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Gather the News I Need on the Weather Report
Once again folks, the weather was the star of the news week. It snowed in Minneapolis. A lot. It hailed in LA, and there was some snow in southern California. It was 70 in Ohio. It was 80 in Washington, DC. Okay, the later three factoids were definitely out of the norm. In the New York area, I still am waiting for a really great snowstorm, but I am not seeing this happening. A few years ago, a big snowstorm would shut the city down. Now it would mean I would not walk to the mailbox to get the mail. Nothing else would really stop.
I have been reading some terrific books. First, I finished GO AS A RIVER by Shelley Read, and it is a beautiful book! I am going to pull right from the publisher's description to share more about it: “Set amid Colorado's wild beauty, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story of a resilient young woman whose life is changed forever by one chance encounter.” I love it when a book is strong with story, place and character. I confess to crying at the ending. It is set in one of my favorite places in Colorado, and I have been writing friends there, telling them that they have to read it and attend one of the many events that Shelley is doing in the state. It will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On selection. It comes out Tuesday, and I am interviewing Shelley on Wednesday.
Speaking of stories with a strong sense of place, I am listening to THE LEVEE, William Kent Krueger’s novella (narrated by JD Jackson) that is releasing on Tuesday in audio format only. The story takes place in 1927, as a devastating flood has swelled the Mississippi River. A family is trapped by the rising water, and four men in a rowboat arrive to save them. Three of them are convicts on loan from a local prison, and they are shepherded by a man with his own intentions. I am about a quarter in, and again I am seeing a strong sense of place --- which is something that Kent really excels at delivering --- as well as a challenge that needs to be conquered. And it is very compelling to be listening to the storytelling. I am interviewing Kent on Tuesday, and one reason that I am listening slowly is to keep the story fresh in my head.
I was wondering when we were going to see a new book from William Landay. It has been over a decade since his last one, DEFENDING JACOB. The wait is almost over as ALL THAT IS MINE I CARRY WITH ME releases on March 7th. It starts with an author who has been struggling without a story to tell for a very long time, and we see what this has done to him. Then he learns that his high school friend's wife has disappeared. So he tells the story of what happened to the family when they came home one day and found her gone. I am completely intrigued by it. I am just starting part two, where I am going to learn more about what happened from the missing woman’s point of view. The flap copy has told me some things that will unfold later. Here the story is strong on character.
After reading THE MAGNOLIA PALACE last weekend, I was so looking forward to our “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event with Fiona Davis, which was scheduled for this past Wednesday. Unfortunately, we had issues with the sound due to a glitch on Zoom and had no choice but to reschedule. Since there have to be moments of humor even when things are not unfolding the right way, picture me holding up a sign saying “This event will be rescheduled” after searching for something that would write dark enough for the words to show, and then holding it so the light would not shine onto it. Another one of my real-life moments!
Fortunately, those sound issues have been resolved, so the event will now be held this coming Wednesday, March 1st at 8pm ET. I really appreciate how kind and understanding Fiona and our attendees were as I was trying to figure out a solution. Fiona is such a star; she called and without a moment of hesitation said, “Let’s do next Wednesday night!” The support meant so much to me on what turned out to be a very frustrating night. I unwound afterwards by knitting for two hours, and miraculously I did not drop any stitches!
If you have not yet registered for the event, you can do so by clicking here. If you already registered, there's no need to do so again. The Zoom folks worked with me to move our invitees to the new date, which is ONE thing that went right that night. If you would like to ask Fiona a question on camera during the event and chat with her in our virtual green room before the event, please email me with your question using the subject line “Magnolia” by Wednesday at noon ET. Be sure to include your name, city and state, as well as your question. If you do not want to appear on camera but still would like to ask a question, please note that you want to be off camera, and share your question --- adding your name, city and state.
I hope you can join us for what I know will be a terrific evening --- with no tech issues! And if you know anyone who you think would be interested in attending, feel free to send them the signup link.
My latest “Bookreporter Talks To” interview is with J.T. Ellison, who talks about the inspiration for her newly released thriller, IT’S ONE OF US, and her personal story that made it her most emotional book to write. J.T. shares what she learned about sperm donors, as well as what sites like 23andMe and Ancestry have meant to those who were born via donors. She explains why she had her protagonist, Olivia, be a home designer and answers my burning design question: What is “waterfall marble”?
J.T. also discusses her writing process and what she does to work around hitting walls. She envisioned Julia Whelan as the narrator of the book. In fact, Julia’s voice was running through her head as she was writing, which makes Julia’s narration all the more special. Click here to watch the video or here to listen to the podcast.
