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We are arriving in your inboxes early as we get ready to head out for the long weekend. We are grateful to you, our readers! We love what we do, and we love sharing it with you.
I am hosting dinner here and making our traditional menu with the turkey recipe that I created in 1992...and have made every year since then! I have shared it with friends, and at least two caterers have asked for the recipe. I have adapted the cornbread sweet potato stuffing from DEAN FEARING’S SOUTHWEST CUISINE, which amusingly I picked up as a galley when I worked at Mademoiselle magazine. It’s now out of print, but I still have my food-stained copy.
Last Sunday, instead of getting ahead on cooking, I embarked on a huge home reorganization project. The new armoire for the bedroom came a week early, and Tom put it together for me. I made the brilliant decision of seeing what would fit in it and went to town in my closet, folding what would go in this new cabinet and tossing things that I know I never will wear again. BUT it arrived sans shelves, which Tom needs to build. This meant we had to go buy wood, and today he is in construction mode.
This project also meant that four bookcases that hold four years of Bookreporter.com Bets On titles, as well as books I have not read yet and 2025 advance reading copies, needed to be moved and reorganized. So I became a bookshelf designer. Each shelf has books standing upright and others on their sides. It looks very artful, if I say so myself. There will be further editing on this.
So far, I have set the table for Thanksgiving and made cornbread. And, hold for this one... I made a list of all the spices that we have, alphabetized it, and added it to the spice cabinet. Yes, this is a new level of Thanksgiving prep! For the record, there are multiple containers of many spices.
As I was organizing like a mother hen, I was listening to EVERYBODY IS A LIAR by Liv Constantine. It's an audiobook original read by Barrie Kreinik, Saskia Maarleveld, Shayr Guthrie, Jennifer Jill Araya, Dallis Seeker and Danny Campbell. A humorous thing happened when I started listening to the book in my car. One of the characters, Julie, is an author. When she types, they have the sound of typing (click...click…click) in the soundtrack. I kept thinking my car was making a funny noise. It would stop and start. I FINALLY figured out that it was the audiobook and laughed at myself.
Yes, everyone is a liar. The story is tight with a well-done ending!
Now I am listening to COLORED TELEVISION by Danzy Senna, which is read by Kristen Ariza. Jane is a failed novelist who is trying to figure out what’s next. She finds herself in a tough situation when her agent and editor feel that the project she has spent a decade on is not going to work. She is living with her family in Los Angeles, where they move from one house sitting job to another as a way for them to stay afloat. Jane hears about an idea for a television series from Brett, whose home they are house sitting, and jumps on it. It includes a biracial family very much like Jane’s, and she homes in on Brett’s contacts to get herself in the development room.
I want to see what happens next. Jane is ignoring Brett's texts, and they have drunk all of his expensive wine. Those are two big clues that things are not going to go well!
Join Us on Tuesday Evening for
"Bookaccino Live" Book Group!
This is your last newsletter reminder to sign up for our final “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event of the year, which will take place on Tuesday, December 3rd at 8pm ET.
Our guest will be Ariel Lawhon, and she will be talking about her New York Times bestseller, THE FROZEN RIVER, a “Good Morning America” Book Club pick and an NPR Book of the Year that is newly released in paperback and will be a Bets On selection. This gripping historical mystery is inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.
You can register for the event by clicking here. If you have a question for Ariel, please email it to me using the subject line “Ariel” by December 3rd at noon ET. Be sure to also include your name, city and state, and indicate if you’d like to be on camera during the event so you can ask Ariel the question yourself, or if you’d prefer me to ask it for you. Those who appear on camera will be able to chat with Ariel in our virtual green room before the program starts.
I am looking forward to Tuesday evening and hope you can join us!
Set over the course of one December in the same village as Niall Williams' beloved THIS IS HAPPINESS, TIME OF THE CHILD is a compassionate, life-affirming novel. It’s a tender return to Faha for readers who know its charms, and a heartwarming welcome to those entering for the first time.
According to Harvey Freedenberg in his review, the book “invites slow reading as one effortlessly slips into the idiosyncratic, seemingly eternal rhythm of small-town Irish life…. With its Christmas setting and a dominant sensibility that’s appropriate for that season, TIME OF THE CHILD is a superb choice for anyone who wants to satisfy an avid reader on a gift list this year. But the truth is that it’s a timeless story to be relished in any season.”
