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This last week has brought with it some stunning weather, though the beautiful summer skies were marred on Wednesday by smoke from the Canadian fires. Last night, an almost full sturgeon moon lit up the skies (the full moon will be in place on Saturday). I am working outside today, pounding away on my laptop, as I capitalize on a day without too much heat or humidity. And to complete my perfect summer vibe, Husband Tom picked up lobster rolls for lunch from the Cousins Maine Lobster truck. Perfect!
We spent a couple of nights this week entertaining friends, relishing the summer days that we have been longing for. It felt like a vacation in the middle of the week to be able to do that. I took a peek at the weather for next week, and the humidity is coming back, so I am enjoying these days while I can.
On Monday night, I went to Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with Tom (that would be Editorial Director Tom, not Husband Tom) and my friend Annmarie to see Francesca Serritella talk about her second novel, FULL BLOOM. Her debut, GHOSTS OF HARVARD, came out in 2020 and was a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Francesca shared her inspiration for the book, which released this week and revolves around a mysterious perfume that changes a woman’s life. She also enthusiastically discussed the novel’s various themes and storylines, as well as the fascinating fragrance research she conducted in Grasse, France. I confess to having little knowledge of perfumes, so I was on a steep and pleasurable learning curve here.
We all enjoyed the evening. It was lovely seeing Francesca and some of our publisher friends. I had not been at this Barnes & Noble in at least five years, and I was impressed with the redesign that made the store so much more inviting. The table displays inspired more browsing, and the dedicated event space was so much nicer.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Francesca recently for a “Bookreporter Talks To” interview. We plan to feature our conversation in next week’s newsletter, so be sure to check it out as you will learn so much about this multilayered novel and how it all came together.
In the meantime, we are happy to share our review of FULL BLOOM from Norah Piehl, who has this to say about it: “[B]ook clubs will appreciate the engagement with real-world issues, and the addition of a whiff of magical realism makes for a nice spin on what otherwise might be a fairly straightforward novel of self-discovery. Fans of Jodi Picoult and Chris Bohjalian will find much to appreciate and discuss here. And those who love perfume might be inspired to try a new scent and see what happens!”
I have not worn perfume in decades, but this book and Francesca's talk has me thinking about what scent I would enjoy the most. I remember the days of ducking the women who were spritzing you as you walked through the beauty section of department stores!
This is your last Weekly Update newsletter reminder to sign up for August’s “Bookaccino Live” book preview event, which will take place on Wednesday, August 13th at 2pm ET.
The focus will be on titles releasing between August 12th and September 2nd, in addition to a few from the first half of October, that we think will appeal to you. Click here to sign up. Those who join us live will be asked to answer a survey about the books from the presentation that they are most interested in reading and will be eligible to win a prize.
Sarah Pekkanen is back with her latest book, THE LOCKED WARD, a shocking psychological thriller about the complex bonds of sisterhood --- and what happens when they are stretched to the breaking point.
According to Pamela Kramer in her review, “THE LOCKED WARD is a quick read as Pekkanen cleverly ends each chapter on a cliffhanger. There are many red herrings and a few unexpected twists. Suspect those you wouldn't expect, because there are some real humdingers that will make you rethink all of your previous suspicions and assumptions. It's well done. Very well done.”
I have always enjoyed the way that Sarah tells a tale, and this description reminded me why I love her books.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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LAST SEEN: J.T. Ellison has penned a twisted psychological thriller about the bonds of family and the disconnect between memory and the truth.
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TYPEWRITER BEACH: Set in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Hollywood, Meg Waite Clayton’s new novel tells the unforgettable story of the unlikely friendship between an Oscar-nominated screenwriter and a young actress hoping to be Alfred Hitchcock's new star.
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EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU: Jo Piazza’s explosive thriller is about two estranged friends, a grisly murder, a sudden disappearance, and the truly shocking revelation that everyone is lying to you about something.
Lately I feel like I cannot keep up with the terrific books that are publishing each week. I do not remember a summer where there were so many great reads. Last summer was a lot slower as publishers wanted to stay away from the election noise. That has contributed to what feels like one very crowded summer.
We noticed that releases in August are still robust, but there is more breathing room this month than we saw earlier this season. Readers need this to try to catch up! I feel myself panting as I look at my bookshelves. It is like I am in a marathon, but I keep losing ground each week. Are you feeling this way, too?
August’s New in Paperback Feature
Our New in Paperback roundups for August are now up. We’re featuring paperback fiction reprints from such bestselling authors as Nicholas Sparks (COUNTING MIRACLES), Louise Penny (THE GREY WOLF), Jodi Picoult (BY ANY OTHER NAME), Joyce Carol Oates (BUTCHER), Elizabeth Strout (TELL ME EVERYTHING), and Kate Atkinson (DEATH AT THE SIGN OF THE ROOK); nonfiction titles, including FRAMED: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey and OUT OF THE DARKNESS: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers by Ian O'Connor; and paperback originals like FIVE FOUND DEAD by Sulari Gentill and THE HARVEY GIRLS by Juliette Fay.