We have our review this week from Ray Palen, who has this to say: “Not only has J.T. Ellison been one of my must-read authors for decades, she has become a mainstay in the crowded psychological thriller field. With the release of her latest effort, she may have created her wildest story to date…. While not for the squeamish, this twisty novel is one that you will not soon forget.”
Word of Mouth Reminder
IT’S ONE OF US is one of our current Word of Mouth prizes; the other is I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU by Rebecca Makkai, which we will review next week. Submit your comments about the books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win both these titles. Be sure to submit your entries by Friday, March 3rd at noon ET.
Steve Berry’s new Cotton Malone adventure is now available. In THE LAST KINGDOM, the 17th installment of the series, the discovery of a lost historical document challenges the global might of the United States. Malone and his protégé, Luke Daniels, battle an ever-growing list of deadly adversaries, all intent on finding the last kingdom.
According to Ray Palen, “With each revelation that occurs (and there are several of them), the narrative spins wildly in different --- and often uncharted --- directions, and readers are constantly kept off guard. Berry is in very limited company when it comes to thrillers of this magnitude, which includes those written by the likes of Brad Meltzer, Brad Thor and James Rollins. This series never disappoints!”
Hannah Martel must rescue her cousin's family from a train bound for Auschwitz in Pam Jenoff’s latest historical novel, CODE NAME SAPPHIRE. Inspired by incredible true stories of courage and sacrifice, this riveting tale of bravery and resistance is about love, family and the unshakable resilience of women in even the hardest of times.
Pamela Kramer has our review and says, “As in each of Jenoff's novels, we are left feeling inspired in many ways. Inspired to make sure that the atrocities that occurred during WWII never happen again, but also to make our lives count for something. To try to behave in a manner that shows even a fraction of the selflessness and dedication that Jenoff's heroes demonstrate. To be better people. And that's what much good literature does. It inspires.”
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
THE HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson, which we reviewed a couple of weeks ago and is this month’s Reese’s Book Club pick, is my latest Bets On selection. Click here for my commentary. I look forward to interviewing Sadeqa soon!
Announcing This Year’s Spring Preview Contests
Today we launched our 12th annual Spring Preview feature. We will be spotlighting a number of new and upcoming releases that we think people will be talking about this spring --- and beyond. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these books on select days through mid-April; five readers will be awarded the book that we are giving away that day. You can sign up here for alerts so you will be notified as soon as these giveaways are up. The first contest will go live on Tuesday, March 7th at noon ET.
Remember to Vote in Our Poll
Our poll continues to ask if you attend in-person author events (not virtual ones). Click here to let us know!
The Audie Awards, “the premier awards program recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment,” have announced their 2023 finalists in 26 categories. Among them are REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt, narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie (Audiobook of the Year); Joniece Abbott-Pratt for NIGHTCRAWLING by Leila Mottley (Best Female Narrator); JD Jackson for THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY by Brendan Slocumb (Best Male Narrator); and FINDING ME written and narrated by Viola Davis (Narration by the Author).
The winners will be presented at a gala being held on Tuesday, March 28th in New York City, which also will be streamed to the public on their YouTube channel. Confession here: I am pulling for MIRACLE AND WONDER: Conversations with Paul Simon in the Audiobook of the Year category. This very longtime Paul Simon fan found it to be terrific!
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Upon winning a copy of THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo, Elisabeth wrote, “THANK YOU!!! You have made my day!”
Michelle wrote this about my noting that Gregg Hurwitz's Orphan X series is not ending and our mutual crush on Evan Smoak: “Thanks for clarifying that Evan will be back! I NEED more X in my life...and yes, Carol, we can share him as our boyfriend.”
Linda wrote, “My answer for this week's poll was not an option. I did check the box for 'Authors do not tour in my area' when in actuality I do see authors in person, but I travel to see them. In fact, I'm leaving on Monday to see Will Schwalbe at R.J. Julia in Connecticut. Last summer, I traveled first to Chicago to see Bianca Marais. From there, I went to Petoskey, Michigan, to see Peter Geye. That's also part of the reason I go to Vermont in May and Tucson in March.” I have met Linda, and I love how she tours to see authors instead of them touring to see her!
I got a note from a reader in Rochester recommending this for leftover pizza: “Try feeding those leftover pieces of pizza to the birds. Mine love it!” I will have to be careful about what toppings I share with them. I am not sure that hot honey and cherries are for birds!
