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My husband is away playing golf this week, and he was on a business trip last week. So over the weekend, we were ships in port before passing again in the night. When he travels, I am so undisciplined about eating dinner. Last night, I walked downstairs from my office at 9:00. When no one says, “Five minutes to dinner,” I do not get myself to the kitchen in a timely manner. While I love to cook and entertain, the idea of cooking for one means pizza on English muffins, or macaroni and cheese with Hatch chiles from Trader Joe’s, or cheese and crackers. You see a theme here, right? There are leftovers in the fridge and lots of things I could make, but I embrace my inner mouse-like cravings.
Last weekend was such fun. The inaugural Hamptons Whodunit festival was just terrific; you would never know that it was the first year it was put on. Carrie Doyle and the entire organizing committee did a brilliant job of thinking through the details. Lisa Hickman and I (pictured above) hit just about every panel and participated in some really fun evening cocktail soirees. One even had my personal favorite: pigs in a blanket!
Neither of us are big drinkers, but we loved our thriller-themed cocktails on Thursday night as we opted to make mocktails of the “Clue in the Garden,” which was Montaukila Blanco, watermelon shrub, lime juice and sparkling water. As opposed to the “Murder Margarita,” with Montaukila Blanco, blood orange, lime juice and agave. The nice thing I have discovered about mocktails is that everyone can feel like they are celebrating --- and there is no need for just sparkling water with lime. I plan to make them for every occasion going forward.
For my panel about neo-noir, I had done a lot of reading as this is not a genre that I have dipped into a lot. Megan Abbott, Alex Segura, Kellye Garrett and Richie Narvaez were excellent panelists. They shared why they are so passionate about this genre --- and why they choose to write in it. We talked about some of the themes that we see over and over again, and how they may write characters differently here than they would in another. We also discussed why it lends itself so well to the short story. Above you can see me with (from left to right) Kellye, Alex, Megan and Richie.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Michael Connelly, Anthony Horowitz and Jill Green about their book-to-screen projects.
Michael is known for “Bosch”, as well as the Lincoln Lawyer movie and Netflix series. I told him how much I love Bosch’s house on the hill, and then he detailed just how tough it is to shoot there. It’s the other side of filmmaking that we often do not think about.
Anthony is noted for his Alex Rider series of books, as well as writing the screenplays for the television series “Magpie Murders”, “Foyle’s War” and “Midsomer Murders”. His wife, Jill Green, runs Eleventh Hour Films and created these adaptations. She also is doing the “Alex Rider” series for Amazon Prime Video. We discussed how they work together --- and apart. She talked about the trickier things for bringing together an adaptation, like casting, and hiring the right directors. Financing and logistics are always something that can change a production at the drop of a hat.
I learned a lot, and I heard from a number of audience members that they did as well. These days, one of the most popular questions that an author gets is: “Is the book being made into a movie or series?” What happens when the answer is “yes” is what we talked about.
The other lovely thing was spending time with so many of my author friends. Each evening there was enough time for mingling. Although I have been at this for nearly 27 years, I still met a number of authors who were new to me, which I loved. Also, while I thought of my headline for this newsletter talking about my cheesy dinner options, I realize that it also worked for the weekend when lots of photos were taken and I found myself smiling to “Say cheese” a lot.
This is your last Bookreporter newsletter reminder to sign up for this month’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event, which will take place next Wednesday, April 26th at 8pm ET.
Our guest will be Kristin Hannah, and we will be talking about THE FOUR WINDS, a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick that recently released in paperback. This rich, sweeping novel stunningly brings to life the Great Depression and the people who lived through it. Norah Piehl has this to say in her review: “Even if you think you have a good understanding of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl from your history classes, you are bound to learn something new about this period from THE FOUR WINDS.”
You can register for the event by clicking here. If you would like to ask Kristin 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 “Kristin” by Wednesday the 26th 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.
David Baldacci has written a new psychological thriller, SIMPLY LIES, 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.
Ray Palen has our review and says, “I continue to marvel at how David Baldacci is able to juggle multiple releases each year without sacrificing one iota of suspense, narrative or ingenious plot. His latest novel, SIMPLY LIES, is a stand-alone thriller featuring two lead characters who are so engaging that I hope he considers revisiting them.... The two women, unlikely allies in a relationship initially built on deceit, are a wonder to behold. In the hands of the great David Baldacci, they spin a tale that is gripping and unpredictable from start to finish. Fingers crossed that this is not the last we see of them!”
