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I was in New York City for three events yesterday. After four decades of commuting into the city, it felt surreal to do it again. Driving in and sitting in traffic on the helix entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel felt WAY too familiar. I was thinking of the Stevie Wonder song “Living for the City,” where he says, “Wow, New York, just like I pictured it. Skyscrapers and everything.” Heading crosstown to a parking garage meant that I saw at least one car run a light. For my heart-stopping moment, there was a woman with a tiny dog who decided that the Don’t Walk sign was not for her, and she sprinted in front of my car as the light was green for me to go. She did wave and mouthed “sorry” as she did this. I had forgotten that this was a typical NYC pedestrian move.
The day started with a lovely media luncheon for Jean Kwok, which was thrown by her agent, Suzanne Gluck. I love both of them! Jean spoke about her upcoming book, THE LEFTOVER WOMAN, which will be out on October 10th. Her talk about the book made me want to just curl up with it immediately and start reading; she said it’s her most personal book since her debut, GIRL IN TRANSLATION. I have been hearing all kinds of great feedback about it. She was one of our first "Bookreporter Talks To" author interviews, and I look forward to interviewing her again. She also brought amazing chocolates from the Netherlands where she lives; the best part is they are so fresh that they should be consumed in eight days. As I ate TWO while writing this newsletter, I noted that I am only following her instructions!
When you do not have an office in the city, what to do between meetings is a big question. My good friend, Beverley, had the BEST suggestion --- the New York Public Library branch on 40th and 5th. They even have a café to grab a cold drink on the top floor. We met up there and chatted, and I sat outside on one of their decks to return some calls. My son, Greg, has worked at libraries around the country. How had I not thought of this sooner? A library will be my “go-to” going forward.
I then headed to a party thrown by Sourcebooks, which was jam-packed with authors and guests, and there I met up with Tom, our Editorial Director. We chatted with so many people, but amusingly neither of us got a drink or ate anything. We were too busy talking. After that, we headed to the official ThrillerFest opening party, where we had a wonderful time catching up with more author friends and publishing colleagues. We did get a drink there, and we finally grabbed some cheese and crackers. It was such fun being out and about and socializing, but I confess that today I was more than happy to just hunker down and work. HOW did I commute for four decades? What I would do to get that time in my life back!
It has been a very busy short week, so here’s what else happened.
We hosted our latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event on Tuesday night, and it was a lot of fun. Laura Dave joined us to discuss her #1 New York Times bestseller, THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME, a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick that is now available in paperback and is a limited series on Apple TV+ starring Jennifer Garner.
Laura had the idea for this book for a while, and she wrote it from different perspectives before finding the first-person story told by Hannah that we read. She talks about how she needs time to settle in with her characters and her plot, and then turns to what serves the book most. She also shares some of the research that she did about houseboat life, as well as the scenes set in Texas. And, to the delight of our readers, she previews what’s next. Click here to watch the video or here to listen to the podcast.
We received such wonderful feedback from those who attended the event, which my staff and I LOVED to see. I’ve included some of their comments in the News & Pop Culture section later in this opener.
Oh, and for the video of Jennifer Garner making Hannah’s Brown Butter & Sage Pasta that Laura mentioned on Tuesday night, you can see it here on Instagram. My husband made it on Wednesday night, and it was a huge success. It IS easy, and we WILL make it again.
I am excited to tell you about a very special “Bookaccino Live” evening event coming up later this month. On Wednesday, June 28th at 8pm ET, I will be presenting a number of titles releasing this summer that I think you will enjoy reading over the next few months. You can register for the program by clicking here.
Please note: We will not be doing any "Bookaccino Live" Book Group events in June, July or August as we know that many people are traveling. But we already have our September author scheduled. We will share more details about what promises to be a fabulous event over the next couple of weeks.
This killer will get inside your head. Brilliant rogue police investigator Harry Hole is back in Jo Nesbø’s latest mystery/thriller, KILLING MOON. This time, Harry is an outsider assembling his own team to help find a serial killer who is murdering young women in Oslo.
In her review, Katherine B. Weissman describes Harry as “[p]art rock star, part melancholic philosopher” and calls him “the coolest, smartest, most complex, least orthodox crime fighter around.” She goes on to say, “In plotting this book, Nesbø gives us a heap of misleading clues, mistaken arrests, red herrings and blind alleys. He is a master of misdirection…. [D]oes a cryptic paragraph at the very end of this book suggest that another serial killer is at large --- and a 14th Harry Hole mystery is in the offing?”
