that Oprah’s conversation with Nathan will air on July 23rd on Apple TV+.
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THE THERAPIST: B. A. Paris’ new work of psychological suspense revolves around a newly renovated house in a gated community that holds a shocking secret.
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THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP: In horror movies, the final girls are the ones left standing when the credits roll. They made it through the worst night of their lives. But what happens after? Find out in Grady Hendrix’s latest fast-paced, frightening and wickedly humorous thriller.
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SHOULDER SEASON: Christina Clancy follows up her debut novel, THE SECOND HOME (a Bets On pick), with this dazzling portrait of a young woman coming into her own, the youthful allure of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, and what we lose --- and gain --- when we leave home.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
My latest Bets On selection is the New York Times bestseller FALLING by T. J. Newman, which we reviewed last week and is July's #1 Indie Next pick. Click here for my commentary. If you missed my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with T. J., you can watch it here and listen to the podcast here.
Summer Reading Update
We gave away IT’S BETTER THIS WAY by Debbie Macomber in this week’s Summer Reading contest. Our giveaways will resume the week of July 26th when our prizes will be FIERCE LITTLE THING by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, GHOSTS OF HARVARD by Francesca Serritella (a Bets On pick that is now in paperback), and RADAR GIRLS by Sara Ackerman. The first contest of the week will be up on the 26th at noon ET.
Remember to Vote in Our Poll!
Our poll continues to ask how much of a book you read before deciding if you will finish it. Click here to let us know what you do.
On Wednesday’s edition of “The Tonight Show,” Jimmy Fallon announced this year’s picks for his Summer Reading Book Club. They are CRYING IN H MART: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner, THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL & NEV by Dawnie Walton, ONE LAST STOP by Casey McQuiston, PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry, THE PLOT by Jean Hanff Korelitz (a Bets On pick), and RAZORBLADE TEARS by S. A. Cosby. You can cast your vote here for the book you’d like to read together with Jimmy by this Sunday, July 18th, and on Monday night’s show he will announce which of these six books will be their official Summer Read.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
I got a couple of nice notes about our "Bookaccino Live" event on Wednesday. Cheryle wrote, "Thanks again for another great program. Of course I added several books to my TBR list as always. I just completed the survey and listed three books that have been out for a while and are excellent and should provide some good discussion. I also hope to win one of the three prizes from today's list. This would make a great birthday present as my birthday is Sunday the 18th. Thanks again for all you do to keep us informed and up to date in the book world." Happy Birthday in advance, Cheryle!
Linda wrote, "I wanted you and Austin to know that your monthly 'Bookaccino Live' events are so wonderful! I listen to all the podcasts and have read many of the books! You're both very much appreciated!!! Have a wonderful day! And be well!!! Happy reading! Thank you for your hard work!" Our Editorial Director, Tom Donadio, and our intern, Gryffin Winkler, deserve the praise, too.
David wrote about being a winner in our Father's Day contest: "I returned today from a week's vacation at Lake Tahoe. My 'prize' was waiting for me. What a great collection of fiction and nonfiction books. A number of the titles revolve around sports. And while my interest in sports has somewhat waned over the years, my son-in-law is an avid sports follower and will benefit greatly from the selection. I will certainly enjoy the novels and inspirational volumes. Thanks again." I love the sharing going on here.
"Virgin River" on Netflix: Yes, I binged the entire season in three days. Lots of escape fun.
"Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes" on HBO Max: A very interesting format as we watch the podcast being taped.
"Never Have I Ever" on Netflix: A very humorous second season.
"My Unorthodox Life" on Netflix: I watched to see what this was about. Something about Julia Haart's leap from being in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community to becoming a multi-million-dollar shoe designer within something like a year, before the other leaps in her career, just does not add up for me. It is so scripted...and the gross materialism was a turnoff. Oh, and she has a book deal.
You thought that was an unusual flower. Nope, it's rhubarb. Once again I got carried away at the farmers' market. I have some new recipes to try. And on Sunday I am picking up two more boxes of peaches. This time I am starting with peach pie.
We were checking out at the supermarket when I realized I had not worked on my perfect ice cream cone quest. I bolted back to the cone aisle (which for some reason was not near the ice cream; seriously people, this is not smart marketing) and found Oreo ice cream cones. Definitely winners!
Okay, I admit that having a cover with Matthew McConaughey on it definitely is a draw. But note that his book, GREENLIGHTS, has now been on the New York Times list for 38 weeks. I am reading it in bits and bites for months now, and I am enjoying it. The concept behind it works for me. When you hit a yellow or red light in life, green follows. Hold for the green!
