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When You Give a Husband a Book by a Favorite Author
My husband has some favorite authors, and one of them is Mark Greaney. So I have not seen him much this week since SIERRA SIX arrived at the house. Last night at dinner, I asked him what he is enjoying about the book. He likes the way Greaney has braided the stories of how the Gray Man came to be, along with a new storyline. I knew I was not going to get an oral book report about it like I would have delivered, so I decided to use another way to share how much he is enjoying it. Last night, he disappeared at 8:00 to read, and I knew he was going to clock another wee hours of the morning reading. Now this is a man who is ready to roll up the carpet around 9:00 most evenings while I am the night owl, so know that we have a new way of gauging book love.
The other morning, he called me from the car with a question, which was not the perennial ones (“What do you want for dinner?” or “What do you want from the store?”). Instead, he told me he was on the phone with his friend, Donal, another Gray Man fan, and they were wondering when the Gray Man movie was going to be airing on Netflix. Since I did not have any insider knowledge about this, I went with a May, June or sometime this summer reply. I figured that gave me about four months of credibility. Now let’s see if I am right since Netflix rarely shows its cards as to when films and shows are dropping. The star-studded movie is based on the first Gray Man book, which came out in 2009. So for those of you who want to catch up before the film airs, consider this sufficient warning.
I am reading THE PARIS APARTMENT by Lucy Foley, which will be out on Tuesday. I enjoyed Lucy’s last book, THE GUEST LIST, and had been looking forward to this one. I am just getting a sense of it about 75 pages in, but am looking forward to getting back to it. I definitely will be finishing it this weekend.
Our health insurance comes with yearlong access to the Peloton app. The other day, I did a low-impact ride on my recumbent bike (I mean, I am not going all hardcore with this, and I really loathe the seat on a Peloton bike), which was fun. Of course, instead of listening to the class leader talk over the music, I would have preferred she was reading a book that I wanted to read. And the class I was taking had been pre-taped, so the instructor was talking to those in the class by their Peloton handles --- “Come on Highway101,” “I see you Shelley108.” Call me a cynic, but it felt a lot like “Fun at One” when I was a kid. Miss Mary or whoever would hold up a magic mirror and say, “I see Susan” or “I see Debbie.” I would wonder when she was going to say Carol. I think the Peloton teachers watched the same show, and they wanted to have control of that mirror. Instead they mounted bikes!
We have one really fun event coming up, and this is your last Bookreporter newsletter reminder to sign up for it. It's our “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event on Wednesday, February 23rd at 8pm ET. Our guest will be Lisa Scottoline, whose first historical novel, ETERNAL, released this month in paperback. Here’s the format if you have never participated in one of these programs before. We will open with my talking to Lisa about ETERNAL and asking her some questions about what’s next for her. Following my opening dialogue with her, Lisa will answer questions from our attendees, including a select few who will join us “on stage.”
If you’d like to ask your question on camera during the event, please send me an email with the subject line “Question for Lisa Scottoline,” along with your question, by Tuesday, February 22nd at 6pm ET. Do not be shy about this. Lisa LOVES talking to readers. Those who are camera shy may share their thoughts with her via the Q&A section on Zoom. Austin Ruh, our producer, will then share them with Lisa. We look forward to “seeing” you there.
My latest “Bookreporter Talks To” interview is with Bonnie Kistler, whose new novel, THE CAGE, will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick, as was her last book, HOUSE ON FIRE. In this incredibly original psychological thriller, two colleagues from a fashion conglomerate enter an elevator together, but only one survives the trip down to the lobby. What happened behind those closed doors --- and why --- forms the backbone for the rest of the book.
Bonnie shares her process for writing thrillers, noting that she spends time making promises in the beginning so that the rest of the story works like dominoes. Also, we discuss how we feel about elevators. Bonnie wrote a piece about that very subject on her website, which you can read here. Click here to watch the video and here to listen to the podcast.
