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On Tuesday night, I had such a fun evening at the screening of “The Last Thing He Told Me”. We saw one episode, and there was a panel afterwards with Laura Dave, Jennifer Garner, Josh Singer (who is Laura’s husband; he won an Oscar for writing Spotlight), and Lauren Neustadter from Hello Sunshine. I loved the book (it was a Bookreporter.com Bets On selection), and it really feels like there was a dream team on the adaptation. I am looking forward to seeing more episodes! It airs on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes kicking off tonight.
To celebrate its recent paperback release and the series adaptation, we are giving away 12 copies of THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME in our “What’s Your Book Group Reading This Month?” contest on ReadingGroupGuides.com. If you are in a book group and would like to win copies for you and your group members, be sure to fill out the form on this page by Wednesday, May 10th at noon ET.
I am on the road again. And it’s with a really fun event. The first Hamptons Whodunit has a list of “who’s who” in the mystery and crime fiction world out here in the Hamptons. Lisa Hickman from our team has joined me here, and we have spent the day enjoying one panel after another. Today I had a fabulous time interviewing A. J. Finn (one of the co-founders of the festival), Nita Prose and Greer Hendricks on their moves from editor to writer. It was such fun moderating this panel, which was made brilliant by these three authors sharing their publishing backstories --- and what their own publishing processes are like. Above is a photo of me with (from left to right) Nita, A. J. and Greer.
I will be moderating two more panels on Saturday, which I am looking forward to: “Neo-Noir: Updating a Classic Genre for Today” with Megan Abbott, Alex Segura, Kellye Garrett and Richie Narvaez at 11am, and “From Page to Screen: Adapting Books to Film & TV” with Anthony Horowitz, Jill Green and Michael Connelly at 3pm. I will tell you all about these panels in next week's newsletter.
My latest “Bookreporter Talks To” interview is with Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo, whose novel THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER is our current Fiction Author Spotlight title and an upcoming Bets On pick. Both of them enjoyed life with their mothers, who lived well into their 90s. So they decided to write a fictional title about a mother and daughter duo. In the book, Laurie works in advertising and loves new experiences. Her mom is the famous “Dr. Liz,” an elegant perfectionist who is renowned and receives great praise wherever she goes. They embark on a trip to Paris and Norway (the latter is where Liz grew up).
The two Susans explain where the idea came from, how they worked together, and what they infused from their own adventure in Norway into the story. A number of Bookreporter readers read an advance copy of the book, and many of their comments (they loved it) are shared throughout the conversation, making it a tad different from other interviews that we have done. Click here to watch the video or here to listen to the podcast. And if you would like to see some of the wonderful feedback we received from those advance readers, be sure to click here.
Norah Piehl has our review of THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER and says, “Mothers and daughters who read this book independently will almost certainly be inspired to pick up the phone and reconnect with one another afterwards. So perhaps the best idea is to read and discuss it together, building a stronger relationship through the pages of a book.” I so agree with Norah! Don’t miss my Bets On commentary in next week’s newsletter.
We hosted this month’s “Bookaccino Live” preview event on Wednesday afternoon. I talked about 27 books releasing between now and May 2nd, plus 10 from June, that we wanted to get on your radar. You can watch the presentation here and see a list of the featured titles here.
Our next “Bookaccino Live” preview event will take place on Wednesday, May 10th at 2pm ET. I will present titles releasing between May 9th and June 6th, in addition to a few from July, that we think will appeal to you. Click here to sign up. Those attending the live event will be asked to answer a survey about the books from the presentation that they are most interested in reading and will be eligible to win a prize.
Seven hours in the past. Seven days in the present. Seven survivors remaining. Who would you save? That is the intriguing question at the heart of Megan Miranda’s latest book, THE ONLY SURVIVORS, which I raved about in last week’s newsletter and will be a Bets On selection. This thrilling mystery is about a group of former classmates who reunite to mark the 10th anniversary of a tragic accident --- only to have one of the survivors disappear, casting fear and suspicion on the original tragedy.
