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Bookish Memories Are Made in So Many Ways
A random book event memory drifted into my head yesterday. A birthday reminder popped up on Facebook for Robin Gaby Fisher, and I immediately thought about an event that she did at the Clinton Book Shop in 2008 for her book, AFTER THE FIRE: A True Story of Friendship and Survival. She was joined by the two young men who had been burned in the 2000 Seton Hall fire, and the conversation that night was so real, honest and special that I can picture tiny details about it.
That reminded me of another evening that Greg and I spent at an event in 2003 for THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Into War-Torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders by Emmanuel Guibert, Didier Lefèvre and Frédéric Lemercier. Emmanuel was at a bookstore that I think was in Queens. After the event, we drove him back into the city. Later, Greg said that it had been one of the most special evenings he had ever spent.
Neither event had a large crowd; in fact, each had just a handful of people. But the authors so connected with their audiences that they became two of the more memorable book evenings for me. I felt that the conversations had transformed me on some level. I have been to events at large book festivals across the country, and I have made many memories at those as well, but it reminded me that sometimes the size of the crowd is not the entire story.
Over the past year, I have probably watched more than 50 author events online. While the intimacy of being live is missing, I have treasured the opportunity to hear from a wide range of authors. There are times when I will play interviews in the background as I am working; other times, I unplug everything else and just watch. I know many of our readers have shared that they live in a place where authors typically do not make an appearance. I hope that you have been availing yourselves of the opportunity to “meet” more authors online --- and hopefully these events will continue in a post-pandemic world!
Last Monday, I spent the day reading Heather Gudenkauf’s new book, THE OVERNIGHT GUEST, which releases on Tuesday. It’s really terrific. I admit to being very glad I was not home alone reading as I reached the end. I did not guess what the final pages would reveal. My previous favorite book of hers was THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE; this one is right up there with that. I am interviewing her on Monday and look forward to hearing more of what happened behind the scenes as she was writing.
On Wednesday night, I grabbed an advance copy of BLACK CAKE by Charmaine Wilkerson (on sale February 1st) from my shelves right before bed. Um…well, sleep was delayed as I read the first 35 pages at a really rapid clip. I am going to be diving into it more this weekend. I can visualize little else getting done as I escape into it!
Yesterday I interviewed Katherine Faulkner, the author of GREENWICH PARK, which is releasing on Tuesday and will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On selection. Katherine was such fun to talk to; she had me thinking back on my own prenatal classes from over three decades ago. Oh, the things that women bond over. This book is super snappy with a real bombshell, or two, or three of an ending. We will share that interview with you on Tuesday.
When I checked last night, we had 1,990 subscribers to our YouTube channel. Will we hit 2,000 over the weekend? By the way, this all has grown organically, which is pretty cool. Thanks to all of you who subscribed, and please spread the word.
My latest "Bookreporter Talks To" interview is with Nita Prose, whose debut novel, THE MAID, is this month's "Good Morning America" Book Club pick and an upcoming Bets On selection. Molly Gray is a socially challenged hotel maid who prides herself on delivering top service to the guests at the Regency Grand Hotel. One day, she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black and finds him dead in his bed. All fingers point to Molly as the killer, so she works to unravel the mystery of what happened to Mr. Black to free herself as a suspect.
Nita explains what inspired her to write THE MAID and how her scribbled notes became the prologue. She also talks about how her day job as the Editorial Director of a Canadian publishing house influenced her, how sometimes pushing your characters into small settings makes them bigger personalities, and the quote at the end of the book, which I already had hanging on my office wall. Click here to watch the video and here to listen to the podcast. And don’t miss my Bets On commentary in next week’s newsletter.
Announcing This Year’s Valentine’s Day Contest
Our Valentine’s Day contest is back for a 17th year! Five of you will win five recently published or soon-to-be-released titles for yourself or that special someone in your life: AND THE BRIDGE IS LOVE by David Biro, ELECTRIC IDOL by Katee Robert, A NOVEL OBSESSION by Caitlin Barasch, WEATHER GIRL by Rachel Lynn Solomon, and YERBA BUENA by Nina LaCour. All you have to do is enter here by Thursday, February 17th at noon ET for your chance to win these irresistible love-themed books. Please note that an advance reading copy of YERBA BUENA will be given away; it releases on May 31st, so finished copies will not be available when the contest ends.