Summer Reading Contest Update
In this week’s Summer Reading contests, we gave away the aforementioned FULL BLOOM and THE LOCKED WARD. Our final prize book will be THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali, a Bets On title that is now available in paperback and is this month’s Target Book Club pick. The contest will go live on Tuesday, August 12th at noon ET. If you missed my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with Marjan from last year, be sure to watch the video or listen to the podcast.
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We have a new Word of Mouth contest to tell you about. Let us know by Friday, August 22nd at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll have a chance to win KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner and THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman, the latter of which will be a Bets On selection.
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
As we approach the 29th anniversary of Bookreporter on August 27th, we’re curious about the features on the site that you enjoy the most. Click here to let us know your faves in our latest poll by Friday, August 22nd at noon ET.
In our previous poll, we listed 12 of my Bets On picks that are now or soon will be in paperback, and we asked which of these you have read or plan to read. Below are your top five picks, and you can see all the results here.
It was announced this week that Oprah’s latest Book Club pick is BRIDGE OF SIGHS, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo’s national bestseller from 2007. Oprah says, “You all know I love a story that sweeps you up, and this one is not going to disappoint.” In front of a live audience at a Starbucks café in Seattle, Oprah and Richard talked through many thought-provoking questions about the book. Click here for their discussion.
NOT QUITE DEAD YET, Holly Jackson’s first novel for adults, is August’s “Good Morning America” Book Club pick. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER, which is now a hit Netflix series, returns with a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder.
Emma Nanami Strenner’s debut novel, MY OTHER HEART, is this month’s "Read with Jenna" Book Club pick. Jenna says, “I love this book so much. It’s the story of mothers, daughters, friendship. It’s full of heart and full of twists. I could not put it down.” She calls it “a deeply moving book about motherhood, identity and the invisible threads that connect us.”
A playwright must grapple with her difficult year and writer's block while falling for the single dad living next door in Ashley Jordan’s debut novel, ONCE UPON A TIME IN DOLLYWOOD, which is Reese’s Book Club pick for August. Reese says, “I read this book in one sitting…. It’s funny and it’s real, and you feel like you’re talking to one of your best friends.”
This month’s Barnes & Noble Book Club pick is SONGS FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S WEDDINGS. Award-winning author David Levithan and acclaimed singer-songwriter Jens Lekman have penned a charming, tender novel about an unlucky-in-love wedding singer trying to find the right words to save his relationship. On Monday, September 8th at 3pm ET, B&N will host a live virtual event with David and Jens, which you can sign up for here.
For more August selections, including the Indie Next and LibraryReads lists, see our “Favorite Monthly Lists & Picks” feature here.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Jean wrote, “Thank you for your websites. I’ve enjoyed reading your recommendations for books, as well as streaming services. I watched part one of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes” and will watch part two soon. I’m not certain if you recommended The Penguin Lessons on Netflix, but I watched that last night and give it five stars. Keep it coming.” Thanks to Jean for those kind words, and I will look into The Penguin Lessons.
Mary wrote, “I totally disagree with the reader who suggested doing away with classical literature in high schools. I think the same point can be made for reading something out of your comfort zone at book club: it stretches your mind. In addition, we don’t want to raise a generation of people who are unfamiliar with their cultural history. As for THE OUTSIDERS, it is already taught, usually in 8th or 9th grade. We certainly don’t need to 'dumb down' the curriculum in schools. However, I agree with her on one point: no more banned books!”
I hear you, Mary. But I will share this as well. My younger son read a book a day in middle school. He never was without a book. BUT when he hit high school summer required reading, his love of reading faded quickly. I cannot remember him reading a book for pleasure after that. He and his good friend were never without books and would trade them in middle school. I feel that what is taught in the classroom is one thing, but what is on summer reading lists can be more contemporary and engaging. Being taught how to appreciate a classic is much different from it being assigned in what feels like a textbook as summer reading. Now I am off to look at what the summer reading lists look like at our local high school.
“And Just Like That...” on HBO Max: The last episode of this groan-worthy series will release next Thursday, which marks the end of what has been one very prolonged show. Carrie is sighing and pensive. I am wondering why I still am watching!
“The Gilded Age” on HBO Max: This season has brought some shocking turns. Viewership is up significantly and is building. I am enjoying it as I am marveling at the clothes. How about those HATS?! Be sure to check out this interview with Kasia Walicka Maimone, the show's costume designer, who talks about her inspirations for the various costumes.