Rebecca Munro has this to say in her review: “Fans of Miranda’s previous works won’t be surprised by her skillful timing of twists and turns, but even longtime readers will appreciate just how tautly plotted this thriller is.... There’s always a tendency with writers of Megan Miranda’s caliber --- those who never disappoint, never stagnate, never let you down --- for readers to say that each new novel is their best yet. However, in the case of THE ONLY SURVIVORS, that statement is truer than ever.” Find out why I’m betting you’ll love this book in next week’s newsletter.
HOMECOMING, which I also talked about last week, is the highly anticipated new novel from Kate Morton. Her previous book, THE CLOCKMAKER’S DAUGHTER, was an instant New York Times bestseller. Her latest, which will be a Bets On pick, begins with a shocking crime, the effects of which echo across continents and generations. This epic story asks what we would do for those we love, how we protect the lies we tell, and what it means to come home.
According to our reviewer Kate Ayers, “Reading a Kate Morton novel is more than a delight; it’s a whole-senses experience. HOMECOMING challenges readers to figure out who was involved in the deaths of four people. And it goes beyond that: Would you have done the same? Would you forgive? Would you understand? Once again, Morton proves why she’s hailed as one of the best.” Stay tuned later this month for my Bets On commentary.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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YOURS TRULY: This #1 Indie Next pick from Abby Jimenez is a novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match.
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THE CUBAN HEIRESS: In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in Chanel Cleeton's new novel, inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.
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STANDING IN THE SHADOWS: This 28th installment in the DCI Alan Banks mystery series is the final novel from Peter Robinson, who passed away last October. As two cases unfurl, the investigations twist and turn to an explosive conclusion.
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THE FOURTH ENEMY: In Anne Perry’s new pulse-pounding mystery, Daniel Pitt is under pressure to prosecute a beloved philanthropist whose good deeds may hide dark --- and dangerous --- secrets.
We learned this week that Anne Perry passed away Monday (the day before THE FOURTH ENEMY released) at the age of 84. In addition to her Daniel Pitt mysteries, Perry wrote two acclaimed series set in Victorian England: the Charlotte and Thomas Pitt novels, along with the William Monk novels. She also was the author of a series of five World War I novels, as well as 20 holiday novels.
Ray Palen, who has reviewed many of Perry’s books for us, has this to say about her: “Perry leaves behind a huge legacy and countless fans all over the world. What set her work apart from her contemporaries was the keen eye and ear she had for finding the moral center at the heart of each story and delivering a sense of justice and fairness through her characters, which was unmatched in anything else I have read. Perry also gained notoriety as being a mystery author who herself was convicted of murder at the age of 15, which yielded several nonfiction books and the 1994 film Heavenly Creatures.
“No one can replace Anne Perry. And much like the recent deaths of legendary authors Peter Robinson, Peter Straub and Caroline Todd, Perry’s absence will be keenly felt by those who loved her and her novels. But we are grateful for the time that we have spent with her indelible, unforgettable tales.”
A BIG Contest for Moms!
Our Mother's Day contest is back for an 18th year! Once again, we’re featuring a number of titles that we think moms will love. Readers will have the opportunity to win one of our five prize packages, which includes all 11 books to treat yourself or your mom. Among them are ATALANTA by Jennifer Saint, THE ISLAND VILLA by Sarah Morgan, and SUMMER ON SAG HARBOR by Sunny Hostin. The deadline for your entries is Friday, May 12th at noon ET. Click here to enter the contest and see all of this year’s prize books.
Wrapping Up Spring Preview --- and Looking Ahead to Summer Reading
Our Spring Preview contests came to a close this week with our final giveaway, THE GOLDEN DOVES by Martha Hall Kelly, which releases on Tuesday. Congratulations to the winners of our 10 contests, and many thanks to all who entered!
Our next series of 24-hour giveaways will be our Summer Reading contests. The feature will go live on Friday, April 28th, and our first giveaway will kick off the week of May 1st. If you would like to receive a newsletter announcing each day’s Summer Reading title, click here to sign up for these contest alerts.