We have our review of THE CAGE this week from Rebecca Munro, who says, “Just as she did in HOUSE ON FIRE, Kistler plays with the idea of the truth: when it matters most, when it doesn’t, and when it must be buried at all costs.... Expertly drawn characters, urgent themes of global corruption and corporate evildoing, and a seriously clever premise make this a deeply satisfying and utterly unputdownable read from a brilliant and elegant writer.” Don’t miss my Bets On commentary in next week’s newsletter.
With DIABLO MESA, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child continue their series featuring archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson. Two murder victims are found at the Roswell Incident site, and Corrie’s ensuing investigation throws open a Pandora's box of espionage and violence.
According to our reviewer Ray Palen, “The last third of the novel is not to be missed and is impossible to put down. Everything from Cold War espionage to Soviet agents at Roswell and, of course, our top-secret group that is behind all of this will cause enough suspense and unpredictable thrills that you will not be able to see the next move coming before Preston & Child cast a literary checkmate. DIABLO MESA is just what thriller junkies require, and this always reliable author duo delivers at every turn.”
Allison Pataki’s new historical novel, THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES OF MARJORIE POST, reimagines the remarkable life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress and trailblazing leader of the 20th century who was the owner of General Foods and was once one of the wealthiest women in the United States.
Our reviewer Amy Gwiazdowski has this to say: “I love Allison Pataki’s writing. She takes individuals who are already bigger than life and makes them even more interesting to readers. Marjorie Post is no exception. While her life revolved around her company and her marriages, she did so much more…. THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES OF MARJORIE POST is such a wonderful book to curl up with. It’s lavish, exciting and sometimes heartbreaking, but Pataki brings you around each time, and you’re eager to tag along for the ride that was Marjorie Post’s life.” I look forward to interviewing Allison soon; she talked about her research for this book the last time we interviewed her in early 2020.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR: Nina de Gramont’s new novel, which is this month’s Reese’s Book Club pick, recounts one of the most talked-about unsolved mysteries of the 20th century: the 11-day disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926.
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THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY: Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel, which is this month’s “Good Morning America” Book Club pick, is about a Black classical musician’s desperate quest to recover his lost violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world.
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THE NINETIES: Chuck Klosterman’s latest book is, of course, all about the 1990s --- the films, the music, the sports, the TV, the politics, the changes regarding race, class and sexuality, the yin/yang of Oprah and Alan Greenspan.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
THE OTHER FAMILY by Wendy Corsi Staub, which we reviewed last week, is my latest Bets On selection. Find out why I’m betting you’ll love this book here. If you missed my interview with Wendy, which we featured in last week’s newsletter, you can watch it here and listen to the podcast here.
Special Contest Reminder
You have until Friday, February 25th at noon ET to enter our contest for THE BOOK WOMAN’S DAUGHTER by Kim Michele Richardson and be one of our 25 lucky winners. Releasing on May 3rd, it’s the highly anticipated follow-up to THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK, which has been a book club favorite since its release three years ago.
The book has been getting a lot of advance praise from notable authors. William Kent Krueger calls it “a brilliant and compelling narrative --- a powerful portrait of the courageous women who fought against ignorance, misogyny and racial prejudice.” And Sara Gruen says that Richardson “once again paints a stunning portrait of the raw, somber beauty of Appalachia, the strong resolve of remarkable women living in a world dominated by men, and the power of books and sisterhood to prevail in the harshest circumstances.”
Our Valentine’s Day Contest Winners
Congratulations to the five winners of this year’s Valentine’s Day contest! Each will receive all five of our love-themed prize books: 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. Those who entered had the option of responding to the question “Who is your all-time literary crush?” You can see your top 10 “Literary Loves and Lusts” here. I am planning to mail these prizes next week; I still am waiting for a couple of books to arrive.
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We have a new Word of Mouth contest to tell you about. Let us know by Friday, March 4th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win ONE ITALIAN SUMMER by Rebecca Serle and the aforementioned THE PARIS APARTMENT by Lucy Foley. We will feature our reviews of both over the next couple of weeks.
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
For our latest poll, we’re curious about the paid subscription services you may or may not subscribe to (Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, etc.). Click here to let us know! Note that we asked this question in 2018, and we see how many more options there are now!