Missing persons expert Frankie Elkin, who Lisa Gardner introduced in last year’s BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED, is back in her latest adventure, ONE STEP TOO FAR. This time, she’s looking for a young man who disappeared without a trace in a Wyoming national forest. But when the search team encounters immediate threats to their survival, Frankie realizes she’s up against something very dark.
Ray Palen has our review and says, “The last third of the book is exactly as the title points out. All of the characters in this tight, claustrophobic group are quickly trapped even in this great, wide open national forest, and they may have gone too far out to save themselves. What a fun ride to be had!” For humor, when I interviewed Lisa about BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED, she told me she was writing a stand-alone. I had a feeling we were going to see Frankie again!
What do you do when the person you love best becomes unrecognizable to you? For Thea Demetriou, the answer is both simple and agonizing: you keep loving him somehow. In Jacquelyn Mitchard’s latest novel, THE GOOD SON, a mother must help her son after he is convicted of a devastating crime. According to Ray Palen, “Everything in this intense and complex character study is leading up to the expected ‘aha!’ moment, and it definitely will be worth the wait.” I have to get my hands on a copy of this one!
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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HONOR: Thrity Umrigar’s latest novel, which is Reese’s Book Club pick for this month, tells the story of two couples and the sometimes dangerous and heartbreaking challenges of love across a cultural divide.
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JOAN IS OKAY: Weike Wang’s follow-up to her award-winning debut, CHEMISTRY, touches on matters that feel deeply resonant: being Chinese-American right now; working in medicine at a high-stakes time; finding one’s voice within a dominant culture; being a woman in a male-dominated workplace; and staying independent within a tight-knit family.
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LORRAINE HANSBERRY: Charles J. Shields, the bestselling author of MOCKINGBIRD: A Portrait of Harper Lee, tells the moving story of the life of the woman behind "A Raisin in the Sun," the most widely anthologized, read and performed play of the American stage.
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PUTTING THE RABBIT IN THE HAT: This is the incredible rags-to-riches story of acclaimed actor Brian Cox, who is best known as Logan Roy from "Succession" --- from a troubled, working-class upbringing in Scotland to a prolific career across theater, film and television.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
OLGA DIES DREAMING by Xochitl Gonzalez is my latest Bets On pick. Find out why here. If you missed my interview with Xochitl, you can watch it here and listen to the podcast here.
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
Let us know by Friday, February 4th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win our current Word of Mouth prizes: HER HIDDEN GENIUS by Marie Benedict and THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis, both of which we plan to review next week.
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
For our latest poll, we’ve listed 30 fiction titles releasing this month, and we’re asking you which, if any, you have read or are planning to read. Click here to let us know.
Our previous poll asked about your reading goals for 2022. 27% of you are planning to read 51-100 print books this year, while 13% are aiming to read more than 100(!). 41% would like to read between 1 and 30 e-books, and 33% plan to listen to 1-30 audiobooks. Click here for all the results.
Also, the finalists for the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Awards have been announced in six categories: Autobiography, Biography, Criticism, Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. Among the nominees are HARLEM SHUFFLE by Colson Whitehead (Fiction), THE LEAST OF US: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth by Sam Quinones (Nonfiction), and GIRLHOOD by Melissa Febos (Criticism). Click here for all the nominees. The awards will be presented on March 17th in a virtual ceremony that will be free and open to the public.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Janice, who won the Grand Prize in our End-of-the-Year Bets On Contest, wrote, “Oh my gosh, I am speechless --- well, almost! I am overjoyed! Having entered this contest for years, I really never expected to win, but loved seeing all the titles that some lucky person would receive. Thank you so very much!” I wrote that I would love to see a photo of her with all 44 books!
Denise wrote, “Why did I take so long to take your advice? Why? I listen to audiobooks when I’m walking. I loved the play 'Come From Away' and have heard you talk about how much you loved the book THE DAY THE WORLD CAME TO TOWN. It popped up on my library’s 'available audios' this week. If you heard sobbing at your home, it may have been me. I was quite the picture, in the freezing cold, wiping away tears with my gloves. So grateful to you for all you’ve done to make this crazy time better for me and so many other people who are lucky enough to be uplifted by books.” Denise, I am glad you enjoyed the book --- and now you understand why for years I could not talk about it without crying. And I am the one who is lucky enough to have readers like you sharing your feedback.