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We have a new Word of Mouth contest to tell you about. Let us know by Friday, April 28th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll have a chance to win SYMPHONY OF SECRETS by Brendan Slocumb and WITH MY LITTLE EYE by Joshilyn Jackson. We will feature our reviews of both titles over the next couple of weeks.
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
Our new poll asks which of 25 paperbacks releasing in April you have read or are planning to read. Click here to cast your votes.
In our previous poll, we listed 30 fiction titles that are being published this month for the first time and asked which of them, if any, you are looking forward to reading. Here are your top five picks: HOMECOMING by Kate Morton (50%), THE SOULMATE by Sally Hepworth (37%), THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE by Rachel Beanland (28%), THE ONLY SURVIVORS by Megan Miranda (27%), and THE GOLDEN DOVES by Martha Hall Kelly (26%). Click here for all the results.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Kathryn wrote about winning TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY in last week’s Spring Preview contest: “I am so delighted about winning that book. As soon as I finish it, which I hope will be quickly, I will write my review and post it.”
Jenny wrote this about winning the aforementioned THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER: “Oh, Carol! I can't thank you enough for the ARC of THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER. I just finished reading it, and after drying my tears, I am now thinking of my deceased mother: her quirks, her humor, her advice (even when I didn't need it) and her unending love. I'm left with this thought: Never leave anything unsaid! Bravo to the authors.”
“Succession” Episode Three on HBO: If you have not seen it yet, watch it! I shall say no more.
“Emergency: NYC” on Netflix: This series is so well done, including a very interesting turn of events with one of the surgeons.
“A Million Little Things” on ABC: I am so enjoying this final season. They are wrapping it up well.
Paul Simon: He has a new album coming on May 19th called Seven Psalms. Here is more about the story behind it. And here is a piece about it in Rolling Stone.
Easter was really a fun day with family and friends. Cory and Kaltrina decorated adorable Easter basket muffins. Cory also made carrot soup that we poured into small dishes and added a sprig of parsley to give it a carrot look. We served both desert pear and elderflower mocktails that people could spike as they wanted. I think a dozen limes were squeezed. Really fun memories were made.
A funny story: I was looking all over for jelly beans at the grocery store. I finally found a pretty depleted candy display. A woman reached back, held up a bag of jelly beans and said, “Ah, I got the last ones. I told my husband that he should have looked harder for them at the store.” I smiled and furtively looked on the shelf to see if there were any more stashed there. Then Tom steered me to the candy aisle, found a bag of peanut M&Ms and said, “Perfect.” For this rescue, I told him to go up a size on the bag. I know his weakness for peanut M&Ms. He has been gone all week at a conference in Dallas. And um, well, I have been eating lots of M&Ms.
My husband Tom’s birthday is Sunday (as opposed to our Editorial Director, Tom), and I will be back from East Hampton for that. I assume he will play “birthday golf.” Cory has everything he needs to make Tom’s favorite lemon bundt cake. I gave him the recipe, the bundt pan, and all the ingredients that he needs to make it. THAT is thinking ahead. Now I need to think about a present.
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!
Quick Tech Note: Bookreporter is protected from spam bots and other ridiculous things that try to hack websites by something called Imperva. If you go to the site and see a message that asks you to click "I am not a robot," just know that this is the software being extra cautious. Yes, it's mind-numbing to have to do this, and at least it doesn't happen all the time. But we know you are not robots, so if you could click to tell the software this, that would be great.
New Fiction Author Spotlight:
THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER
by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo, with James Patterson (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Ellen Archer
Every daughter has her own distinctive voice, her inimitable style, and her secrets.
Laurie is an artist, a collector of experiences. She travels the world with a worn beige duffel bag.
Every mother has her own distinctive voice, her inimitable style, and her secrets.
“Dr. Liz,” Laurie’s mother, is an elegant perfectionist who travels the world with a matched set of suitcases.