Our reviewer Ray Palen also read KILLING MOON and offers his thoughts on it:
“There are not many detectives in contemporary fiction who is more broken or complex than Harry Hole. He is now on the outs with his department --- fired from the force and spending his days intoxicated and drowning in self-pity in, of all places, Los Angeles. However, this does not prevent him from investigating a wealthy real estate magnate accused of being behind the disappearance of two young women who attended a party at his house, one of whom turns up murdered. Harry begrudgingly returns to Norway and involves himself in the case, but this time he is accompanied by a ragtag group of fellow former operatives who have a plan to stop the killer before he strikes again.
“I loved the film adaptation of Nesbø’s novel, THE SNOWMAN, which featured the terrific Michael Fassbender in the starring role, and I wish they would make more Harry Hole movies. Quite frankly, this series is one of the best in crime fiction and is as gritty as they come.”
CENTRAL PARK WEST is the crime fiction debut of former FBI director James Comey. This gripping and fast-paced legal thriller takes readers deep inside the world of lawyers and investigators working to solve a murder while navigating the treacherous currents of modern politics and the mob.
Stuart Shiffman has this to say in his review: “Comey’s writing style here is simple and direct. He grabs and maintains the attention of his readers in a story that has plenty of plot twists and turns. Like many of the great writers in this genre, he seems comfortable in the five-to-six-page chapter format…. Comey imparts quite a bit of knowledge about investigative techniques and putting a criminal case together. He has me anticipating the next book he is working on, and I will be the first in line to grab a copy.”
Flight attendant turned New York Times bestselling author T. J. Newman --- whose debut FALLING was an instant #1 national bestseller and a Bets On selection --- is back with her second book, DROWNING, which also will be a Bets On title. This edge-of-your-seat thriller is about a commercial jetliner that crashes into the ocean and sinks to the bottom with passengers trapped inside, and the extraordinary rescue operation to save them.
According to Ray Palen, “What makes DROWNING such an outstanding novel and an ideal summer read is the constant level of suspense that is accompanied by a countdown of how long the plane is underwater and the hours of air left for the courageous survivors. T. J. Newman made me miss those great disaster films of my youth, but she also proved to me that she is a literary force to be reckoned with who has found a niche in the thriller genre that will be difficult to match.” I so agree with Ray! I will share my Bets On thoughts about the book in next week’s newsletter. And I am going to try to catch up with T. J. for an interview in the next few weeks!
Megan Abbott’s new psychological thriller, BEWARE THE WOMAN, is a nightmarish glimpse at every pregnant woman’s fears about their vulnerabilities. Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her husband, Jed, embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Dr. Ash. But shortly after arriving at the cottage, Jacy has a health scare. Suddenly, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother seem to eerily impinge upon the present, and Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage. But are her fears founded?
Norah Piehl has our review and says, “Abbott skillfully employs a beautiful but claustrophobic setting. The remoteness of Jed’s family’s home is initially appealing but soon grows menacing, especially as Jacy’s freedoms grow increasingly curtailed.... Readers won’t soon forget Jacy’s fierce yet frightened internal monologue as she struggles to make sense of her situation --- and survive it.” BEWARE THE WOMAN will be a Bets On pick; don’t miss my commentary in next week’s newsletter. And to answer the question above, the woman's fears ARE founded!
Word of Mouth Reminder
We’re awarding BEWARE THE WOMAN to the winners of our Word of Mouth contest, along with LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See, which releases on Tuesday and also will be a Bets On selection. Submit your comments about the books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win both these titles. Please do so by Friday, June 9th at noon ET.
Summer Reading Update
We gave away LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN in a Summer Reading contest this week, along with MUSTIQUE ISLAND by Sarah McCoy, a Bets On pick that released in paperback on Tuesday. Next week’s prizes will be FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN by Viola Shipman, THE GIRLS OF SUMMER by Katie Bishop, and WHAT REMAINS by Wendy Walker. The first contest of the week will go live on Monday, June 5th at noon ET.
Revisiting Two “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews
I talked to Sarah McCoy about MUSTIQUE ISLAND when the book released in hardcover last year. Click here to watch the video or here to listen to the podcast. Also out in paperback this week is THE SHORE by Katie Runde, which finds a mother and her two daughters spending a summer grappling with heartbreak, young love and the weight of secrets. I had the pleasure of talking to Katie about the book when it first came out last year. You can watch it here or listen to it here.