This Tuesday the 20th at 6pm ET, I am going to appear on the latest episode of Adriana Trigiani's weekly Facebook Live show, "Adriana Ink". I hope some of you can join us there.
I am wishing for a weekend of good weather, but will settle for one afternoon with no bad weather. My book pile is really high, and I think it's time to stop working outside and just enjoy!
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 CELLIST by Daniel Silva
THE CELLIST by Daniel Silva (Thriller/Adventure)
Audiobook available, read by Edoardo Ballerini
Once Russia’s richest man, Viktor Orlov now resides in splendid exile in London, where he has waged a tireless crusade against the authoritarian kleptocrats who have seized control of the Kremlin. Yet somehow, in the midst of a global pandemic, Russia’s vengeful president finally manages to cross Orlov’s name off his kill list. Gabriel Allon owes his very life to Viktor Orlov, and his desperate search for the truth eventually will take him to Geneva, where a private intelligence service controlled by a childhood friend of the Russian president is using KGB-style “active measures” to undermine the West from within. Known as the Haydn Group, the unit is plotting an unspeakable act of violence that will plunge an already divided America into chaos and leave Russia unchallenged. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: SUCH A QUIET PLACE
by Megan Miranda
SUCH A QUIET PLACE by Megan Miranda (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Rebekkah Ross
Hollow’s Edge used to be a quiet place. But then came the murder of Brandon and Fiona Truett. A year and a half later, Hollow’s Edge is simmering. The residents are trapped, unable to sell their homes, confronted daily by the empty Truett house, and suffocated by their trial testimonies that implicated one of their own. Ruby Fletcher. And now, Ruby’s back. With her conviction overturned, Ruby waltzes right back to Hollow’s Edge, and into the home she once shared with Harper Nash. It’s increasingly clear that not everyone told the truth about the night of the Truett murders. And when Harper begins receiving threatening notes, she realizes she has to uncover the truth before someone else becomes the killer’s next victim. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to visit Megan Miranda's website.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE SWEETNESS OF WATER by Nathan Harris
Oprah’s Latest Book Club Pick
THE SWEETNESS OF WATER by Nathan Harris (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by William DeMeritt
In the waning days of the Civil War, brothers Prentiss and Landry --- freed by the Emancipation Proclamation --- seek refuge on the homestead of George Walker and his wife, Isabelle. The Walkers, wracked by the loss of their only son to the war, hire the brothers to work their farm. Meanwhile, Prentiss and Landry plan to save money for the journey north and a chance to reunite with their mother, who was sold away when they were boys. Parallel to their story runs a forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers. When their secret is discovered, the resulting chaos, including a murder, unleashes convulsive repercussions on the entire community. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com Bets On: FALLING by T. J. Newman
FALLING by T. J. Newman (Thriller)
FALLING by T. J. Newman is a great ride. I had seen T. J. (Torri) present twice at publisher previews, and both times that I heard her talk about it, I knew this book was going to be something special. The promo copy is so spot on that I am going to share it here: “You just boarded a flight to New York. There are 143 other passengers onboard. What you don’t know is that 30 minutes before the flight, your pilot’s family was kidnapped. For his family to live, everyone on your plane must die. The only way the family will survive is if the pilot follows his orders and crashes the plane. Enjoy the flight.” And from there, the book takes off; it is so well done and lands so beautifully.
- 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 T. J. Newman.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary.