When Laurie surprises her mother with a dream vacation, it brings an unexpected sparkle to her eyes. So begins THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER. You will wish this novel never ends.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
- Click here to read bios of Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read our review.
Click here for readers' comments about the book.
Click here to read more in our Fiction Author Spotlight.
THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Featured Review:
THE ONLY SURVIVORS by Megan Miranda
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
THE ONLY SURVIVORS by Megan Miranda (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available; read by Alex Allwine, Erin Moon, Andre Bellido, Inés del Castillo, Michael Crouch, Priya Ayyar and Greg Chun
A decade ago, two vans filled with high school seniors on a school service trip crashed into a Tennessee ravine, which claimed the lives of multiple classmates and teachers. The nine students who managed to escape the river that night were irrevocably changed. A year later, after one of the survivors dies by suicide on the anniversary of the crash, the rest of them make a pact: to come together each year to commemorate that terrible night. But by the 10th anniversary, Cassidy has worked to distance herself from the tragedy. This year, she is determined to finally break ties once and for all. But on the day of the reunion, she receives a text with an obituary attached: another survivor is gone. Now they are seven, and Cassidy finds herself hurling back toward the group, wild with grief --- and suspicion. 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 visit Megan Miranda's website.
Click here to read our review.
THE ONLY SURVIVORS will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Featured Review: HOMECOMING by Kate Morton
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
HOMECOMING by Kate Morton (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Claire Foy
Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959: At the end of a scorching hot day, beside a creek in the grounds of the grand and mysterious house, a local delivery man makes a terrible discovery. A police investigation is called, and the small town of Tambilla becomes embroiled in one of the most shocking and perplexing murder cases in the history of South Australia. Many years later, Jess is a journalist in search of a story. After her beloved grandmother, Nora, suffers a fall, Jess discovers a book at Nora’s house that chronicles the police investigation into a long-buried crime: the Turner Family Tragedy of Christmas Eve, 1959. It is only when Jess skims through the pages that she finds a shocking connection between her own family and this once-infamous event. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
HOMECOMING will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary later this month.
Announcing Bookreporter.com’s 18th Annual
Mother’s Day Contest: Books Mom Will Love
Mother’s Day is a time to recognize the woman who raised and nurtured us. To celebrate, we're giving you the opportunity to win books for yourself or the special lady in your life in our 18th annual "Books Mom Will Love" contest. From now through Friday, May 12th at noon ET, readers can enter to win one of our five prize packages, which includes 11 great titles that we think moms will love.
This year's prize books are:
Click here to enter the contest.
Featured Review: YOURS TRULY by Abby Jimenez
April’s #1 Indie Next Pick
YOURS TRULY by Abby Jimenez (Romantic Comedy)
Audiobook available, read by Kyla Garcia and Zachary Webber
Dr. Briana Ortiz’s divorce is just about finalized, her brother is running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants is probably going to the new man-doctor. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game…by sending Briana a letter. And it’s a really good letter. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable --- a kidney for her brother --- she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor, especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE CUBAN HEIRESS
by Chanel Cleeton
THE CUBAN HEIRESS by Chanel Cleeton (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Frankie Corzo and Rachel L. Jacobs
New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead --- and why. Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her --- and her prey is on the ship. As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all. Reviewed by Megan Elliott.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: STANDING IN THE SHADOWS
by Peter Robinson
STANDING IN THE SHADOWS: A DCI Banks Novel by Peter Robinson (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Simon Vance