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. That’s the premise of Martha Hall Kelly’s pulse-pounding new novel, THE GOLDEN DOVES, which is inspired by true events and was one of our Spring Preview featured titles.
Rebecca Munro has this to say in her rave review: “Once again, Martha Hall Kelly breaks the mold for riveting, meticulously researched historical fiction with searingly current ties to our own headlines and political climate.... I can’t think of an author equal to Martha Hall Kelly in writing, technique or craftsmanship. While I expect to say this about every book of hers, THE GOLDEN DOVES is pure perfection. It’s yet another blazing triumph from one of our most meticulous researchers, roaring celebrators of women’s history, and breathtakingly vivid prose writers.”
David Grann, who many of you know as the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, is back with THE WAGER. This page-turning story of shipwreck, survival and savagery culminates in a court martial that uncovers a shocking truth. The book reveals the deeper meaning of the events on His Majesty’s Ship the Wager, showing that it was not only the captain and crew who ended up on trial, but the very idea of empire.
According to our reviewer Curtis Edmonds, “Through a combination of bad navigation, bad luck and bad leadership, the Wager comes to its destruction on an inhospitable island at the far end of nowhere. What Grann does best is to describe just how the iron discipline inherent in the Royal Navy crashed and splintered just as the hull of the ship did.... It’s possible that no one has been through an ordeal as severe as those suffered by the crew of the Wager --- which many, of course, did not survive. What Grann has done is to pull the story of these men out of the depths of history and bring it to dramatic life.”
You can hear David talk about THE WAGER and the research he conducted in this fascinating interview he did for “60 Minutes.”
Of the 56 bestsellers that Mary Higgins Clark published in her lifetime, WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN? was her biggest, selling millions of copies and forever transforming the genre of suspense fiction. Now, more than four decades since readers first met Nancy Harmon and her children, Alafair Burke has produced a thrilling sequel, WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW?
Here’s what Pamela Kramer says in her review: “While some might want to reread the first book, it's really not necessary as Burke does a masterful job filling us in on what transpired all those years ago, while making the sharing of that backstory completely natural and a part of the story…. The final twist is one that only the most hardened thriller aficionado will have seen coming. I certainly didn't. This sequel is extraordinarily entertaining and an intriguing thriller that does, indeed, stand on its own.”
We continue our Fiction Author Spotlight of THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo, in which a mother and daughter on vacation in Paris and Norway unpack a lifetime of secrets and hopes. We featured our review in last week’s newsletter, and this week I am sharing my Bets On commentary.
If you missed my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with the two Susans, be sure to watch the video or listen to the podcast. As we mentioned last week, we received some excellent feedback about the book from readers who won an advance copy earlier this year. Click here to see many of their comments.
I’m Also Betting You’ll Love…
In addition to THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER, I have chosen THE ONLY SURVIVORS by Megan Miranda and THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE by Rachel Beanland as Bets On selections. Click on each of the titles for my commentary.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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SYMPHONY OF SECRETS: In Brendan Slocumb’s second novel, following THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY (a Bets On pick), 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. Determined to uncover the truth that a powerful organization wants to keep hidden, Bern will stop at nothing to right history's wrongs and give Josephine the recognition she deserves.
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SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB: J. Ryan Stradal is the bestselling author of KITCHENS OF THE GREAT MIDWEST and THE LAGER QUEEN OF MINNESOTA. This time, for his highly anticipated third novel, Stradal has penned 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.
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THE LOST WIFE: Susanna Moore’s latest novel is about a seminal and shameful moment in America’s conquest of the West. Drawing partly from a true story, it brings to life a devastating Native American revolt and the woman caught in the middle of the conflict. I have heard a lot about this book, and I will be getting a copy soon from the publisher. Many thanks to Jesse Kornbluth for sharing his review, which originally ran on his site, HeadButler.com.
Word of Mouth Reminder
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS is one of our current Word of Mouth prizes; the other is WITH MY LITTLE EYE by Joshilyn Jackson, which we will review next week. Submit your comments about the books you’ve read by Friday, April 28th at noon ET for your chance to win both these titles.