After breathing new life into both the Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall series over the last few years, Mike Lupica did the same to the Spenser series last year with the release of ROBERT B. PARKER’S BROKEN TRUST. He has now penned his second Spenser mystery, ROBERT B. PARKER’S HOT PROPERTY, which finds our beloved hero investigating a case that hits dangerously close to home.
Ray Palen has our review and says, “The writing is like a house on fire, and ROBERT B. PARKER'S HOT PROPERTY becomes a fast read full of infectious language and banter. I trust that this is not the last we will see of the great Spenser. In the hands of Mike Lupica, he continues to live and breathe in a way that would make Robert B. Parker proud.”
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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THE SERVICEBERRY: Robin Wall Kimmerer, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of BRAIDING SWEETGRASS and an Indigenous scientist, has produced a bold and inspiring vision for how to orient our lives around gratitude, reciprocity and community, based on the lessons of the natural world.
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AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE: Phillip Margolin returns with a stand-alone legal thriller in the tradition of John Grisham. According to our reviewer Kate Ayers, “We all know that sex trafficking takes a toll on lives every day, so spotlighting it in this novel while writing such a readable story is a commendable feat for Phillip Margolin.”
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WHAT THE CHICKEN KNOWS: For more than two decades, Sy Montgomery has kept a flock of chickens in her backyard. Each chicken has an individual personality and connects with Sy in her own way. In this short, delightful book, Sy takes us inside the flock and reveals all the things that make chickens such remarkable creatures.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
THE GRAYS OF TRUTH, Sharon Virts’ new historical mystery, is my latest Bets On pick. Click here for my commentary. If you missed my interview with Sharon from last week, be sure to watch the video or listen to the podcast. And just so you are aware, the book will be in 50 airport bookstores starting Sunday. Sharon shared this: “If your readers spot it, they should take a selfie and post it on my Facebook or Instagram page. They might win a swag bag of goodies, including cool book-socks!”
Word of Mouth Contest Reminder
Our current Word of Mouth prizes are RENTAL HOUSE by Weike Wang and TO DIE FOR: A 6:20 Man Thriller by David Baldacci. 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, December 13th at noon ET. We plan to feature our review of RENTAL HOUSE in next week’s newsletter.
Remember to Vote in Our Poll
Our poll continues to ask if you will be giving books as gifts this holiday season. Be sure to let us know by Friday, December 13th at noon ET.
This week, we learned the sad news that Barbara Taylor Bradford passed away at the age of 91 following a short illness. Bradford was born and raised in England and started her writing career as a journalist. She wrote over 40 international bestsellers, including A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, which ranks as one of the top 10 bestselling books of all time. In 2007, Queen Elizabeth awarded her the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her literary achievements. Be sure to visit Bradford’s website to read more about her prolific career and some of the heartwarming tributes from people she has worked with over the years.
Please keep in mind that this Saturday, November 30th is Indies First, a national campaign of activities and events in support of independent bookstores. It’s held every year in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The American Booksellers Association has named Trevor Noah to be their Indie Bookstore Ambassador for 2024-2025. Noah hosted the Emmy Award-winning “The Daily Show” and wrote the #1 New York Times bestseller, BORN A CRIME: Stories from a South African Childhood.
He says, “Books are expansive and infinite worlds --- even as a child they helped me envision lands and lives, real and imagined, far beyond anything I could see with my own eyes. Bookstores are where readers can go to find these magical portals into other universes and other minds. But they do more than that. Independent bookstores connect readers to ideas and stories, and they are the rare physical place in our communities where we can connect with each other.”
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Debbie wrote, “Thank you so much for selecting me as a 'Bookaccino Live' winner of THE BLUE HOUR. It was on my list to read AND also on my husband’s list. We are both looking forward to reading it soon! I love reading Bookreporter.com and have recently tuned in to the live author presentations. I am a big reader and love all the book news and emails that you send. I truly appreciate all your hard work and dedication to posting the book news and will definitely tune in to future book reviews and live author presentations. Thank you again! Happy Reading!”
Helene wrote, “I was absolutely delighted to learn that I was a winner in the Fall Reading contest. THE GRAYS OF TRUTH was one of the books that I was really anxious to read. Thank you so much. I will read this book on my airplane trip to be with family at Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.”
In the November 15th newsletter, I wrote about THE ANXIOUS GENERATION by Jonathan Haidt. Given the interest in this topic, I want to refer you to theanxiousgeneration.com, where you will find a whole resource library. And on the Penguin Random House site, there is a readers guide, with sections focused on parents, educators and teens.