Netflix Book Club: Their February pick is SWEET MAGNOLIAS: Feels Like Family, the third installment in Sherryl Woods’ Sweet Magnolias series. You can stream the second season of the Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias” beginning on February 4th, and then tune in to the latest episode of “But Have You Read the Book?” on February 15th with host Uzo Aduba and actors JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley and Brooke Elliott, showrunner Sheryl Anderson and Sherryl Woods.
And beginning today, “Starbucks is giving away 1 million free digital copies of the novel, giving customers an opportunity to read the book before they tune in to the new season of the Netflix series and corresponding episode of ‘But Have You Read the Book?’. Customers who have opted into emails from Starbucks or the Netflix Book Club will receive an email with a code to redeem the free digital book via Google Play Books on Friday, January 21. The first 1 million customers to redeem their unique code will instantly have access to the book --- the third novel in the bestselling series by Sherryl Woods --- in their Google Play Books library.” Nice offer, right?
“And Just Like That...” Episode 8 on HBO Max: Okay, to me this series is cringeworthy, BUT there is a bookish nugget in episode eight for booklovers. As Carrie meets with her editor, she is in the HarperCollins office. Yes, that amazing staircase that she saunters down is in their office. And for more insider humor, on the editor’s desk is a copy of Adriana Trigiani’s upcoming book, THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE. Why humor? Because Adri’s book is coming out from Dutton, a Penguin Random House imprint. So while most of the show feels like a train wreck to me, this is a little nugget for readers.
André Leon Talley: When I got a news alert of André’s death the other night, I immediately thought of the hours I spent enjoying his memoir, THE CHIFFON TRENCHES. When I was at Condé Nast, I saw André in the lobby more than once. I can still picture his hand gestures trying to make a point and his booming voice. He was larger than life. And his love of fashion was something he could articulate well.
House of Gucci: I watched this last weekend, and it’s over-the-top fun for fashion lovers. Lady Gaga’s performance is terrific, even if sometimes her Italian accent sounds like Russian. She has the hand gestures and glares nailed. Every time Adam Driver spoke Italian, I was doing more of a head shake; I felt like I was in some Berlitz class.
“This Is Us”: I like the way this final season is unfolding, with some flash-aheads and many flashbacks. It really unfolds like a book.
“Cheer” Season Two on Netflix: I have such conflicting thoughts about this show. This season it felt more like a reality show than last year. The cast of season one had achieved some fame, and how they handled it made season two more slick-feeling when we were at Navarro College. They were doing all kinds of endorsement deals and appearances that accompany fame. The second school they profiled this season, Trinity Valley Community College, did not have the same level of awareness --- and it added something.
“Ozark” Season Four on Netflix: It arrives today. And away we go with another crazy adventure.
“Billions” on Showtime: The new season starts Sunday night. Bobby Axelrod is gone, but it still has an edgy vibe!
This weekend, I plan to catch Redeeming Love, which is the film adaptation of the mega-bestselling book by Francine Rivers, which is now back on the USA Today bestseller list!
We celebrated Cory’s birthday last night with a fun dinner out with him and his new girlfriend, Kaltrina, who is really terrific! He turns 27 on Sunday; yes, he is 27, just like me. Amazing how that happens.
Greg rolled back into town at 5:30am on Wednesday after a 12-hour/750-mile direct drive from Charleston. This trip was to 17 US states (+DC), two Mexican states and 7,158 miles of adventure over 25 days. Yes, he inherited his mother and father’s wanderlust!
I drove into New York City today for the first time since December 2020! It is shocking that I have been away from the city that long after working there every day for four decades. I delivered a new computer to Austin at his apartment, made a beeline to drop off something for Tom, and brought a pile of books for Amanda, who handles our social media, before zipping back home.
I will be packing up prize books this weekend. Working from home does have this part of the job in my hands! Apologies for not getting them out sooner; this week was much busier than expected.
I have no other weekend plans, which is pretty delightful. Cory may roll over here Sunday on his actual birthday, but beyond that and packing up books, I will be happy to sit in front of the fire and read. The amaryllis plants are just about to pop all over the house; I think I have seven of them. They are just the spark of color that I need right now. Amusingly there is one in a pot that I did not plant; I just plucked it there. Yesterday I realized that it is starting to grow without any dirt in the pot, so this weekend I think I need to rectify that.