Jessica George on “Hoda & Jenna”: The author of MAAME, this month's “Read with Jenna” pick, answered reader questions. Hear what she had to say here.
Sharper on Apple TV+: For those of you who enjoy psychological thrillers, this film is very well done. I am not telling you any more, but see how sharp you are.
"Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal” on Netflix: I watched this series the night that it launched. Then I caught part of Alex Murdaugh’s testimony on the stand yesterday and today, and the cross by the prosecution has been riveting. I am ready to have it on in the background again on Monday. And today the judge noted that he will not limit the closing arguments from either side. After watching umpteen legal shows and lots of true-crime programs, this one is the real deal live.
“Shrinking” on Apple TV+: Tom and I are enjoying this on Friday nights.
“Your Honor” on Showtime: Season two has been unfolding really well.
I have exciting plans for the weekend, like organizing copies of upcoming books by date, reshelving the cabinet with the oils and vinegars, alphabetizing the CDs that we have, and discussing where the albums (the ones that Cory calls vinyl, which dates us calling them albums) that are currently stored in crates (like we are in college) are going to go. I know, seriously, how much fun can a girl have? Once these tasks are done, maybe I can turn to learning to weave as a way to use the insane amount of yarn that I have on hand. Nah, I think I will just keep on reading. I can see you all voting for 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: THE LAST KINGDOM by Steve Berry
THE LAST KINGDOM by Steve Berry (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Scott Brick
King Ludwig II of Bavaria was an enigmatic figure who was deposed in 1886, mysteriously drowning three days later. Eccentric to the point of madness, history tells us that in the years before he died, Ludwig engaged in a worldwide search for a new kingdom --- a place he could retreat into and rule as he wished. But a question remains: Did he succeed? Enter Cotton Malone. After many months, Malone’s protégé, Luke Daniels, has managed to infiltrate a renegade group intent on winning Bavarian independence from Germany. In a race across Bavaria for clues hidden in Ludwig’s three fairy-tale castles --- Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee --- Malone and Daniels battle an ever-growing list of deadly adversaries, all intent on finding the last kingdom. 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: IT’S ONE OF US by J.T. Ellison
IT'S ONE OF US by J.T. Ellison (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Julia Whelan
Olivia Bender desperately wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver shocking news to Olivia and her husband, Park. DNA results show that the prime suspect in a murder investigation is Park’s son. Olivia is relieved, knowing this is a mistake. Despite their desire, the Benders don’t have any children. Then comes the confession. Many years ago, Park donated sperm to a clinic. He has no idea how many times it was sold --- or how many children he has sired. As the murder investigation goes deeper, more terrible truths come to light. With every revelation, Olivia must face the unthinkable. The man she married has fathered a killer. But can she hold that against him when she keeps such dark secrets of her own? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with J.T. Ellison.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: CODE NAME SAPPHIRE by Pam Jenoff
CODE NAME SAPPHIRE by Pam Jenoff (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Nancy Peterson
1942. Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiancé was killed in a pogrom. When her ship bound for America is turned away at port, she has nowhere to go but to her cousin, Lily, who lives with her family in Brussels. Fearful for her life, Hannah is desperate to get out of occupied Europe. But with no safe way to leave, she must return to the dangerous underground work she thought she had left behind. Seeking help, Hannah joins the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network led by a mysterious woman named Micheline and her enigmatic brother, Matteo. But when a grave mistake causes Lily’s family to be arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, Hannah finds herself torn between her loyalties. How much is Hannah willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves? Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Announcing Bookreporter.com's 12th Annual
Spring Preview Contests and Feature
Spring is in the air (or will be very soon)! We’ve already caught the fever --- and it’s being fueled by some wonderful new and upcoming releases. Our 12th annual Spring Preview Contests and Feature spotlights many of these picks, which we know people will be talking about over the next few months. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through mid-April. You will need to check the site to see the featured book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce each title, which you can sign up for here.
Our first prize book will be announced on Tuesday, March 7th at noon ET.
This year's contest titles include:
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
THE HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson
Reese’s Book Club Pick for February
THE HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson (Historical Fiction)
A couple of years ago, Sadeqa Johnson wrote YELLOW WIFE, her first work of historical fiction, which I made a Bets On pick. Her writing of character, place and story was so well done --- and I loved interviewing her about her inspiration for the book. I looked forward to what she would do next…and wow, THE HOUSE OF EVE delivers again. While her previous novel took place during the days of slavery, her latest is set in the 1950s.