I heard this week that James Patterson and Vicky Ward are going to be writing a book about the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the hunt for his alleged killer, Luigi Mangione. Their book about the murders of the University of Idaho students, THE IDAHO FOUR, was so well done and saw huge success.
As expected, last weekend I raced through Shari Lapena's latest book, SHE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING, which will be a Bets On selection. I had a few chapters left to read on Monday morning, so I quickly downloaded the audiobook and enjoyed listening to January LaVoy's narration on the way to the health club. Perfect!
Yesterday afternoon, I was pulling books from my August “to read” shelf as I lined up this month's reading plan. We will not be publishing an update the last week of this month, and my husband and I are not traveling this year, so I will have a busman's holiday of reading at poolside here.
I loathe going shopping for clothes as stores seem to stock only size zero or two, and I am neither. So I shop online. Often on Instagram there will be something lovely on a model describing how she loves it, or (my new fave) a store where the couple is sad to share that they are going out of business. Here is what is important to check: where returns are sent. Often they are to China or Asia, and shipping back is insanely expensive. I asked one store where their headquarters was, and they said Atlanta, South Carolina, clearly getting their US geography basics mixed up in an effort to sound like they were “Made in America.” Um, no! One place told me to keep the item and they would refund 50%, or I could send it back to get the full price. The postage was over $100. I will not be fooled again...but consider this my consumer warning to you.
Oh, and nine times out of 10, the quality is never like what you see in the photo! There was a pretty dress and jacket for $45, and if I added a second item from “this store going out of business after decades in business,” it would be 15% off. But the returns for the New York City store closing their doors was in Asia. I honestly wish I had someone at Instagram who I could complain to about this.
A beautiful weekend is on tap, and I am hoping we can pull together some plans with friends to enjoy it with us. Tom and I are notoriously bad about not planning in advance. We are more of the “Are you free tonight?” entertainers. Onward to pick what to read first!
Read on, and have a great week.
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: FULL BLOOM by Francesca Serritella
FULL BLOOM by Francesca Serritella (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Saskia Maarleveld
Reeling from a breakup and overlooked at her job as a lighting designer, Iris Sunnegren finds herself stuck, disconnected and lonely in crowded New York City. Then a mysterious neighbor, an older Frenchwoman, makes her a gift: a bespoke perfume. One spritz, a dab behind the ears, and Iris feels like a different woman. Suddenly, she is the object of every man’s desire. She can cast off her inhibitions and use her newfound allure to dazzle the high-profile client, attract a man who excites her like no other, and access all the rarefied spaces that once excluded her. Invigorated by the perfume, Iris embodies her maximum power --- a flower fully bloomed. But there is danger in connecting to our primal emotions. Scent awakens buried memories, and nightmares of the childhood house fire Iris barely survived return to haunt her. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to visit Francesca Serritella's website.
Click here to read our review.
Don't miss Carol's "Bookreporter Talks To" interview
with Francesca Serritella in next week's newsletter.
Featured Review: THE LOCKED WARD by Sarah Pekkanen
THE LOCKED WARD by Sarah Pekkanen (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by January LaVoy
It’s the Crime of the Decade when glamorous Georgia Cartwright, who was adopted as a newborn, is accused of killing the biological daughter of her wealthy, Southern family. Georgia is locked in a psychiatric institution where the most violent offenders are held while she awaits trial. The only words she whispers when her estranged twin sister, Amanda, visits are “I didn’t do it. You’ve got to get me out of here.” Amanda doesn't trust Georgia, but she can't abandon her in a place so eerie and menacing that it seems to exist in another dimension. Is Georgia the victim of a powerful family that's so depraved murder is the least of their crimes? Or is Amanda being led down a path of madness into the web of a master manipulator? Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: LAST SEEN by J.T. Ellison
LAST SEEN by J.T. Ellison (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Saskia Maarleveld and Scott Brick
Halley James knows her marriage is over. But she’s not prepared for the rest of her life to fall apart too. She just lost her job at the forensics lab. Her dad needs emergency surgery. But the biggest blow comes back home in Marchburg, Virginia, where she discovers her mother didn’t actually die in a car crash. Her mom was murdered --- and her father lied about it all these years. Desperate for the truth, Halley chases down a lead in Brockville, Tennessee. But all there is not as it seems. Brockville’s utopian charm hides a chilling darkness. And Halley’s search for answers threatens to expose an unspeakable reality. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: TYPEWRITER BEACH
by Meg Waite Clayton
TYPEWRITER BEACH by Meg Waite Clayton (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Gilli Messer
1957. Isabella Giori is 10 months into a standard seven-year studio contract when she auditions with Alfred Hitchcock. Just weeks later, she is sequestered by the studio’s “fixer” in a tiny Carmel cottage, waiting and dreading. Meanwhile, next door, Léon Chazan is annoyed when Iz interrupts his work on yet another screenplay he won’t be able to sell, because he’s been blacklisted. Soon, they’re together in his roadster, speeding down the fog-shrouded Big Sur coast. 2018. Twenty-six-year-old screenwriter Gemma Chazan, in Carmel to sell her grandfather’s cottage, finds a hidden safe full of secrets --- raising questions about who the screenwriter known simply as Chazan really was, and if she can live up to his name. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
- 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:
EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU by Jo Piazza
EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU by Jo Piazza (Psychological Thriller/Mystery)
Audiobook available; read by Rachel F. Hirsch, Sarah Reny, Vas Eli and Saskia Maarleveld
Lizzie and Bex were best friends in college. After graduation, Bex vanished, leaving Lizzie confused and devastated. Fifteen years later, Bex is now Rebecca Sommers, a “traditional” Instagram influencer with millions of followers who salivate over her perfect life on her ranch with her five children and handsome husband, Gray. One night out of the blue, Bex calls Lizzie with a career-making proposition --- an exclusive interview with her about her multimillion-dollar business venture and an invitation to MomBomb, the high-profile influencing conference. At the conference, Bex goes missing, and Gray is found brutally murdered on their ranch. Lizzie finds herself plunged into the dark side of the cutthroat world of social media, which includes jealousy, sordid affairs, swingers and backstabbing. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
Bookreporter.com's 21st Annual
Summer Reading Contests and Feature
Summer is here! 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.