Our "Best Books for Dad" Contest
You have until Friday, June 16th at noon ET to enter our Father's Day contest, where five readers will win six fabulous fiction and nonfiction titles for themselves or the dad in their lives. This year’s prizes are I WILL FIND YOU by Harlan Coben, KING: A Life by Jonathan Eig, LAWS OF WRATH: A Martyr Maker Novel by Eriq La Salle, THE LIE MAKER by Linwood Barclay, THE NAZI CONSPIRACY: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, and SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
My Bets On commentary for THE LIE MAKER is now up, as is YELLOWFACE by R. F. Kuang, both of which we reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Click on each of the titles to see why I’m betting you’ll love these books. And if you missed my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with Linwood from last week, be sure to watch or listen to it.
Batter Up!
Ron Kaplan, our resident baseball aficionado, is back with another Baseball Books roundup. This time, Ron reviews three titles that focus on New York baseball, including Jack Curry’s THE 1998 YANKEES: The Inside Story of the Greatest Baseball Team Ever. He also takes a look at two offerings that deal with various alternatives to major league baseball, one of which is Ryan McGee’s WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS OF BASEBALL: A Study of the Perfect Summer at the Perfect Ballpark at the Perfect Time. All five books in this feature would make great Father’s Day gifts!
Books on Screen Offerings for June
We’ve updated our Books on Screen feature for this month. June’s roundup includes the series premieres of "The Walking Dead: Dead City" on AMC and "The Crowded Room" on Apple TV+; the season premieres of "Outlander" on Starz, "Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan" on Amazon Prime Video, and "Joe Pickett" on Paramount+; the conclusion of "City on Fire" on Apple TV+; the midseason finale of "Fear the Walking Dead" on AMC; the films The Boogeyman in theaters, The Wonder Weeks on Netflix, and Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; and the DVD releases of Rare Objects, Sakra and The Pope’s Exorcist.
Remember to Vote in Our Poll
Our poll continues to ask if you listen to digital audiobooks (as opposed to books on discs). Be sure to cast your votes by Friday, June 9th at noon ET.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
As I mentioned earlier, we received so much great email this week about our event with Laura Dave. Here are some of those notes.
Faye wrote, “Just want to say it was a fabulous presentation and discussion. I really appreciate all that you do and enjoy the author discussions.” Mary wrote, “This was a very interesting and enjoyable event!” Shelley, who joined us to ask a question live, wrote, “Thank you for the opportunity to ask my questions to Laura Dave. I think this was the first opportunity I have had to talk with an author live. Hoping to be able to continue this in the future. And thank you for making this all possible. I came upon you by accident when I was searching the web. You are an invaluable find and resource for voracious readers.” Carol wrote, “Thank you for your author interviews. They are professional and personal at the same time, which makes for a wonderful evening.”
We got a note from a reader about the search function on Bookreporter. Vicki wrote, “I have a quick comment/question. I would love to search just your site to find reviews, interviews with authors, etc., but when I put my item in the search (i.e. 'The Paris Daughter'), I get links to purchasing and other non-Bookreporter items, but not anything from Bookreporter. I can easily go to Google to get other sites, but I want to know if there is an upcoming event, prior interview or review.”
Here's why. We use Google for search on the site because they are the best search engine. As a result, they link to related content at the top. Scroll down past the top section, and you will get our links. We also like the idea of listing our events somewhere. We post about them on the right-hand side of Bookreporter, but let me think about a way to post the past events as well as upcoming ones. We get great ideas from our readers, so if you have one, do shoot me a note.
“Succession” on HBO: I confess that I did not love the finale, BUT after listening to a number of interviews and reading a lot about it, I understand why this conclusion did work well. We all know that these shows are not shot in sequence, but I found it really interesting that Jeremy Strong said his last day on set was March 1st when they shot a scene in the kitchen. I do not want to give anything away, but that by no means was the end!
“Ted Lasso” on Apple TV+: I really loved the ending here. There was something warm and wonderful about it, and there were some very funny moments. But yes, there are some “sequel” battle cries that also can be pulled from it.
Victim/Suspect on Netflix: This is a very interesting documentary about two women who were raped or otherwise sexually abused, and instead of being looked at as victims, they were charged with false accusations of rape. It was absolutely appalling to see what these young women went through. The reporter did a terrific job of reporting this over what was clearly a number of years.