My pet peeve is VIDEO THROTTLING. We were trying to watch “The Day of the Jackal” on Peacock the other night, and the program kept stopping and starting. It is so very annoying. This is something that does not happen with a book. Watching in fits and starts is just maddening. This has happened repeatedly on just about every streaming channel except Netflix (though I did not watch the Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight that I hear was a real Netflix disaster). I have to figure out a way to voice my frustration with this. Am I alone with this problem?
Now I am onward to the kitchen to cook. No more distractions!
On Friday, we will flip from Thanksgiving right into Christmas, with plans to get all the decorating done briskly. We shall see how this goes!
Francesca, our Contest Coordinator, will be at Target Friday morning to get THE OFFICIAL TAYLOR SWIFT: The Eras Tour Book, which is being sold exclusively there. Taylor is everywhere, even on the cover of last week’s New York Times Book Review that led to a review of Rob Sheffield's HEARTBREAK IS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music.
I am HUGELY grateful to Tom, our Editorial Director Extraordinaire, who never misses a beat and ensures that our updates are both on time --- and well edited and curated. Francesca is a lot more than our Contest Coordinator and Social Media Guru. She amazes me with how she can leap into any project and quickly get a task done. She's taught me a lot. It's a joy to work with both of them.
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy whatever your day may bring and, for those lucky enough to have it, the long weekend. I know that there are many people who will be missing someone at the table this year. And that will be very hard. My heart goes out to you as you work to make new memories.
Read on, and have a great NINE days!
Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)
P.S. For those of you who shop online, if you use the store links that appear on our site for shopping, Bookreporter.com gets a small affiliate fee on your purchases from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IndieBound. As you read our reviews and features, we would appreciate your considering this as you buy!
Featured Review: TIME OF THE CHILD by Niall Williams
TIME OF THE CHILD by Niall Williams (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Dermot Crowley
Doctor Jack Troy was born and raised in Faha, but his responsibilities for the sick and his care for the dying mean that he has always been set apart from the town. His eldest daughter, Ronnie, has grown up in her father's shadow and remains there, having missed one chance at love --- and passed up another offer of marriage from an unsuitable man. But in the Advent season of 1962, as the town readies itself for Christmas, Ronnie and Doctor Troy's lives are turned upside down when a baby is left in their care. As the winter passes, father and daughter's lives, the understanding of their family and their role in their community are changed forever. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: ROBERT B. PARKER’S
HOT PROPERTY by Mike Lupica
ROBERT B. PARKER'S HOT PROPERTY: A Spenser Novel by Mike Lupica (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Joe Mantegna
Spenser is waiting out the latest Boston snowstorm when he gets word that Rita Fiore has been shot. Rita always has been a tricky one. Flirting with Spenser for years, she’s an ever-present figure that transcends friendship in Spenser’s circle. But at the end of the day, Rita is family. And family will always be protected. Both a pit bull in the courtroom and provocateur outside it, Rita is no stranger to controversy. But as one of the city’s toughest lawyers, Spenser knows that there’s no short list of suspects who might want to enact revenge. With Rita’s life hanging in the balance, it’s up to him to get to the bottom of things, even if it means unearthing some unsavory secrets that just might lead him into an age-old game of lies and deceit. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
THE GRAYS OF TRUTH by Sharon Virts
THE GRAYS OF TRUTH by Sharon Virts (Historical Mystery)
THE GRAYS OF TRUTH is the third book by Sharon Virts that I have made a Bets On pick (MASQUE OF HONOR and VEIL OF DOUBT were the first two). She has a way of writing a historical mystery that plants me right in the time period, which this time is Reconstruction-era Baltimore.
Jane Gray Wharton is in a loveless marriage to Ned, a growling man who feels that life has done him wrong. He is visiting his brother Hank’s home in Baltimore on family business when he dies of mysterious causes. Jane is suspicious of what happened as she was a nurse in the Civil War. Her skills tell her that Ned was healthy, and passing away like this definitely sparks questions. Jane is not fond of Hank’s wife, Ellen, and in fact distrusts her immensely. However, Jane’s views are suspect as she has a history of mental health issues, which has led people not to believe her.
- 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 on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to watch our "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Sharon Virts.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read more of Carol's Bets On commentary.