In our last poll, we listed 12 of my Bets On picks that are now in paperback or will be this month, and we asked which of these you have read or plan to read. Here are your top five picks: EDUCATED: A Memoir by Tara Westover (60%), AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins (59%), THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett (53%), THE CHILDREN'S BLIZZARD by Melanie Benjamin (44%), and the aforementioned ETERNAL by Lisa Scottoline (44%). Click here for all the results.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
In answer to my question as to what Lee Child said in his cameo on “Reacher”, Hollins replied, “I use closed captioning. As Lee brushes past Reacher, he says, ‘Oh, excuse me.’ Confirmed by also Googling. Reminds me of Colin Dexter, who made cameo appearances in most of the ‘Morse’ episodes.” Thanks to Marilyn, Carol, Debra and Susan, who also weighed in about this. I clearly need to use closed captioning more!
Susanne wrote, “I loved the picture of the Year-End Bets On Contest winner. How nice that she prefers print! Thanks to you and your staff for all you do.”
Jill wrote about buying a potholder loom like the one I have: “I bought it and haven’t tried it yet, but first steps. This is my first journey to being a creative person (I am a numbers cruncher). My niece, who is in her mid-30s, made me a potholder when she was 8 or 9; it is time to replace it sadly. I have purchased many, but nothing was like what she made. So I am hoping this will serve as a decent replacement until I can get her daughter to make me one. Thanks for all that you do. The two most important emails I receive each week are your Friday newsletter and your ‘On Sale This Week’ newsletter. And I read almost every book that is on your Bets On list.” Jill, I look forward to seeing your creation. Thank you for your kind words about our newsletters, and I hope my Bets On selections bring you lots of joy.
Black Cake: If you read Charmaine Wilkerson’s BLACK CAKE and have a hankering for a black cake but do not want to have to bake it (or wait four months for the fruits in the cake to ferment), here’s a shop where you can buy one.
Netflix Book Club about “Sweet Magnolias”: I watched this fun segment with talent from the show, along with author Sherryl Woods.
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”: Season four episodes drop today on Amazon Prime. And as you watch, know that the show has been renewed for a fifth and final season. My husband seems to remember that he does not like this series.
The Olympics: I watched the skating last night, and I have to say that I am not sure what was sadder: the emotions of these young girls after the skating ended, how the Russian coach behaved, or the way the camera chased them. Remember, we would have seen nothing if the cameras were not running.
Mary Kay Andrews: Last week, we shared the very sad news that Mary Kay lost her 39-year-old daughter, Katie Abel, who was waiting for a liver transplant after coming down with COVID last fall. If you would like to send a card, please mail it to Mary Kay Andrews, P.O. Box 717, Avondale Estates, GA 30002. If you would like to make a donation in Katie’s name, here are some ideas: Georgia Transplant Foundation, Helping Mamas and No Kid Hungry.
Best Super Bowl Commercial: I loved the Chevy commercial with Jamie-Lynn Sigler recreating the opening credits from “The Sopranos” to promote the all-electric Chevy Silverado. Seeing her meet up with Robert Iler, who played her on-screen brother, was very clever. I also thought, Whoa, they did not die in Holsten’s, which is where the last scene of the hit series was shot. It’s also the place where we went for ice cream as kids, and there is a plaque at “Tony’s table.”
Really Pretty Song: Harper Simon --- yes, Paul’s son --- recorded this song back in 2010. It's called “Berkeley Girl.” I discovered it a few weeks ago, and it has been on repeat.
Last weekend, I finished reading THE GOOD SON by Jacquelyn Mitchard, and I will be interviewing her about it next week. There is so much to discuss in this issue-laden novel.
As I am watching the possible invasion into Ukraine by Russia, I keep thinking of Mark Sullivan's THE LAST GREEN VALLEY. I do wonder how the Martel family, who were the subject of this book, feel as they watch the news.