In November 1980, Nick Hartley returns home from a university lecture to find his house crawling with police. His ex-girlfriend, Alice Poole, has been found murdered, and her new boyfriend is missing. Nick is the prime suspect. The case quickly goes cold, but Nick cannot let it go. He embarks on a career in investigative journalism, determined to find Alice’s murderer --- but his obsession leads him down a dangerous path. Decades later, in November 2019, an archaeologist unearths a skeleton that turns out to be far more contemporary than the Roman remains she is seeking. Detective Superintendent Alan Banks and his team are called in to investigate, but there is little to be gleaned from the remains themselves. As the two cases unfurl, the investigations twist and turn to an explosive conclusion. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE FOURTH ENEMY by Anne Perry
THE FOURTH ENEMY: A Daniel Pitt Novel by Anne Perry (Historical Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Samuel Roukin
Working his way up at the London law firm fford Croft and Gibson, Daniel Pitt is named junior counsel on a fraud case with the potential to make or break his --- and the firm’s --- reputation. The trouble is that Malcolm Vayne, the man on trial, has deep pockets and even deeper connections. Vayne’s philanthropic efforts paint him a hero in the eyes of the public, but Daniel’s friend Ian, a police officer, has evidence to suggest otherwise. Nervously working alongside Gideon Hunter, the new head of his firm, Daniel must find a way to prove that Vayne is guilty. Vayne’s trial reveals his deep political ambitions, and it heats up further when a crucial witness is found dead. When another witness is kidnapped, Daniel must set out on a rescue mission that puts his life --- and the case against Vayne --- in peril. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
THE ENIGMA OF GARLIC: A 44 Scotland Street Novel by Alexander McCall Smith (Fiction/Humor)
Audiobook available, read by Robert Ian Mackenzie
It's the most anticipated event of the decade --- Big Lou and Fat Bob's wedding --- and everyone is invited! But the relative peace and tranquillity of 44 Scotland Street is about to be disrupted. Domineering Irene is set to return for a two-month stay, consigning young Bertie to a summer camp. Not content with that, she somehow manages to come between the enigmatic nun, Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna, and her friend, the hagiographer Antonia Collie. And can a person really change, even after being struck by lightning? Bruce Anderson’s metamorphosis and new-found outlook on life is put to the test as he prepares to leave his creature comforts for the monastic simplicity of Pluscarden Abbey. Reviewed by Jane T. Krebs.
DIRTY LAUNDRY by Disha Bose (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan
Ciara Dunphy seemingly has it all. But behind the filters, reality is less polished. Enter Ciara’s best friend, Mishti Guha. Discontent in a marriage arranged for her by her parents, she wants what Ciara has --- the ease with which she moves through the world. And there’s earth mother Lauren Doyle. With her disheveled partner and children who run naked in the yard, they’re mostly a happy lot, though ostracized for being the singular dysfunction in Ciara’s immaculate world. But then Ciara is found murdered in her own pristine home, and the house of cards she’d worked so hard to build comes crumbling down. Everyone seems to have something to gain from Ciara’s death. So if they don’t want the blame, it may be the perfect time to air their enemies’ dirty laundry. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to see why the book is this month’s “Good Morning America” Book Club pick.
A LIVING REMEDY: A Memoir by Nicole Chung (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Jennifer Kim
Nicole Chung couldn’t hightail it out of her overwhelmingly white Oregon hometown fast enough. As a scholarship student at a private university on the East Coast, no longer the only Korean she knew, she found community and a path to the life she'd long wanted. But the middle class world she begins to raise a family in looks very different from the middle class world she thought she grew up in. When her father dies at only 67, killed by diabetes and kidney disease, Nicole feels deep grief as well as rage, knowing that years of precarity and lack of access to healthcare contributed to his early death. And then the unthinkable happens. Less than a year later, her beloved mother is diagnosed with cancer, and the physical distance between them becomes insurmountable as COVID-19 descends upon the world. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
LIFE SENTENCE: The Brief and Tragic Career of Baltimore’s Deadliest Gang Leader by Mark Bowden (True Crime)
Audiobook available, read by L.J. Ganser
Sandtown is one of the deadliest neighborhoods in the world. It earned Baltimore its nickname Bodymore, Murderland, and was made notorious by David Simon’s classic HBO series “The Wire.” Drug deals dominate street corners, and ruthless, casual violence abounds. Montana Barronette was the leader of the gang “Trained to Go” (or TTG), and when he was finally arrested and sentenced to life in prison, he had been nicknamed “Baltimore’s Number One Trigger Puller.” After a string of murders are linked to TTG, three detectives set out to put Tana in prison for life. Now an acclaimed journalist who spent his youth in the white suburbs of Baltimore, Mark Bowden returns to the city with exclusive access to the FBI files and unprecedented insight into one of the city’s deadliest gangs and its notorious leader. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