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: ONE STEP TOO FAR by Lisa Gardner
ONE STEP TOO FAR by Lisa Gardner (Mystery/Thriller)
ONE STEP TOO FAR sends missing persons expert Frankie Elkin into a national forest in Wyoming looking for a young man who disappeared without a trace. But when the search team encounters immediate threats to their survival, Frankie realizes she’s up against something very dark --- and she’s running out of time. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE GOOD SON by Jacquelyn Mitchard
THE GOOD SON by Jacquelyn Mitchard (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Vivienne Leheny
Thea's son, Stefan, was just 17 when he went to prison for the drug-fueled murder of his girlfriend, Belinda. Three years later, he’s released to a world that refuses to let him move on. Belinda’s mother, once Thea’s good friend, galvanizes the community to rally against him to protest in her daughter’s memory. The media paints Stefan as a symbol of white privilege and indifferent justice. Neighbors, employers, even some members of Thea's own family turn away. Meanwhile, Thea struggles to understand her son. As his efforts to make amends meet escalating resistance and threats, Thea suspects more forces are at play than just community outrage. And if there is so much she never knew about her own son, what other secrets has she yet to uncover --- especially about the night Belinda died? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Featured Review: HONOR by Thrity Umrigar
Reese’s Book Club Pick for January
HONOR by Thrity Umrigar (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Sneha Mathan
Indian American journalist Smita has returned to India to cover a story, but reluctantly. Long ago, she and her family left the country with no intention of ever coming back. As she follows the case of Meena --- a Hindu woman attacked by members of her own village and her own family for marrying a Muslim man --- Smita comes face to face with a society where tradition carries more weight than one’s own heart, and a story that threatens to unearth the painful secrets of Smita’s own past. While Meena’s fate hangs in the balance, Smita tries in every way she can to right the scales. She also finds herself increasingly drawn to Mohan, an Indian man she meets while on assignment. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
- Click here to visit the Reese's Book Club website.
Click here to read our review.
Announcing Bookreporter.com's 17th Annual
Valentine's Day Contest: Enter to Win Books
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 five readers the chance to win five love-themed books in our 17th annual Valentine's Day contest. Be sure to enter between now and Thursday, February 17th 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've all got 'em! We'll post the top 10 literary loves and lusts --- along with the five winners --- shortly after the contest ends.
This year's Valentine’s Day prize titles are:
Click here to enter the contest.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
OLGA DIES DREAMING by Xochitl Gonzalez
OLGA DIES DREAMING by Xochitl Gonzalez (Fiction)
As Xochitl Gonzalez’s debut novel, OLGA DIES DREAMING, started, I was thinking that it was going to be a light read. Olga is running a wedding planning business for the elite, and the tone has just the sense of humor you would expect from a really smart rom-com. But quickly I realized it was something more.
Olga and her brother, Pedro “Prieto” Acevedo, have been raised by their grandmother as their mother fled the country to go to Puerto Rico as a revolutionary. Their Brooklyn neighborhood is gentrifying in 2017, and they are torn between the way life was and what it is becoming. Prieto is a congressman who is very popular in his district; he can play both sides knowing what he needs from donors and what he has to bring to his constituents. His personal life, like Olga’s, is confusing to him. Who is he, and who does he want to be?
Olga is street smart and savvy. She plays men around her finger until she meets Matteo, who is not like any other man she has met. He has roots, and he is comfortable having a quiet evening with friends. The glitz and glamour is not his world. Olga starts to wonder if a man like that can be attractive to her.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Xochitl Gonzalez.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary.