During the Q&A session of last week's “Bookaccino Live” event, someone asked if we were on Instagram. While our social media links are at the bottom of this newsletter, I wanted to be sure that we drew some attention to them. Amanda Book (yes, that is her name) has been doing a terrific job with our social media presence. Please follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
My husband built me a gorgeous side table for my office. I had a table that was not as long as I needed and then a second smaller table where the television was sitting. I wanted one big table so I could organize everything next to my desk the way I wanted. I am thrilled with the way it turned out! I was working late last night on this newsletter and other work projects, and he was joking that now I may not leave my office, which I actually am quite good about doing nights and weekends. Then I read all over the house. Given his devotion to the Gray Man series this week, it’s not like he missed me.
My mother-in-law turns 94 tomorrow. What a milestone! We are planning to get out to see her this weekend to celebrate.
Here comes a three-day weekend. When we were growing up, we used to take turns decorating the table and making desserts for three holidays: Lincoln’s Birthday, Valentine’s Day and Washington’s Birthday. Now we have what I am calling a Presidential combo platter.
I have a week’s worth of ideas on what to do this weekend, which is pretty typical.
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: DIABLO MESA
by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
DIABLO MESA by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Cynthia Farrell
Lucas Tappan, a wealthy and eccentric billionaire and founder of Icarus Space Systems, approaches the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute with an outlandish proposal --- to finance a careful, scientific excavation of the Roswell Incident site, where a UFO is alleged to have crashed in 1947. A skeptical Nora Kelly is tasked with the job. Nora's excavation immediately uncovers two murder victims buried at the site, faces and hands obliterated with acid to erase their identities. Special Agent Corrie Swanson is assigned to the case. As Nora’s excavation proceeds, uncovering things both bizarre and seemingly inexplicable, Corrie’s homicide investigation throws open a Pandora's box of espionage and violence. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Featured Review: THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES
OF MARJORIE POST by Allison Pataki
THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES OF MARJORIE POST by Allison Pataki (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Barrie Kreinik
Marjorie Merriweather Post’s journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father’s barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post’s Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning 30, she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life-force, advocacy, passion and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy. And yet Marjorie’s story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE CAGE by Bonnie Kistler
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Pick
THE CAGE by Bonnie Kistler (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Piper Goodeve and Chris Andrew Ciulla
On a cold, misty Sunday night, two women are alone in the offices of fashion conglomerate Claudine de Martineau International. One is the company’s human resources director. Impeccably dressed and perfectly coiffed, she sits at her desk and stares somberly out the window. Down the hall, her colleague, one of the company’s lawyers, is buried under a pile of paperwork, frantically rushing to finish. Leaving at the same time, the two women, each preoccupied by her own thoughts, enter the elevator that will take them down from the 30th floor. When they arrive at the lobby, one of the women is dead. Was it murder or suicide? Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Bonnie Kistler.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read our review.
THE CAGE will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Special Contest: Enter to Win an Advance Copy of
THE BOOK WOMAN’S DAUGHTER
by Kim Michele Richardson, Releasing May 3rd
Kim Michele Richardson's upcoming work of historical fiction, THE BOOK WOMAN'S DAUGHTER, is both a stand-alone and sequel to her 2019 novel, THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK. Honey Lovett, the daughter of the beloved Troublesome book woman, must fight for her own independence with the help of the women who guide her and the books that set her free. The book doesn't release until May 3rd, but we have 25 advance copies to give away to readers. To enter, please fill out this form by Friday, February 25th at noon ET.
THE BOOK WOMAN'S DAUGHTER by Kim Michele Richardson (Historical Fiction)
In the ruggedness of the beautiful Kentucky mountains, Honey Lovett has always known that the old ways can make a hard life harder. As the daughter of the famed blue-skinned, Troublesome Creek packhorse librarian, Honey and her family have been hiding from the law all her life. But when her mother and father are imprisoned, Honey realizes she must fight to stay free, or risk being sent away for good.
Picking up her mother's old packhorse library route, Honey begins to deliver books to the remote hollers of Appalachia. Honey is looking to prove that she doesn't need anyone telling her how to survive. But the route can be treacherous, and some folks aren't as keen to let a woman pave her own way.