THE SEASIDE LIBRARY by Brenda Novak (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Amy McFadden
Mariners Island is barely 10 miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community. When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone. Now, 20 years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew --- and everyone they thought they could trust. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR by Darcey Bell (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Tavia Gilbert
Twenty years ago, gregarious Lorelei and mousy Holly became fast friends as students in the same college psychology seminar. Taught by an expert in control and human behavior, the two students also grew close to their charismatic professor. But in one twisted moment of gaslighting, their friendship flamed out and Lorelei’s once-promising future fell apart. Flash forward, Holly has everything Lorelei ever wanted, while Lorelei is a lonely cat lady. Now, Holly is even up for an award at a Woman of the Year ceremony, and Lorelei finally has the perfect opportunity to get the revenge she’s wanted for years. But she’s not the only person who has been obsessively following Holly’s career --- and when someone winds up dead, Lorelei realizes she may be in danger as well. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on April 18th
Below are some notable titles releasing on April 18th 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 April 17th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
CITY OF DREAMS by Don Winslow (Thriller)
From the shores of Rhode Island to the deserts of California where bodies disappear, from the power corridors of Washington where the real criminals operate to the fabled movie studios of Hollywood where the real money is made, CITY OF DREAMS is a sweeping saga of family, love, revenge, survival and the fierce reality behind the dream.
THE GOLDEN DOVES by Martha Hall Kelly (Historical Fiction)
Two former female spies, bound together by their past, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II. This pulse-pounding novel from the New York Times bestselling author of LILAC GIRLS is inspired by true events.
THE LAST ANIMAL by Ramona Ausubel (Fiction)
From the award-winning writer of SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF EASE AND PLENTY comes a playful, witty and resonant novel in which a single mother and her two teen daughters engage in a wild scientific experiment and discover themselves in the process.
ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL by Susan Meissner (Historical Fiction)
The USA Today bestselling author of THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS and THE LAST YEAR OF THE WAR has penned a heartrending story about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter and the winds of fortune that tear them apart.
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB by J. Ryan Stradal (Fiction)
From New York Times bestselling author J. Ryan Stradal comes the story of a couple from two very different restaurant families in rustic Minnesota, and the legacy of love and tragedy, hardship and hope, that unites and divides them.
SHADOW OF DEATH by Heather Graham (Romantic Suspense)
When two hikers go missing within a series of daunting caves outside of Denver, Colorado, FDLE special agent Amy Larson and her partner, FBI special agent Hunter Forrest, have good reason to suspect foul play. But in searching the dank caverns near the Arkansas River, the agents aren’t prepared for the horror they uncover.
SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci (Psychological Thriller)
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE 6:20 MAN comes a twisting new psychological thriller in which two women --- one a former detective, the other a dangerous con artist --- go head-to-head in an electrifying game of cat and mouse.
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS by Brendan Slocumb (Mystery/Thriller)
Music professor Bern Hendricks discovers a shocking secret about the most famous American composer of all time --- his music may have been stolen from a Black Jazz Age prodigy named Josephine Reed. Bern will stop at nothing to right history's wrongs and give Josephine the recognition she deserves.
THE WAGER: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann (True Crime/History)
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON comes a page-turning story of shipwreck, survival and savagery, culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth.
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
The legacy of the “Queen of Suspense” continues with the highly anticipated follow-up to Mary Higgins Clark’s iconic novel, WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?, featuring the children of Nancy Harmon facing peril once again as adults.