“Saint X” on Hulu: The entire series deviated from the book, but that said, I thought it was good. The reviews have not been great, but it did keep my attention and I looked forward to watching it.
I really need a way to keep a list of what I watch. If this is something that Netflix does, do let me know!
On Sunday, I am headed to the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden with my book group to hear a talk from Martha Hall Kelly and tour the house. The lilacs up there are supposed to be amazing. I am really looking forward to this!
Beyond that, there are more plants to be bought, according to how much has been done on our patio building project. I am working on a palette here of purple/periwinkle and deep pink flowers, and it has been fun to see it come together. Right now we have all of the patio furniture on the side lawn under a tarp. I look at it and go cuckoo since it looks so bad; it's like a lawn episode of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” My husband says, “Then just do not look at it.” Everything is covered in a fine dust from cutting the stones for the patio. We have an amazing crew working on this. They show up at 7am (even on Saturdays) and work until after 6pm. Amazing!
Cory brought over homemade ice cream tonight. He rocked a pint each of mint chocolate chip and strawberry. He shared his technique, which was presented like the engineer that he is.
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: KILLING MOON by Jo Nesbø
KILLING MOON: A Harry Hole Novel written by Jo Nesbø, translated by Seán Kinsella (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by John Lee
Two young women are missing, their only connection a party they both attended, hosted by a notorious real-estate magnate. When one of the women is found murdered, the police discover an unusual signature left by the killer, giving them reason to suspect he will strike again. They’re facing a killer unlike any other. And exposing him calls for a detective like no other. But the legendary Harry Hole is gone --- fired from the force, drinking himself to oblivion in Los Angeles. It seems that nothing can entice him back to Oslo. Until the woman who saved Harry's life is put in grave danger, and he has no choice but to return to the city that haunts him and track down the murderer. However, as the evidence mounts, it becomes clear that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Reviewed by Katherine B. Weissman.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: CENTRAL PARK WEST by James Comey
CENTRAL PARK WEST by James Comey (Legal Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Cassandra Campbell
When a years-long case against a powerful mobster finally cracks and an unimpeachable witness takes the stand, federal prosecutor Nora Carleton is looking forward to putting the defendant away for good. The mobster, though, has other plans. As the witness’s testimony concludes, a note is passed to the prosecution offering up information into the assassination of a disgraced former New York governor, murdered in his penthouse apartment just days before. It’s enough to blow the case wide open, and to send Nora into a high-stakes investigation of conspiracy, corruption and danger. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: DROWNING by T. J. Newman
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
DROWNING: The Rescue of Flight 1421 by T. J. Newman (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Steven Weber and Laura Benanti
Six minutes after takeoff, Flight 1421 crashes into the Pacific Ocean. During the evacuation, an engine explodes and the plane is flooded. Those still alive are forced to close the doors --- but it’s too late. The plane sinks to the bottom with 12 passengers trapped inside. More than 200 feet below the surface, engineer Will Kent and his 11-year-old daughter, Shannon, are waist-deep in water and fighting for their lives. Their only chance at survival is an elite rescue team on the surface led by professional diver Chris Kent --- Shannon’s mother and Will’s soon-to-be ex-wife --- who must work together with Will to find a way to save their daughter and rescue the passengers from the sealed airplane, which is now teetering on the edge of an undersea cliff. There’s not much time. There’s even less air. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
DROWNING will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Featured Review: BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Brittany Pressley
Newly married and with a baby on the way, Jacy and her husband, Jed, embark on their first road trip together to visit his father, Dr. Ash. The moment they arrive at the cottage, snug within the lush woods, Jacy feels bathed in love by the warm and hospitable Dr. Ash. But their Edenic first days take a turn when Jacy has a health scare. Swiftly, vacation activities are scrapped, and all eyes are on Jacy’s condition. Suddenly, whispers about Jed’s long-dead mother seem to eerily impinge upon the present, and Jacy begins to feel trapped in the cottage. But are her fears founded or is it paranoia, or cabin fever, or --- as is suggested to her --- a stubborn refusal to take necessary precautions? The dense woods surrounding the cottage are full of dangers, but are the greater ones inside? 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.