If Honey wants to bring the freedom books provide to the families who need it most, she's going to have to fight for her place, and along the way learn that the extraordinary women who run the hills and hollers can make all the difference in the world.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to read Kim Michele Richardson's bio.
- Click here to visit Kim Michele Richardson's website.
- Connect with Kim Michele Richardson on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to enter the contest.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
THE OTHER FAMILY by Wendy Corsi Staub
THE OTHER FAMILY by Wendy Corsi Staub (Psychological Suspense)
THE OTHER FAMILY by Wendy Corsi Staub has secrets cleverly layered in it that will keep readers guessing. The Howells have relocated from California to Brooklyn. While they thought they would end up in a cramped apartment, this family of four, including two teenage daughters, finds itself in a beautiful brownstone with a backyard and a garden.
Quickly they start to assimilate into the neighborhood, meeting a family on the street with children almost the same ages as theirs. While the girls go to school and their dad heads off to work, their mother putters around the house gardening and trying to make it feel like home.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Wendy Corsi Staub.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
- Click here to visit Wendy Corsi Staub's website.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary.
Featured Review:
THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR by Nina de Gramont
Reese’s Book Club Pick for February
THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR by Nina de Gramont (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Lucy Scott
London, 1925: In a world of townhomes and tennis matches, socialites and shooting parties, Miss Nan O’Dea became Archie Christie’s mistress, luring him away from his devoted and well-known wife, Agatha Christie. The question is, why? Why destroy another woman’s marriage, why hatch a plot years in the making, and why murder? How was Nan O’Dea so intricately tied to those 11 mysterious days that Agatha Christie went missing? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- 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 this month's Reese's Book Club pick.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY by Brendan Slocumb
February’s “Good Morning America” Book Club Pick
THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY by Brendan Slocumb (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by JD Jackson and Brendan Slocumb
Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream --- he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. When he discovers that his great-great-grandfather’s beat-up old fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach. Together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition, the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Ray will have to piece together the clues to recover his treasured Strad before it’s too late. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- 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 this month's "Good Morning America" Book Club pick.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE NINETIES by Chuck Klosterman
THE NINETIES: A Book by Chuck Klosterman (Social Science/Popular Culture)
Audiobook available, read by Chuck Klosterman and Dion Graham
It was long ago, but not as long as it seems: The Berlin Wall fell and the Twin Towers collapsed. In between, one presidential election was allegedly decided by Ross Perot while another was plausibly decided by Ralph Nader. In the beginning, almost every name and address was listed in a phone book, and everyone answered their landlines because you didn’t know who it was. By the end, exposing someone’s address was an act of emotional violence, and nobody picked up their new cell phone if they didn’t know who it was. The ’90s brought about a revolution in the human condition we’re still groping to understand. Happily, Chuck Klosterman is more than up to the job. Reviewed by Megan Elliott.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
DEATH OF A GREEN-EYED MONSTER: A Hamish Macbeth Murder Mystery by M. C. Beaton with R.W. Green (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Graeme Malcolm
Sergeant Hamish Macbeth's new constable, Dorothy McIver, may be the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. Completely bewitched by her sparkling blue eyes, Hamish spends the summer traveling with her up and down Sutherland until he finally can take it no longer. He gets down on one knee beside the Land Rover and begs her to marry him --- and to his amazement and delight, she says yes. But just as the town of Lochdubh gets ready to celebrate, Hamish finds himself with a new murder on his hands. If he doesn't find the killer fast, Hamish's dream wedding could become a nightmare. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
BEACH WEDDING by Michael Ledwidge (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Neil Hellegers
When Terry Rourke is invited to the spare-no-expense beach wedding of his hedge fund manager brother, he thinks that his biggest worry will be flubbing the champagne toast. But this isn’t the first time Terry has been to the Hamptons. As the designer tuxedos are laid out and the flowers arranged along the glittering surf, Terry can’t help but take another look at a decades-old murder trial that rocked the very foundations of the town --- and his family. He soon learns that digging up billion-dollar sand can be a very dangerous activity. The kind of danger that can very quickly turn even the most beautiful beach wedding into a wake. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