Books Mom Will Love…and Can Win!
There’s still plenty of time to enter our 18th annual Mother’s Day contest. We’re giving five readers the opportunity to win 12 fabulous titles for themselves or their mom. Among them are CODE NAME SAPPHIRE by Pam Jenoff, GRACELAND by Nancy Crochiere, and THERE ARE NO RULES FOR THIS by JJ Elliott. To enter, please fill out this form by Friday, May 12th at noon ET.
Remember to Vote in Our Poll
Our poll continues to ask which of 25 titles releasing in paperback in April you have read or are planning to read. Click here to let us know.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Sheila wrote, “I just wanted to once again say thank you for all you do to make us aware of great books!” This note made our day!
Suzanne wrote, “I have just about finished THE MOSTLY TRUE STORY OF TANNER & LOUISE. It's absolutely one of the best books I have read in a long time...well, at least two weeks ago. The characters are fantastic, and the writing is just great. There are so many good laughs and so much to learn from this. I just can’t tell you how much I love this book.” We hope that Suzanne posts her review on Word of Mouth!
Laura Dave and Jennifer Garner on “CBS Sunday Morning” Talking about “The Last Thing He Told Me”: I have watched three episodes of this series, and it really is terrific! You can see the interview here.
“Saint X” on Hulu: This series, based on the book by Alexis Schaitkin, debuts on April 26th with the first three episodes. Click here to watch the trailer.
“City on Fire” on Apple TV+: Based on the book by Garth Risk Hallberg, this series premieres on May 12th, and the first three episodes will be available that day. Here's the trailer.
“Lessons in Chemistry” on Apple TV+: This series, adapted from the #1 New York Times bestseller by Bonnie Garmus, is coming this fall. Take a peek at the trailer here.
Netflix's “Surviving R. Kelly” is tough watching, but so well done, as is “American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing”. I watched three episodes of the latter back to back. It definitely reminded me of the heightened stress that surrounded those days while also reminding me about a lot that I had forgotten.
At the same time that all this streaming is going on, Netflix announced that as of September 29th, they are no longer sending out DVDs. The first DVD sent was Beetlejuice in 1998, and the most requested was The Blind Side.
Last week, I borrowed a number of books from the library to prepare for one of the panels at Hamptons Whodunit. Each receipt when I checked out told me how much I had saved by going to the library. I added them up, and it was about $250. Amusing, though it’s not like I now have that $250 in my wallet!
While I was away, the scene outside my windows went from brown to green. It looks great after the drabness of winter. I bought some nursery-raised hydrangeas for Easter, as well as some ranunculus. Having color in the house as well is really lovely.
I am headed to dinner tonight with my friend, Karen. We rarely see each other, so it’s time for a nice catch-up. I have no plans for the rest of the weekend, and I am leaving it that way. I am interviewing Kate Morton on Thursday, so I finishing reading HOMECOMING. And there are so many upcoming gems calling to me from my “to be read” pile. I will report back next week on what else struck a chord with me.
Mercury went retrograde today, so I plan to just hold on until May 14th...or anticipate that everything goes wrong.
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!
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Featured Review: SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci
SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Lisa Flanagan and Corey Carthew
Former detective Mickey Gibson is juggling the demands of her two small children with the tasks of her job working remotely for ProEye, a global investigation company that hunts down wealthy tax and credit cheats. When Mickey gets a call from a colleague named Arlene Robinson, she thinks nothing of Arlene’s unusual request for her to go inventory the vacant home of an arms dealer who cheated ProEye’s clients and fled. That is, until she arrives at the mansion to discover a dead body in a secret room. Not only does the arms dealer not exist but the murder victim turns out to be Harry Langhorne, a man with mob ties who used to be in Witness Protection. What’s more, no one named Arlene Robinson works at ProEye. In the blink of an eye, Gibson has become a prime suspect in a murder investigation. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE GOLDEN DOVES by Martha Hall Kelly
THE GOLDEN DOVES by Martha Hall Kelly (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Jeremy Carlisle Parker and Saskia Maarleveld
American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette LaRue are thrilled to be working in the French resistance, stealing so many Nazi secrets that they become known as the Golden Doves. When they are finally arrested and taken to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, along with their loved ones, a reclusive Nazi doctor does unspeakable things to Josie’s mother. And Arlette’s son is stolen from her, never to be seen again. A decade later, the Doves fall headlong into a dangerous dual mission: Josie is working for U.S. Army Intelligence and accepts an assignment to hunt down the infamous doctor, while a mysterious man tells Arlette he may have found her son. The Golden Doves discover a web of terrible secrets and must put themselves in grave danger to finally secure justice and protect the ones they love. 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 read our review.