BEWARE THE WOMAN will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
THE LIE MAKER by Linwood Barclay
and YELLOWFACE by R. F. Kuang
THE LIE MAKER by Linwood Barclay (Thriller)
It’s no secret to Bookreporter readers that Linwood Barclay is one of my favorite authors. With THE LIE MAKER, he has written what I think is his best book. I love the way that he introduces us to characters, and as we come to know them, we immediately start thinking, Hmmmm, how are these people all going to come together?
Jack Givins had a crazy thing happen to him when he was young. His dad went into witness protection after years as a hitman for a group of “bad men,” and then he was a witness against them. But his soul is by no means clear. As he tells Jack, “I killed people,” and you just cannot say, “I’m sorry about that.” Jack’s mom opts not to leave, so Jack is ripped away from his dad. It’s a very sad goodbye that will plague him for years.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to visit Linwood Barclay's website.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THE LIE MAKER.
YELLOWFACE by R. F. Kuang (Fiction)
YELLOWFACE is the first book that I have read by R. F. Kuang (her first name is Rebecca). She has written award-winning fantasy titles, but this is a genre that I rarely dip into. The cover is arresting, and when it arrived at my house, I felt like those eyes were calling to me and saying, “I dare you to read me.”
For those who love books about publishing, you have a current look at the world of publishing here. We get everything from the bestselling author to the writer who fears she never will write anything great again. June Hayward is an author whose debut novel sank like a stone. She looks with envy at another author, Athena Liu, who came into the business at around the same time she did but is the one who has had great success. Shortly after the book’s opening, Athena dies in one very freak accident, and June is the only other person there.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here for the discussion guide.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on YELLOWFACE.
Bookreporter.com's 18th Annual
Father's Day Contest: Best Books for Dad
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men in our lives who have raised and loved us. Why not show him your appreciation by inspiring him with a great book? In our 18th annual "Best Books for Dad" contest, we have a selection of books that are perfect gift-giving suggestions for Dad, keeping him busy through the rest of the year. Five readers will be awarded a copy of each of our six featured titles. To enter, please fill out this form by Friday, June 16th at noon ET.
This year's prize books are:
Bookreporter.com’s 2023 Summer Baseball Books Roundup: Tradition and the Bucking Thereof
The New York Yankees have had their ups and downs so far this season. But no matter where they are in the standings, a treasure trove of books release each year about this storied franchise. Our reviewer Ron Kaplan talks about three of these titles in this year's Summer Baseball Books roundup, along with two that veer away from the major leagues. They include THE 1998 YANKEES, a gripping account of “the greatest baseball team ever” from a reporter who was there for the team's 125 wins; ROAD TO NOWHERE, which tells the story of how two teams that had swapped roles in the 1980s swapped them right back in the early 1990s; and WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS OF BASEBALL, a gloriously funny, nostalgic memoir of a popular ESPN reporter who, in the summer of 1994, was a fresh-out-of-college intern for a minor league baseball team.
Click here for Ron Kaplan’s 2023 Summer Baseball Books roundup.
Bookreporter.com's 19th Annual
Summer Reading Contests and Feature
Summer (officially) will be here before you know it! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share some great summer book picks with our Summer Reading Contests and Feature. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through mid-August, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.
Our next prize book will be announced on Monday, June 5th at noon ET.
This year’s featured titles include:
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
June’s Books on Screen Feature
Here is a preview of this month's movies, TV shows and DVDs that are based on books. For a complete list of June's offerings, please click here.