ONE NIGHT ON THE ISLAND by Josie Silver (Romantic Comedy)
Audiobook available, read by Eleonor Tomlinson and Davis Brooks
Spending her 30th birthday alone is not what dating columnist Cleo Wilder wanted, but she plans a solo retreat to a remote Irish island in the name of re-energizing herself and adding a new perspective to her column. With his life in Boston deteriorating in ways he can’t bring himself to acknowledge, Mack Sullivan’s soul-searching has brought him to the same Irish island to explore his roots and find some clarity. Unfortunately, a mix-up with the bookings means that both have reserved the same one-room hideaway on exactly the same dates. Cleo and Mack are instantly at odds. But as the days go by, they no longer seem to mind each other’s company quite as much as they thought they would. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
DEVIL HOUSE by John Darnielle (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by John Darnielle
Gage Chandler is descended from kings. That’s what his mother always told him. Years later, he is a true crime writer, with one grisly success --- and a movie adaptation --- to his name, along with a series of subsequent less notable efforts. But now he is being offered the chance for the big break: to move into the house where a pair of briefly notorious murders occurred, apparently the work of disaffected teens during the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. He begins his research with diligence and enthusiasm, but soon the story leads him into a puzzle he never expected --- back into his own work and what it means, back to the very core of what he does and who he is. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE NEXT SHIP HOME: A Novel of Ellis Island by Heather Webb (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Kathryn Markey
A young Italian woman arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life. That same day, a young American woman reports to her first day of work at the immigration center. But Ellis Island isn't a refuge for Francesca or Alma, not when ships depart every day with those who are refused entry to the country and when corruption ripples through every corridor. While Francesca resorts to desperate measures to ensure she will make it off the island, Alma fights for her dreams of becoming a translator. As the two women face the misdeeds of a system known to manipulate and abuse immigrants searching for new hope in America, they form an unlikely friendship --- and share a terrible secret. Reviewed by Rebecca Wasniak.
MARGARET TRUMAN'S MURDER AT THE CDC: A Capital Crimes Novel by Jon Land (Political Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Christine Kiphart
2017: A military transport on a secret run to dispose of its deadly contents vanishes without a trace. The present: A mass shooting on the steps of the Capitol nearly claims the life of Robert Brixton’s grandson. No stranger to high-stakes investigations, Brixton embarks on a trail to uncover the motive behind the shooting. On the way, he finds himself probing the attempted murder of the daughter of his best friend, who works at the Washington offices of the CDC. The connection between the mass shooting and Alexandra’s poisoning lies in that long-lost military transport that has been recovered by forces determined to change America forever. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE GREAT WITCH OF BRITTANY by Louisa Morgan (Historical Fiction/Magical Realism)
Audiobook available, read by Polly Lee
Brittany, 1762. There hasn’t been a witch born in the Orchière clan for generations. Ursule Orchière has been raised on stories of the great witches of the past. But the only magic she knows is the false spells her mother weaves over the gullible women who visit their fortune-telling caravan. Everything changes when Ursule comes of age and a spark of power flares to life. Thrilled to be chosen, she has no idea how magic will twist and shape her future. Guided by an ancient grimoire and the whispers of her ancestors, Ursule is destined to walk the same path as the great witches of old. But first, the Orchière magical lineage must survive. And danger hovers over her, whether it’s the bloodlust of the mob or the flames of the pyre. Reviewed by Carly Silver.
READER, I BURIED THEM & OTHER STORIES by Peter Lovesey (Mystery/Short Stories)
Audiobook available; read by Ben Onwukwe, Laurel Lefkow, Robert G. Slade and Penelope Freeman
More than 50 years ago, Peter Lovesey published a short story in an anthology. That short story caught the eye of the great Ruth Rendell, whose praise ignited Lovesey’s lifelong passion for short form crime fiction. On the occasion of his 100th short story, Lovesey has assembled this devilishly clever collection --- 18 yarns of mystery, melancholy and mischief, inhabiting such deadly settings as a theater, a monastery and the book publishing industry. The collection includes that first story that launched his story-writing career, as well as three exclusive new stories. In addition, Lovesey fans will delight in a personal essay by the author about the historical inspirations --- and in an appearance by the irascible Bath detective Peter Diamond. Reviewed by Roz Shea.