Featured Review: THE WAGER by David Grann
THE WAGER: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann (True Crime/History)
Audiobook available, read by Dion Graham
On January 28, 1742, a ramshackle vessel of patched-together wood and cloth washed up on the coast of Brazil. Inside were 30 emaciated men, barely alive, and they had an extraordinary tale to tell. They were survivors of His Majesty’s Ship the Wager, a British vessel that had left England in 1740 on a secret mission during an imperial war with Spain. Six months later, another, even more decrepit craft landed on the coast of Chile. This boat contained just three castaways, and they told a very different story. The 30 sailors who landed in Brazil were not heroes --- they were mutineers. The first group responded with countercharges of their own. As accusations of treachery and murder flew, the Admiralty convened a court martial to determine who was telling the truth. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW?
by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by January LaVoy
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN NOW? is the thrilling sequel to WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?, Mary Higgins Clark’s groundbreaking book that set the stage for future generations of psychological suspense novels. A lawyer turned successful podcaster, Melissa has recently married a man whose first wife died tragically, leaving him and their young daughter, Riley, behind. While Melissa and her brother, Mike, help their mom, Nancy, relocate from Cape Cod to the equally idyllic Hamptons, Melissa’s new stepdaughter goes missing. Drawing on the experience of their own abduction, Melissa and Mike race to find Riley to save her from the trauma they still struggle with --- or worse. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Fiction Author Spotlight:
THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER
by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo
A 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 our review.
- 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 Carol's Bookreporter.com Bets On commentary.
Click here for readers' comments about the book.
Click here to read more in our Fiction Author Spotlight.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
THE ONLY SURVIVORS by Megan Miranda
and THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE by Rachel Beanland
THE ONLY SURVIVORS by Megan Miranda (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Megan Miranda once again nails a twisty thriller with THE ONLY SURVIVORS. The premise drew me in quickly: “Seven hours in the past. Seven days in the present. Seven survivors remaining. Who would you save?” Picture this: Ten years ago, a group of students survived a horrific accident. Bonding over this, they decided to meet each year at a house on the Outer Banks to reminisce and spend time with each other. Before their latest get-together, one of the group members has died, and as they gather for the 10th time, another goes missing.
- 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 Megan Miranda's website.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THE ONLY SURVIVORS.
THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE by Rachel Beanland (Historical Fiction)
It’s true joy when an author whose debut novel was a Bets On pick (FLORENCE ADLER SWIMS FOREVER) follows up with a book that I similarly want to rave about. Rachel Beanland’s THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE is a well-written, immersive work of historical fiction. Years ago, when Rachel moved to Richmond, her realtor showed her around town citing the location of a theater fire that killed a number of the city’s residents in 1811. This nugget stayed with her, and when the pandemic limited her travel, she moved on to do deep research into the fire, its origins and the aftermath.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
- Click here to watch Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Rachel Beanland.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE.
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 12 great titles that we think moms will love.
This year's prize books are:
Click here to enter the contest.