Featured Review: THE THERAPIST by B. A. Paris
THE THERAPIST by B. A. Paris (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Olivia Dowd and Thomas Judd
When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive. As Alice is getting to know her neighbors, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before. Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets, and things are not as perfect as they seem. 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: THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP
by Grady Hendrix
THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP by Grady Hendrix (Psychological Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Adrienne King
Lynette Tarkington is a real-life final girl who survived a massacre. For more than a decade, she’s been meeting with five other final girls and their therapist in a support group for those who survived the unthinkable, working to put their lives back together. Then one woman misses a meeting, and their worst fears are realized --- someone knows about the group and is determined to rip their lives apart again, piece by piece. But the thing about final girls is that no matter how bad the odds, how dark the night or how sharp the knife, they will never, ever give up. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: SHOULDER SEASON
by Christina Clancy
SHOULDER SEASON by Christina Clancy (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Karissa Vacker
Nineteen-year-old Sherri Taylor plays the organ at the local church and has never felt comfortable in her own skin. But when her parents die in quick succession, she leaves the only home she’s ever known for the chance to be part of a glamorous slice of history. In the winter of 1981, Sherri joins the daughters of dairy farmers and factory workers for the defining experience of her life. Living in the “bunny hutch” --- Playboy’s version of a college dorm --- Sherri gets her education in the joys of sisterhood, the thrill of financial independence, the magic of first love, and the heady effects of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. But as spring gives way to summer, Sherri finds herself caught in a romantic triangle --- and the tragedy that ensues will haunt her for the next 40 years. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE LAST COMMANDMENT by Scott Shepherd
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
THE LAST COMMANDMENT: An Austin Grant of Scotland Yard Novel by Scott Shepherd (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Shaun Grindell
Christmastime in London. When three seemingly unconnected victims are murdered with matching sequential Roman numerals carved into their foreheads, Metropolitan Police Commander Austin Grant finds his answer in one of the last places he’d expect: the Holy Bible. Each of the deaths correspond to a transgression of one of the Ten Commandments, and Grant must find the killer before the remaining Commandments are commemorated with homicides. Unfortunately for Grant, the next victim with a number on their forehead turns up not in London, but across the pond at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, turning this English murder case into a transatlantic manhunt spanning two global metropolises, each with its own rich history and culture. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Scott Shepherd.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
- Click here to visit Scott Shepherd's website.
Click here to read our review.
THE LAST COMMANDMENT will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Bookreporter.com's 17th Annual
Summer Reading Contests and Feature
Summer is here! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share some great summer book picks with our Summer Reading Contests and Feature. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through the end of August, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter to win. 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, July 26th at noon ET.
This year’s featured titles include:
Click here to read all the contest details and learn more about our prize books.
Bookreporter.com’s 2021 Virtual Vacation Reads:
Books Set in Getaway Locations
Bookreporter has a way for you to virtually travel with our list of books set in vacation locales. Escape to idyllic spots like Nantucket, Cape Cod, Malibu, the Catskills, Charleston and Palm Beach --- along with many others --- in our 2021 Virtual Vacation Reads feature. Pick your book(s) to embark on the summer vacation you've been dreaming of. You’ll only have to figure out how to send postcards!
Please note: For your convenience, we have organized these books both by location and alphabetically by title. We also have included links to indie bookstores that are at or near each of these locations, so you can pay them a virtual visit as well! May we suggest that you buy these books from them?
Click here to see our 2021 Virtual Vacation Reads feature.
From left to right: Karin Slaughter, Brad Thor, Francesca Serritella
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.
Monday, July 19th at 6pm ET: Square Books: Join Square Books for a conversation between Thriller Queens Megan Miranda and Wendy Walker in celebration of Megan's latest novel, SUCH A QUIET PLACE.
Monday, July 19th at 9pm ET: Book Soup: Book Soup presents screenwriter and showrunner Scott Shepherd, who will be in conversation with Julie Clark about his new book, THE LAST COMMANDMENT.
Tuesday, July 20th at 6pm ET: "Adriana Ink": Carol Fitzgerald will appear on the latest episode of Adriana Trigiani's weekly Facebook Live show, "Adriana Ink."
Tuesday, July 20th at 7pm ET: BookPeople: Ace Atkins will be in conversation with Joe R. Lansdale about THE HEATHENS, the latest installment in Atkins' Quinn Colson thriller series.
Tuesday, July 20th at 7pm ET: Warwick's: Warwick's will host Brad Thor as he discusses his new thriller, BLACK ICE, the 20th book in his Scot Harvath series.
Tuesday, July 20th at 7pm ET: William Morrow: Join Karin Slaughter in conversation with Alafair Burke to celebrate the publication of Karin’s latest stand-alone thriller, FALSE WITNESS. Surprise author guests will also join the broadcast!
Wednesday, July 21st at 7pm 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 Vanessa Riley, whose latest novel is ISLAND QUEEN.
Wednesday, July 21st at 8:30pm ET: Book Passage: Book Passage presents a virtual event featuring Megan Miranda, who will talk to Hank Phillippi Ryan about her new psychological thriller, SUCH A QUIET PLACE.
Thursday, July 22nd at 7pm ET: National Writers Series: The National Writers Series will host Megan Miranda, author of SUCH A QUIET PLACE, in conversation with journalist Riley Sager.
Thursday, July 22nd at 8pm ET: Titcomb's Bookshop: Join Titcomb's in welcoming Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray to talk about their new novel, THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN.