The inspiration for this book was personal for Sadeqa. Her grandmother was just 14 when she got pregnant with her mother. Until she was in the third grade, her mother never knew that the woman she thought of as her sister was actually her mother. It got Sadeqa to thinking about what that would have been like for a woman.
- 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 visit the Reese's Book Club website.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary.
Featured Review: WE SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS
by Will Schwalbe
WE SHOULD NOT BE FRIENDS: The Story of a Friendship by Will Schwalbe (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Will Schwalbe
By the time Will Schwalbe was a junior at college, he already had met everyone he cared to know. He also knew exactly who he wanted to avoid: the jocks. The jocks wore baseball caps and moved in packs, filling boisterous tables in the dining hall, and on the whole seemed to be another species entirely. All this changed dramatically when Will collided with Chris Maxey, known to just about everyone as Maxey. Maxey was physically imposing, loud and a star wrestler who was determined to become a Navy SEAL. Thanks to the strangely liberating circumstances of a little-known secret society at Yale, the two forged a bond that would become a mainstay of each other’s lives as they repeatedly lost and found each other and themselves in the years after graduation. Reviewed by Jane T. Krebs.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE CLIFF’S EDGE by Charles Todd
THE CLIFF'S EDGE: A Bess Crawford Mystery by Charles Todd (Historical Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Rosalyn Landor
Restless and uncertain of her future in the wake of World War I, former battlefield nurse Bess Crawford agrees to travel to Yorkshire to help a friend of her cousin Melinda through surgery. But circumstances change suddenly when news of a terrible accident reaches them. Bess agrees to go to isolated Scarfdale and the Neville family, where one man has been killed and another gravely injured. The police are asking questions, and Bess is quickly drawn into the fray as two once close families take sides. When another tragedy strikes, the police are ready to make an arrest. What dark truth is behind these deaths? And what about the tale of an older murder --- one that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with the Nevilles? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE WRITING RETREAT by Julia Bartz
A LibraryReads Top Pick for February
THE WRITING RETREAT by Julia Bartz (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Gail Shalan
Alex has all but given up on her dreams of becoming a published author when she receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: attend an exclusive, month-long writing retreat at the estate of feminist horror writer Roza Vallo. Even the knowledge that Wren, her former best friend and current rival, is attending doesn’t dampen her excitement. But when the attendees arrive, Roza drops a bombshell --- they all must complete an entire novel from scratch during the next month, and the author of the best one will receive a life-changing seven-figure publishing deal. Determined to win this seemingly impossible contest, Alex buckles down and tries to ignore the strange happenings at the estate. But when one of the writers vanishes during a snowstorm, Alex realizes that something very sinister is afoot. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Click here to read our review.
What’s New This Month on ReadingGroupGuides.com
3 DAYS TO LIVE by James Patterson (Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Anna Caputo, Corey Carthew and Ellen Archer
The people closest to you can be your most dangerous enemies in this heart-pounding collection of three brand-new thrillers from the master of suspense. A CIA-agent bride is on her European honeymoon when she and her husband are poisoned --- leaving her 72 hours to take revenge (with Duane Swierczynski). When a deal goes bad on a tech executive in Washington, DC, he turns an order to kill his family into a chance to relive his military glory days (with Bill Schweigart). A Los Angeles doctor trusts her two housekeepers, but when she’s murdered in a botched attempt to steal drugs, the pair of grifters vie to control their former employer’s estate --- facing off against the Russian mob (with Julie Margaret Hogben). Reviewed by Ray Palen.