Featured Review:
THE SERVICEBERRY by Robin Wall Kimmerer
THE SERVICEBERRY: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World written by Robin Wall Kimmerer, illustrated by John Burgoyne (Nature)
Audiobook available, read by Robin Wall Kimmerer
As Indigenous scientist and author of BRAIDING SWEETGRASS Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? Our economy is rooted in scarcity, competition and the hoarding of resources, and we have surrendered our values to a system that actively harms what we love. Meanwhile, the serviceberry’s relationship with the natural world is an embodiment of reciprocity, interconnectedness and gratitude. The tree distributes its wealth --- its abundance of sweet, juicy berries --- to meet the needs of its natural community. And this distribution insures its own survival. Reviewed by Pauline Finch.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE
by Phillip Margolin
AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE by Phillip Margolin (Legal Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Peter Ganim
Charlie Webb is a third-rate lawyer who graduated from a third-rate law school and has opened his own law firm, where he gets by handling cases for dubious associates from his youth and some court-appointed cases. In AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE, he’s appointed to be the attorney for a decidedly crackpot artist who calls himself Guido Sabatini (born Lawrence Weiss). Sabatini has been arrested --- again --- for breaking into a restaurant and stealing back a painting he sold them because he was insulted by where it was displayed. But as Lawrence Weiss, he’s also an accomplished card shark and burglar; while he was there, he stole a thumb drive from the owner’s safe. When this minor theft case becomes a double homicide, and even more, Charlie is faced with the most important and deadliest case of his life. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: WHAT THE CHICKEN KNOWS
by Sy Montgomery
WHAT THE CHICKEN KNOWS: A New Appreciation of the World's Most Familiar Bird by Sy Montgomery (Nature)
Audiobook available, read by Sy Montgomery
For more than two decades, Sy Montgomery has kept a flock of chickens in her backyard. Each chicken has an individual personality and connects with Sy in her own way. In WHAT THE CHICKEN KNOWS, Sy takes us inside the flock and reveals all the things that make chickens such remarkable creatures. Only hours after leaving the egg, they are able to walk, run and peck; relationships are important to them, and the average chicken can recognize more than a hundred other chickens; they remember the past and anticipate the future; and they communicate specific information through at least 24 distinct calls. Visitors to her home are astonished by all of this, but for Sy what’s more astonishing is how little most people know about chickens, especially considering there are about 20 percent more chickens on earth than people. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com’s “What to Give, What to Get” Guide:
“Reader Perfect” Suggestions
for Holiday Giving and Getting
We at Bookreporter.com know that readers crave ideas for gift-giving --- and getting --- at the holidays. With this in mind, we are offering a "What to Give, What to Get" Guide with four "Reader Perfect" suggestions.
THE BLUE HOUR by Paula Hawkins (Psychological Thriller)
This masterful novel, as page-turning as it is unsettling, recalls the sophisticated suspense of Shirley Jackson and Patricia Highsmith and cements Paula Hawkins’ place among the very best of our most nuanced and stylish storytellers.
EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS HAS A SECRET: A Festive Mystery by Benjamin Stevenson (Mystery)
Unwrap all the Christmas staples in Benjamin Stevenson's new Ernest Cunningham mystery: presents, family, an impossible murder or two, and a deadly Advent calendar of clues. If Knives Out and The Thursday Murder Club kissed under the mistletoe.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT DUNDER MIFFLIN written by Brian Baumgartner and Ben Silverman, illustrated by Maël Gourmelen (Fiction/Humor)
Spend “The Night Before Christmas” at Dunder Mifflin in this hilarious and timeless illustrated retelling of the beloved poem, featuring a visit from Michael Scott as Santa and narrated by Kevin Malone (author Brian Baumgartner).
SANTA OVERBOARD: A Potomac Shores Holiday by Carolyn McBride (Romantic Comedy)
Filled with heartwarming humor, time-honored tradition, the soul-stirring natural world, and even some yummy holiday recipes, the second book in Carolyn McBride’s Potomac Shores series is a delightful, feel-good escape to the enchanting banks of Virginia’s Potomac and Occoquan Rivers.
Click here to see our "What to Give, What to Get" Guide.