Featured Review:
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS by Brendan Slocumb
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS by Brendan Slocumb (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Chanté McCormick
Bern Hendricks is one of the world’s preeminent experts on composer Frederick Delaney. When Mallory Roberts, a direct descendant of Delaney, asks for Bern’s help authenticating a newly discovered piece, which may be his famous lost opera, he jumps at the chance. In 1920s Manhattan, Josephine Reed meets struggling musician Fred Delaney. Josephine is a natural prodigy who hears beautiful music in the sounds of the world around her. With Josephine as his silent partner, Delaney’s career takes off. In the present day, Bern and his tech-savvy acquaintance, Eboni, begin to uncover more clues that indicate Delaney may have had help in composing his most successful work. And they soon become caught in the crosshairs of a powerful organization that will stop at nothing to keep their secret hidden. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB
by J. Ryan Stradal
SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB by J. Ryan Stradal (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Aspen Vincent
Mariel Prager’s husband, Ned, is having an identity crisis; her spunky, beloved restaurant is bleeding money by the day; and her mother, Florence, is stubbornly refusing to leave the church where she’s been holed up for more than a week. The Lakeside Supper Club has been in her family for decades, and while Mariel’s grandmother embraced the business, Florence never took to it. When Mariel inherited the restaurant, skipping Florence, it created a rift between mother and daughter that never quite healed. Ned is also an heir --- to a chain of home-style diners --- and knows his family's chain could provide a better future than his wife's fading restaurant. In the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, Ned and Mariel lose almost everything they hold dear, and the hard-won victories of each family hang in the balance. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE LOST WIFE by Susanna Moore
THE LOST WIFE by Susanna Moore (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Sophie Amoss
In the summer of 1855, Sarah Brinton abandons her husband and child to make the long and difficult journey from Rhode Island to Minnesota Territory, where she plans to reunite with a childhood friend. When she arrives at a small frontier post on the edge of the prairie, she quickly remarries and has two children. Anticipating unease and hardship at the Indian Agency, where her husband is the new resident physician, Sarah instead finds acceptance and kinship among the Sioux women at a nearby reservation. The Sioux tribes, however, are wary of the white settlers and resent the rampant theft of their land. During the Sioux Uprising of 1862, Sarah and her children are abducted by the Sioux, who protect her. But because she sympathizes with her captors, Sarah becomes an outcast to the white settlers. Reviewed by Jesse Kornbluth for HeadButler.com.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
WHERE COYOTES HOWL by Sandra Dallas (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Stephanie Németh-Parker
1916. The two-street town of Wallace is not exactly what Ellen Webster had in mind when she accepted a teaching position in Wyoming. Within a year’s time, though, she has fallen in love --- both with the High Plains and with a handsome cowboy named Charlie Bacon. Life is not easy, but Ellen and Charlie face it all together, their relationship growing stronger with each shared success and each deeply felt tragedy. Ellen finds purpose in her work as a rancher’s wife and in her bonds with other women settled on the prairie. Not all of them have loving husbands, not all came to Wallace willingly, and not all of them can survive the cruel seasons. But they look out for each other, share their secrets and help one another in times of need. And the needs are great and constant. Reviewed by Jennifer McCord.
THE BALL IN THE AIR: A Golfing Adventure by Michael Bamberger (Sports)
Audiobook available, read by David Morse
Over Michael Bamberger’s celebrated writing career, he has written a handful of books and hundreds of Sports Illustrated stories about professional golf and those who play it --- that is, the .001 percent. Now, in a delightful turn of events, Bamberger has decided to train his eye on the rest of us. In his most personal book yet, Bamberger takes the lid off a game that is both quasi-religious and a nonstop party, posing an age-old question early that is answered over its pages: Why does the game cast such a spell on us? Here is the story of modern golf that is not on TV. This is our story, we who pay to play, who can’t wait to get another crack at the game, even when golf doesn’t love us back. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
THOSE EMPTY EYES by Charlie Donlea (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Vivienne Leheny
Alex Armstrong hasn’t stopped searching for answers about the night her family was killed 10 years ago. As a legal investigator, she works tirelessly to secure justice for others, too. People like Matthew Claymore, who’s under suspicion in the disappearance of his girlfriend, a student journalist named Laura McAllister. Laura was about to break a major story about rape and cover-ups on her college campus. Alex believes Matthew is innocent and unearths stunning revelations about the university’s faculty, fraternity members and powerful parents willing to do anything to protect their children. Most shocking of all, as Alex digs into Laura’s disappearance, she realizes there are unexpected connections to the murder of her own family. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE FIANCÉE FARCE by Alexandria Bellefleur (Romantic Comedy)