Featured Review: JOAN IS OKAY by Weike Wang
JOAN IS OKAY by Weike Wang (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Catherine Ho
Joan is a thirtysomething ICU doctor at a busy New York City hospital. The daughter of Chinese parents who came to the United States to secure the American dream for their children, Joan is intensely devoted to her work, happily solitary and successful. Once she and her brother, Fang, were established in their careers, her parents moved back to China, hoping to spend the rest of their lives in their homeland. But when Joan’s father suddenly dies and her mother returns to America to reconnect with her children, a series of events sends Joan spiraling out of her comfort zone just as her hospital, her city and the world are forced to reckon with a health crisis more devastating than anyone could have imagined. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- 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: LORRAINE HANSBERRY
by Charles J. Shields
LORRAINE HANSBERRY: The Life Behind A Raisin in the Sun by Charles J. Shields (Biography)
Written when she was just 28, Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark A RAISIN IN THE SUN is listed by the National Theatre as one of the hundred most significant works of the 20th century. Hansberry was the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway, and the first Black and youngest American playwright to win a New York Critics’ Circle Award. Charles J. Shields’ authoritative biography of one of the 20th century’s most admired playwrights examines the parts of Hansberry’s life that have escaped public knowledge: the influence of her upper-class background, her fight for peace and nuclear disarmament, the reason why she embraced Communism during the Cold War, and her dependence on her white husband --- her best friend, critic and promoter. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
PUTTING THE RABBIT IN THE HAT
by Brian Cox
PUTTING THE RABBIT IN THE HAT: A Memoir by Brian Cox (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Brian Cox
From Hannibal Lecktor in Manhunter to media magnate Logan Roy in HBO's “Succession,” Brian Cox has made his name as an actor of unparalleled distinction and versatility. We are familiar with him on screen, but few know of his extraordinary life story. Growing up in Dundee, Scotland, Cox lost his father when he was just eight years old and was brought up by his three elder sisters in the aftermath of his mother's nervous breakdowns and ultimate hospitalization. After joining the Dundee Repertory Theatre at the age of 15, you could say the rest is history --- but that is to overlook the enormous effort that has gone into the making of the legend we know today. Reviewed by Ron Kaplan (www.RonKaplansBaseballBookshelf.com).
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
LIGHTNING IN A MIRROR by Jayne Ann Krentz (Romantic Suspense)
Audiobook available, read by Sandra Michelle
Olivia LeClair's experiment with speed dating is not going well. First there was the nasty encounter with the date from hell who tried to murder her, and now the mysterious Harlan Rancourt --- long believed dead --- sits down at her table and tells her she's the only one who can help him locate the legendary Vortex lab. This is not what Olivia had in mind when she signed up for the Four Event Success Guaranteed package offered by the dating agency. She doesn't have much choice, though, because her psychic investigation firm works for the mysterious Foundation, and Victor Arganbright, the director, is adamant that she assist Harlan. There's just one problem --- no one knows Harlan's real agenda. Reviewed by Jennifer McCord.
DESOLATION CANYON by P. J. Tracy (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Abby Craden
LAPD Detective Margaret Nolan is struggling to move forward after the death of her brother in Afghanistan and taking a life in the line of duty. A moment of weakness leads to cocktails with a colleague --- an attraction she knows could be dangerous --- at the luxurious Hotel Bel-Air bar. A stroll through the grounds leads to a grim discovery beneath the surface of Swan Lake: the body of a successful attorney who made his fortune in international trade. It initially appears to be death by misadventure, but the case is anything but straightforward. As a series of shocking revelations emerge, Nolan finds herself confronting a sinister cabal that just might destroy her and everyone she loves. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
REAL EASY by Marie Rutkoski (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Eva Kaminsky
It’s 1999, and Samantha has danced for years at the Lovely Lady strip club. The newest dancer is so clueless that she feels compelled to help her learn the hustle and drama of the club. One night, when the new girl needs a ride home, Samantha agrees to drive --- a simple decision that turns deadly. Georgia, another dancer drawn into the ensuing murder and missing person investigation, gathers information for Holly, a grieving detective determined to solve the case. Georgia just wants to help, but her involvement makes her a target. As Holly and Georgia round up their suspects, the story’s point of view shifts among dancers, detectives, children, club patrons --- and the killer. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
WAHALA by Nikki May (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Natalie Simpson
Ronke is dating Kayode and wants him to be “the one.” Her friends think he’s just another in a long line of dodgy Nigerian boyfriends. Boo has everything Ronke wants, but she’s frustrated, unfulfilled, plagued by guilt and desperate to remember who she used to be. Simi is the golden one with the perfect lifestyle. No one knows she’s crippled by impostor syndrome and tempted to pack it all in each time her boss mentions her “urban vibe.” Her husband thinks they’re trying for a baby. She’s not. When the high-flying, charismatic Isobel explodes into the group, it seems at first she’s bringing out the best in each woman. But the more she intervenes, the more chaos she sows, and Ronke, Simi and Boo’s close friendship begins to crack. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