THE TEXAS JOB by Reavis Z. Wortham (Historical Mystery)
Texas Ranger Tom Bell is simply tracking a fugitive killer in 1931 when he rides into Kilgore, a hastily erected shanty town crawling with oil drillers in search of work. The sheriff of the boomtown is overwhelmed, and none of the roughnecks are inclined to assist the young Ranger in his search for the wanted man. In fact, it soon becomes apparent that the lawman's presence has irritated the wrong people. When two failed attempts are made on his life, Bell knows he's getting closer to finding out who is responsible for cheating and murdering local landowners to access the rich oil fields flowing beneath their farms. When they ambush him for a third time, they make the fatal mistake of killing someone close to him and leaving the Ranger alive. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.
RED THREAD OF FATE by Lyn Liao Butler (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Natalie Naudus
Two days before Tam and Tony Kwan receive their letter of acceptance for the son they are adopting from China, Tony and his estranged cousin, Mia, are killed unexpectedly in an accident. A shell-shocked Tam learns she is named the guardian to Mia’s five-year-old daughter, Angela. With no other family around, Tam has no choice but to agree to take in the girl she hasn’t seen since the child was an infant. Overwhelmed by her life suddenly being upended, Tam also must decide if she will complete the adoption on her own and bring home the son waiting for her in a Chinese orphanage. But when a long-concealed secret comes to light just as she and Angela start to bond, their fragile family is threatened. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
Next Week’s Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on February 22nd
Below are some notable titles releasing on February 22nd 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 February 21st, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
BLUE FIRE: A Victoria Emerson Thriller by John Gilstrap (Political Thriller)
John Gilstrap’s second pulse-pounding thriller is set in the wake of a global conflict that has devastated America. Those who survived live in a world without technology or governance and are ruled by the whims of nature. They look to one woman --- single mother and former West Virginia Congressperson Victoria Emerson --- to lead and protect those determined to rebuild all they have lost.
CALL ME A CAB by Donald E. Westlake (Romantic Suspense)
The final unpublished novel by MWA Grandmaster Donald E. Westlake --- a wild, romantic road trip across America by taxi cab --- demonstrates why this beloved author is so fondly remembered and so dearly missed.
CARAMEL PECAN ROLL MURDER: A Hannah Swensen Mystery with Recipes! by Joanne Fluke (Mystery)
In this scrumptious cozy mystery from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanne Fluke, baker Hannah Swensen is tempted by a high-profile tournament in Lake Eden that quickly turns deadly.
COACH K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski by Ian O'Connor (Sports/Biography)
Through unprecedented access to Mike Krzyzewski’s best friends, closest advisers, fiercest adversaries, and generations of his players and assistants, New York Times bestselling author Ian O’Connor takes you behind the Blue Devil curtain with a penetrating examination of the great but flawed leader as he closes out his iconic career.
LIFE WITHOUT CHILDREN: Stories by Roddy Doyle (Fiction/Short Stories)
LIFE WITHOUT CHILDREN is a brilliantly warm and witty portrait of our pandemic lives, told in 10 heartrending short stories, from the Booker Prize–winning author of PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA.
LOVE IN THE TIME OF BERTIE: A 44 Scotland Street Novel by Alexander McCall Smith (Fiction)
This latest installment in Alexander McCall Smith’s delightful 44 Scotland Street series finds all our favorite residents up to their usual hilarious hijinks.
NOTHING TO LOSE: A J.P. Beaumont Novel by J.A. Jance (Mystery/Thriller)
In this newest thrilling suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance, J. P. Beaumont is approached by a visitor from the past and finds himself drawn into a missing person’s case where danger is lurking and family secrets are exposed.
THE PARADOX HOTEL by Rob Hart (Technothriller/Mystery)
At once a dazzlingly time-twisting murder mystery and a story about grief, memory and what it means to --- literally --- come face-to-face with our ghosts, THE PARADOX HOTEL is another unforgettable speculative thrill ride from acclaimed author Rob Hart.