Audiobook available, read by Lauren Sweet
Tansy Adams’ greatest love is her family’s bookstore, passed down from her late father. But when it comes to actual romance, she can’t get past the first chapter. Tired of her stepfamily’s questions about her love life, Tansy invents Gemma, a fake girlfriend inspired by the stunning cover model on a bestselling book. But when real-life Gemma crosses Tansy’s path, her white lie nearly implodes. Gemma van Dalen is a wild child, the outcast of her wealthy family, and now the latest heir to Van Dalen Publishing. But the title comes with one tiny condition: she must be married in order to inherit. When Gemma discovers that a beautiful stranger has been pretending to date her for months, she decides to take the charade one step further --- and announces their engagement. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
HEIR OF UNCERTAIN MAGIC by Charlie N. Holmberg (Historical Fantasy)
Audiobook available, read by Amanda Leigh Cobb and Graham Halstead
Thanks to house tamer Hulda Larkin, the mischief infesting Whimbrel House has calmed. But if Hulda’s job is done, what does that mean for Merritt Fernsby, inheritor of the remote Narragansett Bay estate, who’s only now coming to terms with his enchanted place in the world? His nights are sleepless, with an uncontrollable cacophony of voices that compel a long-overdue search into his uncanny bloodline. It’s not the only puzzle uniting Merritt and his ex-housekeeper, Hulda. Her friend and former employer at the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has disappeared. Hulda herself is up for the now-vacant position of institute director, and her rival for the role is a stranger who’s suspiciously curious about Whimbrel House --- and could have connections to an old foe. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
HER LOST WORDS: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley by Stephanie Marie Thornton (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Grace Gray and Hannah Curtis
1792. As the author of A VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF WOMAN, Mary Wollstonecraft refuses to bow to society’s conventions and instead supports herself with her pen until an illicit love affair challenges her every belief about romance and marriage. When she gives birth to a daughter and is stricken with childbed fever, Mary fears it will be her many critics who recount her life’s extraordinary odyssey. 1818. The daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Shelley struggles to balance an ever-complicated marriage with motherhood while nursing twin hopes that she might write something of her own one day and discover the truth of her mother’s unconventional life. Mary’s journey will unlock her mother’s secrets, all while leading to her own destiny as the groundbreaking author of FRANKENSTEIN. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
FOR THE FIRST TIME, AGAIN: A Take Them to the Stars Novel by Sylvain Neuvel (Historical Thriller/Science Fiction)
Audiobook available; read by Imogen Wilde, Kevin Shen, Kristin Atherton, Lance C. Fuller and Rory Alexander
After a traumatic incident, Aster's blood work comes back with some unusual readings. Unsurprising, as she’s the last of an alien race called the Kibsu, though she doesn’t know it. She becomes the focus of a hunt, with her mortal enemies, the Trackers, on one side and the American government on the other. But help has come from a most unexpected quarter. Whoever finds her first, it won’t be good news for Aster. Or for the world! Reviewed by Ray Palen.
I'M NEVER FINE: Scenes and Spasms on Loss by Joseph Lezza (Memoir)
When Joseph Lezza caught himself wishing necrotizing skin infections upon unhurried retirees in the self-checkout lane, and fantasized about loud-talking commuters making quick friends with the underside of a steamroller, he began to wonder if he was fine. Of all the things Joseph could have been, he certainly wasn't fine. The "fine" he'd adopted watching his father succumb to cancer was beginning to wane. It could no longer be used as a shield to melt the face off of anyone who dared to inquire. All the "fines" prophesized in every article, every book and every inspirational meme had lost their value. When Joseph realized he was facing a future that would find him standing over the carcass of an overzealous Costco greeter, one thing became clear: moving on required looking back. Reviewed by Pauline Finch.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on April 25th
Below are some notable titles releasing on April 25th that we would like to make you aware of. We will have more on many of these books in the weeks to come. For a list of additional hardcovers and paperbacks available the week of April 24th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
FOR YOU AND ONLY YOU: A Joe Goldberg Novel by Caroline Kepnes (Psychological Thriller)
New York Times bestselling author Caroline Kepnes, whose acclaimed You series inspired the hit show on Netflix, follows Joe Goldberg to the hallowed halls of Harvard, where he earns a coveted place in a writing fellowship...and leaves crimson in his wake.
THE GIFTS by Liz Hyder (Historical Fantasy/Speculative Fiction)
A spellbinding tale told through five different perspectives and set against the luminous backdrop of 19th-century London, THE GIFTS explores science, nature and religion, enlightenment, the role of women in society, and the dark danger of ambition.
HAPPY PLACE by Emily Henry (Romantic Comedy)
A couple who broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.