Thursday, July 22nd at 8:30pm ET: Warwick's: Warwick's will host Francesca Serritella as she discusses the new paperback edition of her book, GHOSTS OF HARVARD, with Jeniffer Thompson.
"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:
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Scott Shepherd (THE LAST COMMANDMENT: An Austin Grant of Scotland Yard Novel) Video | Podcast
Other authors we've interviewed include:
Upcoming interviews include:
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Megan Abbott (THE TURNOUT)
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Chandler Baker (THE HUSBANDS)
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Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN)
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Elizabeth Brundage (THE VANISHING POINT)
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Megan Miranda (SUCH A QUIET PLACE)
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Taylor Jenkins Reid (MALIBU RISING)
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Dianna Rostad (YOU BELONG HERE NOW)
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Jonathan Santlofer (THE LAST MONA LISA)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
FALLEN by Linda Castillo (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Kathleen McInerney
When a young woman is found murdered in a Painters Mill motel, Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is shocked to discover she once knew the victim. Rachael Schwartz was a charming but troubled Amish girl who left the fold years ago and fled Painters Mill. Why was she back in town? And who would kill her so brutally? Kate remembers Rachael as the only girl who was as bad at being Amish as Kate was --- and those parallels dog her. But the more Kate learns about Rachael's life, the more she's convinced that her dubious reputation was deserved. As the case heats to a fever pitch and long-buried secrets resurface, a killer haunts Painters Mill. Someone doesn’t want Rachael’s past --- or the mysteries she took with her to the grave --- coming to light. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.
ONE TWO THREE by Laurie Frankel (Fiction)
Audiobook available; read by Emma Galvin, Jesse Vilinsky and Rebecca Soler
Everyone knows everyone in the tiny town of Bourne, but the Mitchell triplets are especially beloved. For a few weeks 17 years ago, Bourne was national news when its water turned green. The girls have come of age watching their mother’s endless fight for justice. But just when it seems life might go on the same forever, the first moving truck anyone has seen in years pulls up and unloads new residents and old secrets. Soon, the Mitchell sisters are taking on a system stacked against them and uncovering mysteries buried longer than they’ve been alive. Because it's hard to let go of the past when the past won't let go of you. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
WAYWARD by Dana Spiotta (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Susan Bennett
On the heels of the 2016 election, Samantha Raymond's life begins to come apart: her mother is ill, her teenage daughter is increasingly remote, and at 52 she finds herself staring into "the Mids" --- that hour of supreme wakefulness between three and four in the morning in which women of a certain age suddenly find themselves contemplating motherhood, mortality and, in this case, the state of our unraveling nation. When she falls in love with a beautiful, decrepit house in a hardscrabble neighborhood in Syracuse, she buys it on a whim and flees her suburban life --- and her family --- as she grapples with how to be a wife, a mother and a daughter, in a country that is coming apart at the seams. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
DOG EAT DOG: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Grover Gardner
Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, enjoy walking their dogs, Tara and Sebastian. When out for one of their strolls, their simple ritual isn’t so simple anymore. Across the street, a man is mistreating his dog. Three things happen at once: Andy yells, Laurie runs to stop the abuse, and so does a closer passerby, who so thoroughly beats the owner that both are arrested when the cops arrive. Andy scoops up the dog and takes him to the Tara Foundation, the dog rescue organization that’s always been his true passion. Meanwhile, at the police station, the passerby is identified as Matthew Jantzen, and he’s wanted for murder. Andy and Laurie are struck by the fact that Jantzen, a man on the run, would nevertheless intervene to help a dog, and decide to find out more. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
THE STARTUP WIFE by Tahmima Anam (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Tanha Dil
Brilliant coder and possessor of a Pi tattoo, Asha is poised to revolutionize artificial intelligence when she is reunited with her high school crush, Cyrus Jones. Cyrus inspires Asha to write a new algorithm. Before she knows it, she’s abandoned her PhD program, they’ve exchanged vows and gone to work at an exclusive tech incubator called Utopia. The platform creates a sensation, with millions of users seeking personalized rituals every day. Will Cyrus and Asha’s marriage survive the pressures of sudden fame, or will she become overshadowed by the man everyone is calling the new messiah? Reviewed by Lorraine W. Shanley.