BOX 88 by Charles Cumming (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Charlie Ansen
Lachlan Kite is a member of BOX 88, an elite transatlantic black ops outfit so covert that not even MI6 and the CIA are certain of its existence. But even the best spy can’t anticipate every potential threat in a world where dangerous actors lurk around every corner. At the funeral of his childhood best friend, Lachlan falls into a trap that drops him into the hands of a potentially deadly interrogation, with his pregnant wife, also abducted, being held as collateral for the information he’s sworn on his own life to protect. In order to save his family, Lachlan will be forced to revisit painful memories of a special assignment from 30 years ago that allowed him special access to one of Iran’s most dangerous men. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
BROWN GIRLS by Daphne Palasi Andreades (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Tashi Thomas
Welcome to Queens, where streets echo with languages from all over the globe, subways rumble above dollar stores, and trees bloom and topple over sidewalks. Within one of New York City’s most vibrant and eclectic boroughs, young women of color like Nadira, Gabby, Naz, Trish, Angelique and countless others attempt to reconcile their immigrant backgrounds with the American culture in which they come of age. Here, they become friends for life --- or so they vow. But as they age, their paths diverge and rifts form between them, as some choose to remain on familiar streets, while others find themselves ascending in the world, beckoned by existences foreign and seemingly at odds with their humble roots. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
WHEN YOU ARE MINE by Michael Robotham (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Katy Sobey
When police officer Philomena McCarthy responds to a domestic violence call, she finds the victim, Tempe Brown, trying to protect her abuser, Darren Goodall, a decorated Scotland Yard detective. As Philomena pursues the case against him, she not only encounters resistance from her police force colleagues but also becomes dangerously entangled with the victim --- who is not at all whom she appears to be --- much to the increasing endangerment of herself and her fiancée. Complicating matters is Philomena’s estranged father, Edward McCarthy, a powerful man who has built a criminal empire along with his brothers. As she falls under suspicion of stalking and harassing Goodall, her father becomes involved. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
SOMEBODY’S HOME by Kaira Rouda (Domestic Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Amanda Leigh Cobb, Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Anita Kalathara, Rob Shapiro and Jennifer Jill Araya
Julie Jones has left her suffocating marriage. With her teenage daughter, Jess, she’s starting over. Their new house in Oceanside is the first step toward a new life. The previous owners, a pastor and his wife, have left something --- or rather someone --- behind. Tom Dean has a bitter hatred for the father who considers him a lost cause, and for the woman who’s moved into their family’s house. The only home he’s ever known. He’s never going to leave. She thinks he’ll be gone in three days, but Tom has the perfect plan. For a newly single mother and her daughter, a fresh start is the beginning of a nightmare. Before the weekend is over, somebody is going to get exactly what they deserve. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
A DREAM LIFE by Claire Messud (Fiction)
When the Armstrong family moves from New York at the dawn of the 1970s, Australia feels, to Alice Armstrong, like the end of the earth. Residing in a grand manor on the glittering Sydney Harbour, her family finds their life has turned upside down. As she navigates this strange new world, Alice must weave an existence from its shimmering mirage. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
WHERE THERE’S A WILL: A Rowland Sinclair WWII Mystery by Sulari Gentill (Historical Mystery)
American millionaire Daniel Cartwright has been shot dead: three times in the chest and once in the head. His body is found in Harvard Yard, dressed in evening attire. No one knows who he planned to meet there, or why the staunch Oxford man would be caught dead at Harvard --- literally. Australian Rowland Sinclair, his mate from Oxford and longtime friend, is named executor of the will, to his great surprise --- and that of Danny's family. Events turn downright ugly when the will all but disinherits Danny's siblings in favor of one Otis Norcross, whom no one knows or is able to locate. Amidst assault, kidnapping and threats of slander, Rowly struggles to understand Danny's motives, find the missing heir and identify his friend's killer before the clock --- and his luck --- runs out. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
Next Week’s Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on January 25th
Below are some notable titles releasing on January 25th 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 January 24th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
THE ACCOMPLICE by Lisa Lutz (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Everyone has the same questions about best friends Owen and Luna: What binds them together so tightly? Why weren’t they ever a couple? And why do people around them keep turning up dead? In this riveting novel from the New York Times bestselling author of THE PASSENGER, every answer raises a new, more chilling question.