HONEY, BABY, MINE: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding) by Laura Dern and Diane Ladd (Memoir)
HONEY, BABY, MINE is a collection of deeply personal conversations from award-winning actress and activist Laura Dern and the woman she admires most, her mother --- legendary actress Diane Ladd.
IN THE LIVES OF PUPPETS by TJ Klune (Fantasy)
New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune invites you deep into the heart of a peculiar forest and on the extraordinary journey of a family assembled from spare parts.
KNOWING WHAT WE KNOW: The Transmission of Knowledge: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Magic by Simon Winchester (History)
From the creation of the first encyclopedia to Wikipedia, from ancient museums to modern kindergarten classes, this is award-winning writer Simon Winchester’s brilliant and all-encompassing look at how humans acquire, retain and pass on information and data, and how technology continues to change our lives and our minds.
THE LAST REMAINS: A Ruth Galloway Mystery by Elly Griffiths (Mystery)
The discovery of a missing woman’s bones force Ruth and Nelson to finally confront their feelings for each other as they desperately work to exonerate one of their own in this not-to-be-missed Ruth Galloway mystery from USA Today bestselling author Elly Griffiths.
RED TEAM BLUES: A Martin Hench Novel by Cory Doctorow (Science Fiction/Technothriller)
New York Times bestselling author Cory Doctorow's RED TEAM BLUES is a grabby next-Tuesday thriller about cryptocurrency shenanigans that will awaken you to how the world really works.
THE RESCUE by T. Jefferson Parker (Thriller)
T. Jefferson Parker’s THE RESCUE is a gripping thriller that explores the strength of the human-animal bond and how far we will go to protect what we love by three-time Edgar Award winner and New York Times bestselling author T. Jefferson Parker.
SMALL MERCIES by Dennis Lehane (Thriller)
Acclaimed New York Times bestselling writer Dennis Lehane returns with a masterpiece to rival MYSTIC RIVER --- an all-consuming tale of revenge, family love, festering hate and insidious power, set against one of the most tumultuous episodes in Boston’s history.
WITH MY LITTLE EYE by Joshilyn Jackson (Psychological Thriller)
From the New York Times bestselling author of NEVER HAVE I EVER comes the hair-raising story of a mother who moves herself and her daughter across the country to lose a dangerous stalker --- only to discover that it will take more than distance to escape him.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Dennis Lehane, Kristin Hannah, Emily Henry
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
Below are a number of upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.
Tuesday, April 25th at 4pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Elly Griffiths will talk about her latest Ruth Galloway mystery, THE LAST REMAINS, in which the discovery of a missing woman’s bones force Ruth and Nelson to finally confront their feelings for each other as they desperately work to exonerate one of their own.
Tuesday, April 25th at 8pm ET: Book Passage: Dennis Lehane will be in conversation with Gillian Flynn about his new thriller, SMALL MERCIES. This all-consuming tale of revenge, family love, festering hate and insidious power is set against one of the most tumultuous episodes in Boston’s history.
Tuesday, April 25th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Taylor Adams will talk about his new thriller, THE LAST WORD, a pulse-pounding novel of psychological suspense and terror. After posting a negative book review, a woman living in a remote location begins to wonder if the author is a little touchy --- or very, very dangerous.
Wednesday, April 26th at 1pm ET: Simon & Schuster's Book Club Favorites: Jeannette Walls will join members of the Simon & Schuster team to discuss her latest novel, HANG THE MOON, which is April's pick for S&S's Book Club Favorites.
Wednesday, April 26th at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors --- Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Patti Callahan Henry --- will talk to Joshilyn Jackson about WITH MY LITTLE EYE and Brenda Janowitz about THE AUDREY HEPBURN ESTATE.
Wednesday, April 26th at 8pm ET: "Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Carol Fitzgerald will talk to Kristin Hannah about her novel, THE FOUR WINDS, which is now in paperback. Kristin 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 Kristin a question on camera, please send Carol an email with the subject line “Kristin” by Wednesday the 26th at noon ET.
Thursday, April 27th at 7pm ET: Barnes & Noble: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry for a live virtual discussion of HAPPY PLACE, her glittering and wise new novel. Emily will be in conversation with Maureen Lenker, an award-winning journalist and Senior Writer for Entertainment Weekly.
"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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Alice Elliott Dark (FELLOWSHIP POINT)
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Kate Morton (HOMECOMING)
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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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