SLEEP NO MORE by Jayne Ann Krentz (Romantic Suspense)
Audiobook available, read by Eva Kaminsky
An earthquake and a fire partially destroyed the Lucent Springs Hotel, but Pallas, Talia and Amelia have no memory of their time there. Now close friends, they co-host a podcast where they investigate cold cases and hope to connect with others who may have had a similar experience to theirs. Ambrose Drake is certain he’s a witness to a murder, but without a body, everyone thinks he’s having delusions caused by extreme sleep deprivation. But Ambrose is positive something terrible happened at the Carnelian Sleep Institute the night he was there. Unable to find proof on his own, he approaches Pallas for help, only for her to realize that Ambrose also has a lost night that he can’t remember --- one that may be connected to Pallas. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
THE DIARY KEEPERS: World War II in the Netherlands, as Written by the People Who Lived Through It by Nina Siegal (History)
Audiobook available, read by various narrators
Journalist Nina Siegal, who grew up in a family that had survived the Holocaust in Europe, had always wondered about the experience of regular people during World War II. She had heard stories of the war as a child and Anne Frank’s diary, but the tales were either crafted as moral lessons --- to never waste food, to be grateful for all you receive, to hide your silver --- or told with a punchline. The details of the past went untold in an effort to make it easier to assimilate into American life. When Siegal moved to Amsterdam as an adult, those questions came up again, as did another horrifying one: Why did 75% of the Dutch Jewish community perish in the war, while in other Western European countries the proportions were significantly lower? Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
LOOKING FOR JANE by Heather Marshall (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Sarah Borges
2017: When Angela Creighton discovers a mysterious letter containing a life-shattering confession, she is determined to find the intended recipient. Her search takes her back to the 1970s when a group of daring women operated an illegal underground abortion network in Toronto. 1971: As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was sent to a home for “fallen” women where she was forced to give up her baby for adoption. She proceeds to join the Jane Network as an abortion provider. 1980: After discovering a shocking secret about her family, Nancy Mitchell begins to question everything she has ever known. When she unexpectedly becomes pregnant, she locates “Jane” and finds a place of her own alongside Dr. Taylor within the network’s ranks, but she can never escape the lies that haunt her. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
THE LAST TALE OF THE FLOWER BRIDE by Roshani Chokshi (Magical Realism/Romance)
Audiobook available, read by Steve West and Sura Siu
Once upon a time, a man who believed in fairy tales married a beautiful, mysterious woman named Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada. In exchange for her love, Indigo extracted a promise: that her bridegroom would never pry into her past. But when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is dying and the couple is forced to return to her childhood home, the House of Dreams, the bridegroom will soon find himself unable to resist. For within the crumbling manor’s extravagant rooms and musty halls, there lurks the shadow of another girl: Azure, Indigo’s dearest childhood friend who suddenly disappeared. As the house slowly reveals his wife’s secrets, the bridegroom will be forced to choose between reality and fantasy, even if doing so threatens to destroy their marriage…or their lives. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
THE SPITE HOUSE by Johnny Compton (Gothic Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Adam Lazarre-White
Eric Ross is on the run from a mysterious past with his two daughters in tow. Having left his wife, his house and his whole life behind in Maryland, he's desperate for money. When he comes across the strange ad for the Masson House in Degener, Texas, Eric thinks they may have finally caught a lucky break. The Masson property, notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Texas, needs a caretaker of sorts. The owner is looking for proof of paranormal activity. All they need to do is stay in the house and keep a detailed record of everything that happens there. If it is indeed haunted, maybe it will help Eric understand the uncanny power that clings to his family, driving them from town to town, making them afraid to stop running. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE CHEMISTRY OF LOVE by Sariah Wilson (Romantic Comedy)
Audiobook available, read by Em Eldridge
How can Anna Ellis, a geeky, brilliant and hopelessly smitten cosmetic chemist, possibly win over Craig Kimball, the man of her dreams --- who also happens to be her boss? The answer is Craig’s empathetic (and handsome) CEO half-brother, Marco. The makeup mogul knows Craig for the ridiculously competitive rival he is. Whatever Marco has, Craig wants. That can be Anna, if she’s game to play. All Anna and Marco have to do is pretend they’re falling in love and let the rumors begin. If the experiment in attraction works, a jealous Craig will swoop in and give Anna her happily ever after --- if it weren’t for one hitch in the plan. There’s more to Marco than meets the eye. With every fake date, Anna’s feelings are starting to become dizzyingly real. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
IT ENDS AT MIDNIGHT by Harriet Tyce (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by George Weightman, Lucy Paterson and Samara MacLaren
It's New Year's Eve, and the stage is set for a lavish party in one of Edinburgh's best postcodes. It's a moment for old friends to set the past to rights --- and move on. The night sky is alive with fireworks, and the champagne is flowing. But the celebration fails to materialize. Because someone at this party is going to die tonight. Midnight approaches, and the countdown begins --- but it seems one of the guests doesn't want a resolution. They want revenge. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on February 28th
Below are some notable titles releasing on February 28th 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 27th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
THE ANGEL MAKER by Alex North (Thriller)
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE WHISPER MAN and THE SHADOWS comes a dark, suspenseful new thriller about the mysteries of fate, the unbreakable bond of siblings, and a notorious serial killer who was said to know the future.
BLACK CANDLE WOMEN by Diane Marie Brown (Fiction)
This warm and wry family drama with a magical twist is about four generations of Black women, a family curse, and one very complicated year of heartache, miscommunication and learning to let go.