Film Releases
The Boogeyman
Release Date: June 2nd (wide release in theaters)
Based on: The short story of the same name by Stephen King
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New
Air Date: Friday, June 9th at 9pm ET/PT on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Based on: The Aurora Teagarden mysteries by Charlaine Harris
Series Premiere
"The Walking Dead: Dead City"
Air Dates: Sundays at 10pm ET/PT on AMC; Series Premiere on June 18th
Based on: The comic book series The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard
Season Premieres
"Joe Pickett"
Release Dates: Sundays on Paramount+; Season Two Premiere on June 4th (the first two episodes will be available)
Based on: The Joe Pickett novels by C. J. Box
"Outlander"
Air Dates: Fridays at 8pm ET/PT on Starz; Season Seven Premiere on June 16th
Based on: AN ECHO IN THE BONE by Diana Gabaldon
"Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan"
Release Dates: Fridays on Amazon Prime Video; Season Four Premiere on June 30th (the first two episodes will be available)
Based on: Characters from the fictional "Ryanverse" created by Tom Clancy
Series Finale
"City on Fire" (8-episode limited series)
Release Dates: Fridays on Apple TV+; Series Finale on June 16th
Based on: CITY ON FIRE by Garth Risk Hallberg
Season Finales
"Fear the Walking Dead"
Air Dates: Sundays at 9pm ET/PT on AMC; Season Eight Midseason Finale on June 18th
Based on: The comic book series The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard
"Silo"
Release Dates: Fridays on Apple TV+; Season One Finale on June 30th
Based on: The Silo series by Hugh Howey
On DVD
Rare Objects
DVD Release Date: June 6th
Based on: RARE OBJECTS by Kathleen Tessaro
THE POISONER'S RING: A Rip Through Time Novel by Kelley Armstrong (Historical Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Kate Handford
Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell --- even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body --- and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows, the latest of whom is Gray’s oldest sister. Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
THE SUMMER OF 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season That Defined the American West by Chris Wimmer (History)
Audiobook available, read by Johnny Heller
The summer of 1876 was a key time period in the development of the mythology of the Old West. Many individuals who are considered legends by modern readers were involved in events that began their notoriety or turned out to be the most famous --- or infamous --- moments of their lives. Those individuals were Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickok and Jesse James. THE SUMMER OF 1876 weaves together the timelines of the events that made these men legends to demonstrate the overlapping context of their stories and to illustrate the historical importance of that summer, all layered with highlights of significant milestones in 1876. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
I DIDN'T DO IT by Jaime Lynn Hendricks (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Emily Sutton-Smith, Catherine Ho and Kyle Burrow
Murderpalooza, the premier thriller writers conference, is meant to be an exciting celebration of the genre and its preeminent writers. But when bestselling author and industry favorite Kristin Bailey is found dead in her hotel room, four rival authors --- a midlister, an egomaniac, a has-been and a newbie --- also get targeted by an anonymous social media account and wonder if they’re next. First, they find themselves bonding to try to find out who’s behind it. As the account taunts them, it slowly reveals secrets that each of them have connected to Kristin --- secrets that make them a suspect in each other’s eyes. Soon, they are turning on each other and silently accusing each as a killer. Time is running out until the awards ceremony, where the social media account has promised a big reveal. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
DEEP AS THE SKY, RED AS THE SEA by Rita Chang-Eppig (Historical Fiction/Adventure)
Audiobook available, read by Emily Woo Zeller
When Shek Yeung sees a Portuguese sailor slay her husband, a feared pirate, she knows she must act swiftly or die. Instead of mourning, Shek Yeung launches a new plan: immediately marrying her husband's second-in-command, and agreeing to bear him a son and heir, in order to retain power over her half of the fleet. But as Shek Yeung vies for control over the army she knows she was born to lead, larger threats loom. The Chinese Emperor has charged a brutal, crafty nobleman with ridding the South China Seas of pirates, and the Europeans --- tired of losing ships, men and money to Shek Yeung's alliance --- have new plans for the area. Even worse, Shek Yeung's cutthroat retributions create problems all their own. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
LINCOLN'S GOD: How Faith Transformed a President and a Nation by Joshua Zeitz (History)
Audiobook available, read by Dan Woren
Abraham Lincoln, unlike most of his political brethren, kept organized Christianity at arm’s length. He never joined a church and only sometimes attended Sunday services with his wife. But as he came to appreciate the growing political and military importance of the Christian community, and when death touched the Lincoln household in an awful, intimate way, the erstwhile skeptic effectively evolved into a believer and harnessed the power of evangelical Protestantism to rally the nation to arms. The war, he told Americans, was divine retribution for the sin of slavery. This is the story of that transformation and the ways in which religion helped millions of Northerners interpret the carnage and political upheaval of the 1850s and 1860s. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
REWRITING ILLNESS: A View of My Own by Elizabeth Benedict (Memoir)
By turns somber and funny, but above all provocative, Elizabeth Benedict’s REWRITING ILLNESS is a most unconventional memoir. With wisdom, self-effacing wit and the storytelling skills of a seasoned novelist, she brings to life her cancer diagnosis and committed hypochondria. As she discovers multiplying lumps in her armpit, she describes her initial terror, interspersed with moments of self-mocking levity as she indulges in “natural remedies” --- among them, chanting Tibetan mantras, drinking shots of wheat grass, and finding medicinal properties in chocolate babka. She tracks the progression of her illness from muddled diagnosis to debilitating treatment as she gathers sustenance from her family and an assortment of urbane, ironic friends, including her fearless “cancer guru.” Reviewed by Jesse Kornbluth for HeadButler.com.