THE PARIS APARTMENT by Lucy Foley (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE GUEST LIST comes a new locked room mystery, set in a Paris apartment building in which every resident has something to hide.
SCOUNDREL: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free by Sarah Weinman (True Crime)
From the author of THE REAL LOLITA and editor of UNSPEAKABLE ACTS comes the astonishing story of a murderer who conned the people around him --- including conservative thinker William F. Buckley --- into helping set him free.
THE SILENT SISTERS by Robert Dugoni (Thriller)
In this pulse-racing thriller by the New York Times bestselling author of THE LAST AGENT, an American sleeper cell in Russia goes silent --- and it’s one man’s duty to find them.
THE SWIMMERS by Julie Otsuka (Fiction)
From the bestselling, award-winning author of THE BUDDHA IN THE ATTIC and WHEN THE EMPEROR WAS DIVINE comes a novel about what happens to a group of obsessed recreational swimmers when a crack appears at the bottom of their local pool.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Lucy Foley, Robert Dugoni, Sarah Weinman
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, February 21st at 7pm ET: Harvard Book Store: Harvard Book Store's virtual event series welcomes Sarah Manguso for a discussion of her highly anticipated debut novel, VERY COLD PEOPLE. She will be joined in conversation by acclaimed novelist Julie Orringer.
Monday, February 21st at 8pm ET: Murder By The Book: Sarah Weinman will talk about her new book, SCOUNDREL, the astonishing story of a murderer who conned the people around him --- including conservative thinker William F. Buckley --- into helping set him free. She will be in conversation with Mystery & Thriller Maven’s Sara DiVello.
Monday, February 21st at 9:30pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Robert Dugoni will talk about his latest Charles Jenkins thriller, THE SILENT SISTERS, in which an American sleeper cell in Russia goes silent --- and it’s one man’s duty to find them.
Tuesday, February 22nd at 5pm ET: Politics & Prose: Join Irish authors Roddy Doyle and Nuala O'Connor for a conversation about LIFE WITHOUT CHILDREN, Doyle's new book of stories about love, marriage and children in lockdown.
Tuesday, February 22nd at 7pm ET: Titcomb's Bookshop: Join Nina de Gramont and Wiley Cash as they talk about Nina's latest historical novel, THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR.
Wednesday, February 23rd 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 V. E. Schwab, whose most recent novel is THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LaRUE.
Wednesday, February 23rd at 7pm ET: McNally Jackson Books: Julie Otsuka will be in conversation with Katie Kitaumra about her new novel, THE SWIMMERS, which is about what happens to a group of obsessed recreational swimmers when a crack appears at the bottom of their local pool.
Wednesday, February 23rd at 8pm ET: "Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Carol Fitzgerald will talk to Lisa Scottoline about her first historical novel, ETERNAL. Lisa also will answer questions from guests who will be "on stage," as well as from other members of the audience. If you have a question for Lisa that you would like to ask on camera, please send Carol an email with the subject line “Question for Lisa Scottoline.”
Thursday, February 24th at 2pm ET: Barnes & Noble: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Lucy Foley for a live, virtual event to celebrate the release of THE PARIS APARTMENT as part of their B&N Midday Mystery Virtual Event series. Lucy will be in conversation with Laura Dave (THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME).
Thursday, February 24th at 8pm ET: Boswell Book Company and Books & Company: Lan Samantha Chang will talk to Chang-rae Lee about her latest novel, THE FAMILY CHAO, which is this month's Barnes & Noble Book Club pick.
"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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Jacquelyn Mitchard (THE GOOD SON)
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Allison Pataki (THE MAGNIFICENT LIVES OF MARJORIE POST)
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Charmaine Wilkerson (BLACK CAKE)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: Paid Subscription Services
Which, If Any, Do You Use?
Which of the following paid subscription services do you use? Please check all that apply.
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Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, March 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 February 18th to March 4th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of ONE ITALIAN SUMMER by Rebecca Serle and THE PARIS APARTMENT by Lucy Foley.
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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