THE DEPARTMENT OF RARE BOOKS AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS by Eva Jurczyk (Literary Mystery)
ANXIOUS PEOPLE meets the delights of bookish fiction in a stunning debut following a librarian whose quiet life is turned upside down when a priceless manuscript goes missing. Soon she has to ask: What holds more secrets in the library --- the ancient books shelved in the stacks, or the people who preserve them?
DEVIL HOUSE by John Darnielle (Fiction)
From John Darnielle, the New York Times bestselling author and the singer-songwriter of the Mountain Goats, comes an epic, gripping novel about murder, truth and the dangers of storytelling.
GREENWICH PARK by Katherine Faulkner (Domestic Thriller)
This twisty, whip-smart debut thriller, as electrifying as the #1 New York Times bestseller THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, is about impending motherhood, unreliable friendship and the high price of keeping secrets.
HER HIDDEN GENIUS by Marie Benedict (Historical Fiction)
Marie Benedict's powerful new novel shines a light on a woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA, a woman whose world-changing contributions were hidden by the men around her but whose relentless drive advanced our understanding of humankind.
THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis (Historical Fiction)
Fiona Davis, the New York Times bestselling author of THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, returns with a tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal and murder within one of New York City's most impressive Gilded Age mansions.
MERMAID CONFIDENTIAL by Tim Dorsey (Mystery/Humor)
Serge A. Storms gives condo living a try in this latest acid-splashed Florida crime caper from the “insanely funny” (New York Times Book Review) Tim Dorsey.
NOTES ON AN EXECUTION by Danya Kukafka (Literary Thriller)
In the tradition of LONG BRIGHT RIVER and THE MARS ROOM, this gripping and atmospheric work of literary suspense deconstructs the story of a serial killer on death row, told primarily through the eyes of the women in his life.
THE OVERNIGHT GUEST by Heather Gudenkauf (Psychological Thriller)
A woman receives an unexpected visitor during a deadly snowstorm in this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf.
QUICKSILVER by Dean Koontz (Supernatural Thriller)
#1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz takes a surprising and exhilarating road trip with a man in pursuit of his strange past --- mile by frightening mile.
ROAD OF BONES by Christopher Golden (Supernatural Thriller)
An American documentarian travels a haunted highway across the frozen tundra of Siberia in New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden’s ROAD OF BONES, a “tightly wound, atmospheric, and creepy as hell” (Stephen King) supernatural thriller.
SOMETHING’S GUAVA GIVE: A Tropical Island Cozy Mystery by Carrie Doyle (Cozy Mystery)
The head of her own villa broker agency, Plum Lockhart’s sweet life turns sour when a publishing heiress is found dead at the mansion of an eccentric tycoon, Dieter Friedrich. Even worse, Plum's old colleague cashes in a favor and asks her to investigate. It looks like she'll need to fit a murder case into her already jam-packed schedule!
UNDERMONEY by Jay Newman (Political Thriller)
This astonishing, audacious debut by a seasoned insider of global finance is an electrifying thriller about a group of American operatives who secretly take over the world’s largest dark money fund.
VIOLETA by Isabel Allende (Historical Fiction)
This sweeping novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A LONG PETAL OF THE SEA tells the epic story of Violeta Del Valle, a woman whose life spans 100 years and bears witness to the greatest upheavals of the 20th century.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Marie Benedict, Eva Jurczyk, Fiona Davis
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, January 24th at 7pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Eva Jurczyk will discuss her debut novel, THE DEPARTMENT OF RARE BOOKS AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, in which a librarian's quiet life is turned upside down when a priceless manuscript goes missing.
Tuesday, January 25th at 7pm ET: Sourcebooks: Sourcebooks Landmark --- in partnership with Buxton Books, Copperfish Books, FoxTale Book Shoppe, Politics & Prose and Titcomb's Bookshop --- welcomes Marie Benedict in conversation with Beatriz Williams for the virtual launch of Marie's new book, HER HIDDEN GENIUS.