THE GOD OF GOOD LOOKS by Breanne Mc Ivor (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Varia Williams and Alexis Rodney
Bianca Bridge has always dreamt of becoming a writer. But Trinidadian society can be unforgiving, and having an affair with a married government official is a surefire way to ruin your prospects. So when Obadiah Cortland, a notoriously tyrannical entrepreneur in the island’s beauty scene, offers her a job, Bianca accepts. As she begins to embrace her power and creative voice, she starts to suspect Obadiah is not the elite tyrant he seems. She’s right. Born in one of the poorest parts of Trinidad, Obadiah has clawed partway up society’s ladder and built his company around his meticulously crafted persona. He’s not about to let anyone, especially Bianca, see past his façade. When Bianca’s ex-lover threatens everything she’s rebuilt, she’s surprised to find support from the most unlikely ally. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on June 5th and 6th
Below are some notable titles releasing on June 5th and 6th 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 June 5th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
June 5th
CROSS DOWN: An Alex Cross and John Sampson Thriller by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois (Thriller)
Alex Cross is gravely injured. Only his partner and friend, John Sampson, can keep him safe...and get justice.
June 6th
ALL THE SINNERS BLEED by S. A. Cosby (Thriller)
Powerful and unforgettable, ALL THE SINNERS BLEED confirms S. A. Cosby as “one of the most muscular, distinctive, grab-you-by-both-ears voices in American crime fiction” (The Washington Post).
CASSANDRA IN REVERSE by Holly Smale (Fiction)
If you had the power to change the past, where would you start? One small rewind at a time, Cassie attempts to fix the life she accidentally obliterated, but soon she'll discover she's trying to fix all the wrong things.
CLIVE CUSSLER FIRE STRIKE: A Novel of the Oregon Files by Mike Maden (Thriller/Adventure)
Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon must battle an army of genetically engineered mercenaries to stop a hypersonic missile attack in this explosive new adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
CROW MARY by Kathleen Grissom (Historical Fiction)
The New York Times bestselling author of the book club classics THE KITCHEN HOUSE and GLORY OVER EVERYTHING returns with a sweeping saga inspired by the true story of Crow Mary --- an indigenous woman torn between two worlds in 19th-century North America.
EVERYTHING'S FINE by Cecilia Rabess (Fiction)
A stunning debut that introduces Cecilia Rabess as a blazing new talent, EVERYTHING'S FINE is a poignant and sharp novel that doesn’t just ask will they, but…should they?
THE GIRLS OF SUMMER by Katie Bishop (Psychological Thriller)
This dual timeline psychological novel for readers of MY DARK VANESSA is about the complicated nature of memory and trauma, power and consent, pitched against the backdrop of a life-changing summer in the Greek isles.
THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN by Nancy Horan (Historical Fiction)
Nancy Horan, author of the million-copy New York Times bestseller LOVING FRANK, returns with THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN, which tells the story of Abraham Lincoln's ascendance from rumpled lawyer to U.S. president to Great Emancipator and presents Lincoln's Midwestern home as a complex third home front of the Civil War.
LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See (Historical Fiction)
Perfect for fans of SNOWFLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN and THE ISLAND OF SEA WOMEN, Lisa See’s latest historical novel is inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China.
MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER by Victoria Benton Frank (Fiction)
Escape to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where family bonds and hidden secrets run deep. In this gripping tale of self-discovery, Victoria Benton Frank introduces us to Maggie, who is struggling to find her place in the world when she receives a phone call bringing her back to her hometown of Sullivan's Island.
NEAR MISS: A Stone Barrington Novel by Stuart Woods and Brett Battles (Thriller/Adventure)
Stone Barrington faces down a deadly foe in this latest thrilling adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
PAGEBOY: A Memoir by Elliot Page (Memoir)
Full of intimate stories, from chasing down secret love affairs to battling body image and struggling with familial strife, PAGEBOY is a love letter to the power of being seen. With this evocative and lyrical debut, Oscar-nominated star Elliot Page captures the universal human experience of searching for ourselves and our place in this complicated world.
THE PARIS DAUGHTER by Kristin Harmel (Historical Fiction)
From the bestselling author of THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES comes a gripping historical novel about two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation.