What’s New This Month on ReadingGroupGuides.com
IS SHE REALLY GOING OUT WITH HIM? by Sophie Cousens (Romantic Comedy)
Audiobook available, read by Kerry Gilbert
Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating. But her office rival is vying for her column, and no column means no stable source of income. In a desperate attempt to keep her job, Anna finds herself pitching a unique angle: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children. From awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Anna gamely begins to put herself out there, asking out waiters, the mailman and even her celebrity crush. But when a romantic connection appears where she least expected it, will she be brave enough to take another chance on love? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
INGENIOUS: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist by Richard Munson (Biography)
Audiobook available, read by Keith Brown
Benjamin Franklin was one of the preeminent scientists of his time. Driven by curiosity, he conducted cutting-edge research on electricity, heat, ocean currents, weather patterns, chemical bonds and plants. But today, Franklin is remembered more for his political prowess and diplomatic achievements than his scientific creativity. In INGENIOUS, Richard Munson recovers this vital part of Franklin’s story, reveals his modern relevance, and offers a compelling portrait of a shrewd experimenter, clever innovator and visionary physicist whose fame opened doors to negotiate French support and funding for American independence. Munson’s riveting narrative explores how science underpins Franklin’s entire story and argues that his political life cannot be understood without giving proper credit to his scientific accomplishments. Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
MUNICHS by David Peace (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Christopher Eccleston
In 1958, Manchester United was flying high. The best-known soccer team in the world and reigning English champions, the team was led by a bright young group of star players nicknamed the “Busby Babes” after their charismatic manager Matt Busby. But on a snowy afternoon that February, a plane carrying the team back from a European Cup match crashed on takeoff in Munich, killing 23 people --- including eight Manchester United players and three team officials. The accident destroyed the team, traumatized fans all over the world, and devastated the tight-knit community in Manchester. In MUNICHS, renowned novelist David Peace reimagines the crash and its aftermath, dramatizing the deep scars it left on British society. Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro.
IRA GERSHWIN: A Life in Words by Michael Owen (Biography)
The first lyricist to win the Pulitzer Prize, Ira Gershwin (1896–1983) has been hailed as one of the masters of the Great American Songbook, a period that covers songs written largely for Broadway and Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1950s. Now, in this first full-length biography devoted to his life, Michael Owen brings Ira out at last from the long shadow cast by his younger and more famous brother, George. Drawing on extensive archival sources and often using Ira’s own words, Owen has crafted a rich portrait of the modest man who penned the words to many of America’s best-loved songs, like “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Embraceable You” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.” Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott.
ONLY HERE, ONLY NOW by Tom Newlands (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Amelia Leith
In the blazing hot summer of 1994, there’s nothing for Cora Mowat to do but hang around in empty parking lots. Stuck in her mother's small house and tired of her own restless mind, she’s desperate to break free of the limits of Fife but unsure of what the future holds --- if it holds anything at all for a girl like her trying to find her way in the world. After her mother invites a new man to live with them, tensions quickly rise in the cramped house. Gunner is kind but also strange --- a one-eyed shoplifter with more than a few hidden secrets. But when tragedy strikes shortly after, Cora rebels against her small-town existence in search of love, acceptance and a path to something good. If only she can learn to navigate her grief and everything she thinks she knows about who she is and what she might be capable of, she finally may find the way forward. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE INCUBATIONS by Ramsey Campbell (Supernatural Thriller/Horror)
Leo Parker's stay in Alphafen seems idyllic, but after he leaves, the nightmares begin. An airport turns into a labyrinth. His own words become treacherous, if not lethal. And what are those creatures in the photographs he took? Even the therapy Leo undertakes becomes a source of menace. Perhaps Leo has roused an ancient Alpine legend. Even once he understands what he brought back, his attempts to overcome its influence may lead into greater nightmares still. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on
December 1st, 3rd and 6th
Below are some notable titles releasing on December 1st, 3rd 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 December 2nd, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
December 1st
TRIAL BY AMBUSH: Murder, Injustice, and the Truth about the Case of Barbara Graham by Marcia Clark (True Crime)
In this dramatic true account about the power of sensationalized crime, one woman’s case is exposed for its sexism, flagrant disregard for the truth and, ultimately, the dangers posed by an unbridled prosecution.
December 3rd
AGAINST THE GRAIN: A Peter Diamond Investigation by Peter Lovesey (Mystery)
Detective Peter Diamond goes undercover at a seasonal festival in this delightful and bittersweet conclusion to Peter Lovesey's multi-award-winning series.