THE CASE OF THE MURDEROUS DR. CREAM: The Hunt for a Victorian Era Serial Killer by Dean Jobb (True Crime)
Audiobook available, read by Steven Crossley
In the span of 15 years, Dr. Thomas Neill Cream murdered as many as 10 people in the United States, Britain and Canada, a death toll with almost no precedent. Poison was his weapon of choice. Largely forgotten today, this villain was as brazen as the notorious Jack the Ripper. Structured around the doctor’s London murder trial in 1892, when he was finally brought to justice, THE CASE OF THE MURDEROUS DR. CREAM exposes the blind trust given to medical practitioners, as well as the flawed detection methods, bungled investigations, corrupt officials and stifling morality of Victorian society that allowed Dr. Cream to prey on vulnerable and desperate women, many of whom had turned to him for medical help. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
SILVER TEARS written by Camilla Läckberg, translated by Ian Giles (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Tanya Cubric
Faye Adelheim is living a delicious lie. Wealthy beyond imagination, she is the Chairman of her self-made global cosmetics brand, and her ex-husband, the monster who killed her beloved daughter Julienne, is living out the remainder of his days behind bars. But unbeknownst to journalists, police officers and investors, and even the lovers she occasionally invites to her bed, Faye has a secret: her daughter is, in fact, alive and well and so is her mother, the woman Faye’s father was sentenced for allegedly killing years ago. Together, three generations of women have survived in hiding from the men who sought to destroy them. But unfortunately for Faye, cages are meant to be opened, pillow talk can lead to betrayal, and secrets always end in tears. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
EVA AND EVE: A Search for My Mother’s Lost Childhood and What a War Left Behind by Julie Metz (Memoir/History)
Audiobook available, read by Rebecca Lowman
To Julie Metz, her mother, Eve, was the quintessential New Yorker. Eve rarely spoke about her childhood, and it was difficult to imagine her living anywhere else except Manhattan, where she could be found attending Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera or inspecting a round of French triple crème at Zabar’s. In truth, Eve had endured a harrowing childhood in Nazi-occupied Vienna. After her mother passed, Julie discovered a keepsake book filled with farewell notes from friends and relatives addressed to a 10-year-old girl named Eva. This long-hidden memento was the first clue to the secret pain that Julie’s mother had carried as a refugee and immigrant, shining a light on a family that had to persevere at every turn to escape the antisemitism and xenophobia that threatened their survival. Reviewed by Jesse Kornbluth for HeadButler.com.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on July 20th
Below are some notable titles releasing on July 20th 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 July 19th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
BLACK ICE by Brad Thor (Political Thriller)
With a cottage on the fjord, a boat and his beautiful girlfriend Sølvi, Scot Harvath has everything he could possibly want. But out of vacation days and long overdue back home, America’s top spy has a decision to make --- return, or submit his resignation. When his deadly past comes calling, though, he’ll be left with no choice at all.
FALSE WITNESS by Karin Slaughter (Mystery/Thriller)
In Karin Slaughter's new stand-alone thriller, an up-and-coming defense attorney has worked hard to put her nightmarish childhood behind her. But now her devastating past is starting to catch up to her, and time is running out.
FOR YOUR OWN GOOD by Samantha Downing (Psychological Thriller)
USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school --- complete with interfering parents, overeager students and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson.
GOLDEN BOY: A Murder Among the Manhattan Elite by John Glatt (True Crime)
In GOLDEN BOY, New York Times bestselling author John Glatt tells the true story of Thomas Gilbert Jr., the handsome and charming New York socialite accused of murdering his father, a Manhattan millionaire and hedge fund founder.
THE MAN WITH THE SILVER SAAB: A Detective Varg Novel by Alexander McCall Smith (Mystery/Humor)
In this hilarious new novel in Alexander McCall Smith's bestselling Detective Varg series, an eminent art historian is framed and the ace investigators of the Department of Sensitive Crimes are on the case.
WHEN WE WERE YOUNG by Richard Roper (Fiction)
From the author of SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR comes a nostalgic, heartwarming story of two long-lost friends who embark on a 184-mile walk of the Thames Path in order to find their way back to the truth, and to their friendship.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
Our Latest Poll: Do You Stop Reading Books
You're Not Liking?
Approximately how much of a print book or e-book do you read before you decide if you will finish it?
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The opening chapter
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10 pages or less
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25 pages
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50 pages
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75 pages
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100 pages
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More than 100 pages
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I never have a set number of pages in mind.
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I always finish every book that I start.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, July 23rd 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 July 9th to July 23rd at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of THE CELLIST by Daniel Silva and SUCH A QUIET PLACE by Megan Miranda.
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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