THE DAUGHTERS OF MADURAI by Rajasree Variyar (Fiction)
THE DAUGHTERS OF MADURAI is both a page-turning mystery and a heartrending story of the fraught family dynamics and desperate choices that face a young mother in India.
A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT: A Roots of Chaos Novel by Samantha Shannon (Fantasy)
In A DAY OF FALLEN NIGHT, Samantha Shannon sweeps readers back to the universe of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE and into the lives of four women, showing us a course of events that shaped their world for generations to come.
GO AS A RIVER by Shelley Read (Fiction)
Set amid Colorado’s wild beauty, GO AS A RIVER is the heartbreaking coming-of-age story of a resilient young woman whose life is changed forever by one chance encounter.
JAMIE MacGILLIVRAY: The Renegade's Journey by John Sayles (Historical Thriller/Adventure)
Spanning 13 years, two continents, several wars, and many smoke-filled and bloody battlefields, John Sayles’ thrilling historical and cinematic epic invites comparison with Diana Gabaldon, George R. R. Martin, Phillippa Gregory and Charles Dickens.
THE MALTESE IGUANA by Tim Dorsey (Mystery/Humor)
Serge A. Storms is back on the road in this latest zany Florida caper from the “wickedly funny” (Entertainment Weekly) Tim Dorsey.
NEVER NEVER by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher (Romance/Mystery)
Colleen Hoover, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of IT STARTS WITH US, joins forces with Tarryn Fisher, the New York Times bestselling author of THE WIVES. Together, they have created a gripping, twisty, romantic mystery unlike any other.
STARS IN AN ITALIAN SKY by Jill Santopolo (Historical Romance)
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE LIGHT WE LOST comes a sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.
STORM WATCH: A Joe Pickett Novel by C. J. Box (Mystery/Thriller)
Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett investigates a mysterious death at a secret remote high-tech facility in this riveting new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author C.J. Box.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Rebecca Makkai, John Sayles, Karen Rose
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
As many book and author events are still 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 27th at 1pm ET: Simon & Schuster's Book Club Favorites: Sadeqa Johnson will join members of the Simon & Schuster team to discuss her new novel, THE HOUSE OF EVE, which is February's pick for S&S's Book Club Favorites.
Monday, February 27th at 7pm ET: Books & Books, Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Prairie Lights Books, and Print: A Bookstore: Join award-winning author Rebecca Makkai for a virtual discussion of her new novel, I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU. Makkai will be in conversation with actress and award-winning audiobook narrator Julia Whelan.
Monday, February 27th at 7:30pm ET: “Lisa Live!”: Join Lisa Scottoline every Monday night as she hosts her weekly “Talking LOYALTY” video series and Facebook Live events leading up to the publication of her historical novel, LOYALTY, on March 28th. And be sure to enter the LOYALTY Pre-order Sweepstakes!
Wednesday, March 1st at 4pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Karen Rose will talk to Hank Phillippi Ryan about her latest thriller, COLD-BLOODED LIAR, the opening installment in her scorching new series where San Diego means sun, surf, sand…and serial killers.
Wednesday, March 1st 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 Hank Phillippi Ryan about THE HOUSE GUEST and Jessica George about MAAME (the latter is February's "Read with Jenna" Today Show Book Club pick).
Wednesday, March 1st at 8pm ET: "Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Carol Fitzgerald will talk to Fiona Davis about her novel, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, which is now in paperback. Fiona also will answer questions from guests who will be "on stage," as well as from other members of the audience. If you would like to be one of our featured audience guests and ask Fiona a question on camera, please send Carol an email with the subject line “Magnolia” by Wednesday the 1st at noon ET. Please note: This event was rescheduled from February 22nd due to tech issues.
Thursday, March 2nd at 7pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: John Sayles will be in conversation with Diana Gabaldon about his highly anticipated new novel, JAMIE MacGILLIVRAY, which spans 13 years, two continents, several wars, and many smoke-filled and bloody battlefields.
"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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Sadeqa Johnson (THE HOUSE OF EVE)
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William Kent Krueger (THE LEVEE)
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Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo (THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER)
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Shelley Read (GO AS A RIVER)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: Attending Live Author Events
Do you attend live author events? (We're not talking virtual ones here.)
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Yes, all of the time.
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Yes, some of the time.
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I have done this a few times.
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I did this once.
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No, this does not interest me.
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Authors do not tour in my area.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, March 3rd 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 17th to March 3rd at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU by Rebecca Makkai and IT'S ONE OF US by J.T. Ellison.
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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