ALTER EGO by Alex Segura (Mystery/Thriller)
Alex Segura, the award–winning author of SECRET IDENTITY, returns with a clever and escapist stand-alone sequel set in the world of comic books. In the present day, a comics legend is given the chance to revive a beloved but forgotten character. But at what price?
THE GREATEST LIE OF ALL by Jillian Cantor (Historical Romance)
A glamorous romance novelist and an aspiring starlet share an unexpected secret in this addictive story about love, ambition and how far we’re willing to go to protect our hearts.
LOCKED IN: A Department Q Novel written by Jussi Adler-Olsen, translated by Caroline Waight (Mystery/Thriller)
The #1 internationally bestselling Department Q series comes to a thrilling conclusion when the team must turn inward to solve the cold case that has put their own leader behind bars, a place where his enemies are plentiful and time is quickly running out.
PRIVATE RITES by Julia Armfield (Fiction)
From the award-winning author of OUR WIVES UNDER THE SEA comes a speculative reimagining of King Lear, centering three sisters navigating queer love and loss in a drowning world.
RAISED BY A SERIAL KILLER: Discovering the Truth About My Father by April Balascio (Memoir)
The untold story behind the hit true crime podcast "The Clearing," this unforgettable memoir traces one daughter’s moving quest to understand her larger-than-life childhood as she searches for the truth about her father, the serial killer Edward Wayne Edwards.
RENTAL HOUSE by Weike Wang (Fiction)
From the award-winning author of CHEMISTRY comes a sharp-witted, insightful novel about a marriage as seen through the lens of two family vacations.
THE SHADOWED LAND by Signe Pike (Historical Fiction)
King Arthur and his contemporaries are boldly reimagined in this series that resurrects the real historical figures who inspired one of our most enduring legends.
STUART WOODS' GOLDEN HOUR: A Teddy Fay Novel Featuring Stone Barrington by Brett Battles (Thriller/Adventure)
Former CIA operative Teddy Fay returns for another heart-pounding Hollywood-fueled adventure in this latest installment in the New York Times bestselling series.
TOM CLANCY DEFENSE PROTOCOL: A Jack Ryan Novel by Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson (Thriller/Adventure)
The stakes are sky-high when a power-mad Chinese president threatens Taiwan in the #1 New York Times bestselling Jack Ryan series.
THE VOYAGE HOME by Pat Barker (Historical Fiction)
From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Regeneration Trilogy comes the powerful third installment in the Women of Troy series. In THE VOYAGE HOME, Pat Barker skillfully reimagines Greek mythology, chronicling a perilous journey undertaken by the enslaved healer Ritsa and her cruel mistress, Cassandra.
December 6th
WIND AND TRUTH: Book Five of the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson (Fantasy/Adventure)
Here is the long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive --- the iconic epic fantasy masterpiece that has sold more than 10 million copies --- from acclaimed bestselling author Brandon Sanderson.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Ariel Lawhon, Susan Rieger, Signe Pike
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
Here are three upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.
Tuesday, December 3rd at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble Book Club: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Susan Rieger for a live virtual event to discuss LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER, November's B&N Book Club pick. Susan will be in conversation with Lexie Smyth, B&N's Fiction Category Manager, and Jenna Seery, the Associate Producer of B&N's “Poured Over” podcast.
Tuesday, December 3rd at 8pm ET: “Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Carol Fitzgerald will talk to Ariel Lawhon about her national bestseller, THE FROZEN RIVER. Ariel also will answer questions from guests who will be “on stage,” as well as from other members of the audience.
Wednesday, December 4th at 7pm ET: “Friends & Fiction”: Join “Friends & Fiction” for a conversation with Signe Pike about THE SHADOWED LAND, the third entry in her Lost Queen series, which boldly reimagines King Arthur and his contemporaries.
"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 this year include:
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: Giving Books for the Holidays
Are you planning to give books as gifts this holiday season? Please check all that apply.
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I am planning to give print books (hardcovers and/or paperbacks).
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I am planning to give e-books.
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I am planning to give audiobooks.
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I am planning to give a gift card that will allow the recipient to buy a print book, e-book or audiobook.
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I am not planning to give any books or book gift cards this year.
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I am not sure what I am doing.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, December 13th at noon ET.
Word of Mouth Contest: Tell Us What
You've Read --- 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 November 22nd to December 13th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of RENTAL HOUSE by Weike Wang and TO DIE FOR: A 6:20 Man Thriller by David Baldacci.
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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