WHERE COYOTES HOWL by Sandra Dallas (Historical Fiction)
Except for the way they loved each other, they were just ordinary, everyday folks. Just ordinary. Beautifully rendered, WHERE COYOTES HOWL is a vivid and deeply affecting ode to the early 20th-century West from master storyteller Sandra Dallas.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Martha Hall Kelly, Don Winslow, Susan Meissner
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, April 17th at 7pm ET: THE GOLDEN DOVES Virtual Launch Party: Celebrate the release of Martha Hall Kelly’s new novel, THE GOLDEN DOVES, by attending the virtual launch party. This fan event will be co-hosted by Martha and her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Kelly (@mare_kell on TikTok). They will be answering your questions live, as well as sharing an exclusive look into the book.
Tuesday, April 18th at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome New York Times bestselling author Don Winslow for a live virtual discussion of his new book, CITY OF DREAMS, as part of the B&N Midday Mystery Virtual Event series. Don will be in conversation with the New York Times bestselling author of FALLING, T. J. Newman.
Tuesday, April 18th at 7pm ET: Renee's Reading Club: #1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline will join Renee's Reading Club to talk about her new historical novel, LOYALTY, an emotional, action-packed epic of love and justice set during the rise of the Mafia in Sicily.
Wednesday, April 19th 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 Brenda Novak and Alka Joshi about their latest novels: Novak's THE SEASIDE LIBRARY and Joshi's THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS.
Friday, April 21st at 2pm ET: Avon Free Public Library: Join Avon Free Public Library for a moderated conversation with Susan Meissner to celebrate the release of her new book, ONLY THE BEAUTIFUL, a heartrending story about a young mother’s fight to keep her daughter, and the winds of fortune that tear them apart.
"Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers a long-form, in-depth author interview every week. For years, Carol has moderated book festivals and author events around the country. But we know that readers often do not live where they can attend an author event. Our goal is to bring these author interviews to readers, wherever they may be. Watch on video, or listen as a podcast. (The podcasts include audio excerpts.)
Here is our latest interview:
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Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo (THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER)
Video | Podcast
Other authors we've interviewed include:
Upcoming interviews include:
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Nancy Horan (THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: April Paperback Releases to Anticipate
Which of the following titles releasing in paperback in April have you read or do you plan to read? Please check all that apply.
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ALL IN: An Autobiography, by Billie Jean King, with Johnette Howard and Maryanne Vollers
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THE BEST IS YET TO COME by Debbie Macomber
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THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
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EASY BEAUTY: A Memoir, by Chloé Cooper Jones
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FINDING ME: A Memoir, by Viola Davis
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FLY GIRL: A Memoir, by Ann Hood
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FOUR TREASURES OF THE SKY by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
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GIRL, FORGOTTEN by Karin Slaughter
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THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE by Adriana Trigiani
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HELLO, MOLLY!: A Memoir, by Molly Shannon, with Sean Wilsey
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THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LaRUE by V. E. Schwab
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THE LIFEGUARDS by Amanda Eyre Ward
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LOVE MARRIAGE by Monica Ali
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MEANT TO BE by Emily Giffin
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NIGHTCRAWLING by Leila Mottley
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NO PLAN B: A Jack Reacher Novel, by Lee Child and Andrew Child
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THE PUZZLER: One Man's Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever, from Crosswords to Jigsaws to the Meaning of Life, written by A.J. Jacobs, with original puzzles by Greg Pliska
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RAZZMATAZZ by Christopher Moore
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RISING TIGER by Brad Thor
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RUN, ROSE, RUN by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
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THE STRANGER IN THE LIFEBOAT by Mitch Albom
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SUMMER LOVE by Nancy Thayer
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THE SUMMER PLACE by Jennifer Weiner
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TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY by Linwood Barclay
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YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN 10A: Stories, by Maggie Shipstead
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None of the above
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, April 28th 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 read with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from April 14th to April 28th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of SYMPHONY OF SECRETS by Brendan Slocumb and WITH MY LITTLE EYE by Joshilyn Jackson.
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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