SUCH KINDNESS by Andre Dubus III (Fiction)
To one man’s painful moral journey, Andre Dubus III brings compassion with an edge of dark absurdity, forging a novel as absorbing as it is profound.
THE SURVIVOR: An Eve Duncan Novel by Iris Johansen (Thriller)
Eve Duncan and Riley Smith must solve their most exciting puzzle since A FACE TO DIE FOR when asked to uncover the mysterious secret hidden on a remote island.
WATCH US SHINE by Marisa de los Santos (Fiction)
Marisa de los Santos returns to the world of her beloved, bestselling novels LOVE WALKED IN and BELONG TO ME in an enthralling tale of sisterhood, sacrifice and the enduring power of love.
THE WHISPERS by Ashley Audrain (Domestic Thriller)
From the author of THE PUSH comes a page-turner about four suburban families whose lives are changed when the unthinkable happens --- and what is lost when good people make unconscionable choices.
THE WIND KNOWS MY NAME by Isabel Allende (Historical Fiction)
This powerful and moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A LONG PETAL OF THE SEA and VIOLETA weaves together past and present, tracing the ripple effects of war and immigration on one child in Europe in 1938 and another in the United States in 2019.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Kathleen Grissom, Wade Rouse (writing as Viola Shipman), Isabel Allende
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
Here are eight upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.
Monday, June 5th at 7pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: James Patterson will talk about his new Alex Cross thriller, CROSS DOWN, which he wrote with Brendan DuBois. Alex Cross is gravely injured. Only his partner and friend, John Sampson, can keep him safe...and get justice.
Monday, June 5th at 7pm ET: Random House Studio Sessions: Random House Studio Sessions features live conversations with the biggest names on your bookshelf, filmed in Random House's studio and broadcast virtually to wherever you are. Join Isabel Allende as she discusses her new novel, THE WIND KNOWS MY NAME, with Arianna Davis, the Editorial Director of "Today" Digital.
Tuesday, June 6th at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble Book Club: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Patti Callahan Henry for a live book club event to discuss THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA, May's B&N Book Club pick. She will be in conversation with Shannon DeVito, the Sr. Director of Book Strategy and Customer Experience at B&N, and Miwa Messer, B&N’s Editorial Director.
Tuesday, June 6th at 7pm ET: Books & Books, Politics and Prose, and Schuler Books: Ashley Audrain will be in conversation with fellow New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose to celebrate the launch of her much-talked-about second novel, THE WHISPERS, following THE PUSH.
Tuesday, June 6th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Daniel Weizmann will talk about his debut novel, THE LAST SONGBIRD, which is the first entry in his Pacific Coast Highway mystery series. This gritty, fast-paced neo-noir explores the consumptive nature of fame, celebrity and motherhood through the lens of a driver lost in the gig economy.
Wednesday, June 7th at 7pm ET: "Friends and Fiction": The "Friends and Fiction" authors --- Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, Kristy Woodson Harvey and Patti Callahan Henry --- will celebrate the launch of Kristin's new book, THE PARIS DAUGHTER. This gripping historical novel is about two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation.
Wednesday, June 7th at 7pm ET: Titcomb's Bookshop: Join Titcomb's as they welcome Kathleen Grissom to the virtual stage to talk about her new book, CROW MARY. This sweeping saga is inspired by the true story of Crow Mary, an indigenous woman torn between two worlds in 19th-century North America.
Thursday, June 8th at 6pm ET: Viola Shipman's Sizzlin' Summer Book Bash: Visit Viola Shipman's Facebook page for a live virtual author telethon to celebrate the launch of Viola's FAMOUS IN A SMALL TOWN and the hottest summer reads. The all-star author lineup includes Robyn Carr, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Nancy Thayer and Zibby Owens. FoxTale Bookshoppe is serving as the indie bookseller for the telethon.
"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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Nancy Horan (THE HOUSE OF LINCOLN)
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Lisa See (LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: Digital Audiobooks
Do you listen to digital audiobooks?
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Yes, all of the time.
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Yes, some of the time.
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No, I prefer physical audiobooks (discs).
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No, but I would be interested in exploring this.
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No, I do not listen to audiobooks.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, June 9th 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 May 26th to June 9th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of BEWARE THE WOMAN by Megan Abbott and LADY TAN'S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See.
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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