Tuesday, January 25th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Lisa Lutz will discuss her new novel, THE ACCOMPLICE, which examines the bonds of shared history, what it costs to break them, and what happens when you start wondering how well you know the one person who truly knows you.
Wednesday, January 26th at 7pm ET: American Booksellers Association/Publishers Lunch: Emma Straub will host the Buzz Books Editors Panel, a virtual event sponsored by Publishers Lunch and the American Booksellers Association. Six breakout authors will chat with their editors about their forthcoming titles.
Wednesday, January 26th at 7pm ET: Cuyahoga County Public Library: Fiona Davis will be in conversation with Jillian Cantor (author of BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOLS) about her latest historical novel, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE.
Wednesday, January 26th at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors --- Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Patti Callahan Henry --- will talk to Amor Towles about his most recent novel, THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY, a #1 New York Times bestseller.
Wednesday, January 26th at 8pm ET: Loyalty Bookstores: Loyalty is super psyched to celebrate the release of JOAN IS OKAY, the new novel from Weike Wang, who will be in conversation with Angie Kim.
Thursday, January 27th at 7pm ET: Belmont Books and Books & Books: Belmont Books and Books & Books will be co-hosting a virtual evening with author Thrity Umrigar, in conversation with Ellen Barry, whose New York Times articles inspired Thrity to write her new book, HONOR.
Thursday, January 27th at 8pm ET: Mystery to Me: Nick Petrie returns to Mystery to Me with the latest installment of his Peter Ash series, THE RUNAWAY. He will be in conversation with Bill Schweigart, author of the Fatal Folklore series.
Thursday, January 27th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Marie Benedict will discuss her new novel, HER HIDDEN GENIUS, which shines a light on a woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA.
Thursday, January 27th at 8:30pm ET: Murder By The Book: Fiona Davis will talk about her new book, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, a tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal and murder within one of New York City's most impressive Gilded Age mansions.
Friday, January 28th at 8pm ET: Politics & Prose: Join P&P Live! with bestselling author and musician John Darnielle as he discusses his new novel, DEVIL HOUSE, with Casey Cep.
"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:
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Katherine Faulkner (GREENWICH PARK)
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Christopher Golden (ROAD OF BONES)
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Heather Gudenkauf (THE OVERNIGHT GUEST)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: January Fiction Releases to Anticipate
Which of the following fiction titles releasing in January have you read or do you plan to read? Please check all that apply.
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THE ACCOMPLICE by Lisa Lutz
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ANTHEM by Noah Hawley
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THE DEPARTMENT OF RARE BOOKS AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS by Eva Jurczyk
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DEVIL HOUSE by John Darnielle
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FIND ME by Alafair Burke
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FIONA AND JANE by Jean Chen Ho
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THE GOOD SON by Jacquelyn Mitchard
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GREENWICH PARK by Katherine Faulkner
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HER HIDDEN GENIUS by Marie Benedict
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HONOR by Thrity Umrigar
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THE HORSEWOMAN by James Patterson and Mike Lupica
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JOAN IS OKAY by Weike Wang
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THE LAST DANCE OF THE DEBUTANTE by Julia Kelly
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THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET by Diane Chamberlain
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THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis
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THE MAID by Nita Prose
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OLGA DIES DREAMING by Xochitl Gonzalez
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ONE STEP TOO FAR by Lisa Gardner
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THE OVERNIGHT GUEST by Heather Gudenkauf
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QUICKSILVER by Dean Koontz
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RECKLESS GIRLS by Rachel Hawkins
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ROBERT B. PARKER'S BYE BYE BABY: A Spenser Novel, by Ace Atkins
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THE RUNAWAY: A Peter Ash Novel, by Nick Petrie
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THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD MOTHERS by Jessamine Chan
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SEASONAL WORK: Stories, by Laura Lippman
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SOMETHING TO HIDE: A Lynley Novel, by Elizabeth George
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THE STARLESS CROWN by James Rollins
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TO PARADISE by Hanya Yanagihara
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UNDERMONEY by Jay Newman
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VIOLETA by Isabel Allende
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None of the above
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, February 4th 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 21st to February 4th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of HER HIDDEN GENIUS by Marie Benedict and THE MAGNOLIA PALACE by Fiona Davis.
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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