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
Our Favorite Monthly Lists & Picks for August
Each month, we share top book picks from Indie Next and LibraryReads. We also feature a number of other prominent selections, including the Barnes & Noble Book Club, the "Good Morning America" Book Club, Oprah’s Book Club, the PBS Books Readers Club, the "Read with Jenna" Book Club, Reese's Book Club, and the Target Book Club.
Below is a preview of August's "Favorite Monthly Lists & Picks." For the complete Indie Next and LibraryReads lists, as well as additional links pertaining to this month's selections, please click here.
Indie Next
#1 Pick: WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH written by Lisa Ridzén, translated by Alice Menzies
THE HOUNDING by Xenobe Purvis
LUCKY DAY by Chuck Tingle
AUTOMATIC NOODLE by Annalee Newitz
NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson
LibraryReads
Top Pick: AUTOMATIC NOODLE by Annalee Newitz
THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKSHOPS by Poppy Alexander
THE BLONDE WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD by Ally Carter
WHAT HUNGER by Catherine Dang
THE WRONG SISTER by Claire Douglas
Barnes & Noble Book Club
SONGS FOR OTHER PEOPLE'S WEDDINGS written by David Levithan, with songs by Jens Lekman
"Good Morning America" Book Club
NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson
Oprah's Book Club
BRIDGE OF SIGHS by Richard Russo
PBS Books Readers Club
BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY by Helen Fielding
"Read with Jenna" Book Club
MY OTHER HEART by Emma Nanami Strenner
Reese's Book Club
ONCE UPON A TIME IN DOLLYWOOD by Ashley Jordan
Target Book Club
THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali
Click here for August's Favorite Monthly Lists & Picks.
August’s New in Paperback Roundups
August's roundup of New in Paperback fiction titles includes COUNTING MIRACLES by Nicholas Sparks, an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change --- or even make our peace with --- the path we’ve taken; THE GREY WOLF, the 19th installment in Louise Penny's series starring Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, who must figure out who he can trust in a frantic hunt for clues in a terrifying case; BY ANY OTHER NAME, a remarkable novel from Jodi Picoult about two women, centuries apart --- one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays --- who are both forced to hide behind another name; and Elizabeth Strout's TELL ME EVERYTHING, a hopeful, healing novel about new friendships, old loves, and the very human desire to leave a mark on the world.
Among our nonfiction highlights are FRAMED, John Grisham’s first work of nonfiction since THE INNOCENT MAN, in which he teams up with Jim McCloskey of Centurion Ministries to share 10 harrowing true stories of wrongful convictions; OUT OF THE DARKNESS by Ian O'Connor, the definitive biography of the legendary yet mysterious Aaron Rodgers; EDEN UNDONE, a chilling, stranger-than-fiction tale from Abbott Kahler in which a power-hungry baroness with two lovers disrupts life on an Eden-like island in the Galápagos, and an isolated community descends into madness and murder; and MEN HAVE CALLED HER CRAZY by Anna Marie Tendler, a powerful memoir that reckons with mental health, as well as the insidious ways that men impact the lives of women.
Find out what's New in Paperback for the weeks of
August 4th, August 11th, August 18th and August 25th.
MRS. ENDICOTT’S SPLENDID ADVENTURE by Rhys Bowen (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Barrie Kreinik
Surrey, England, 1938. After 30 devoted years of marriage, Ellie Endicott is blindsided by her husband’s appeal for divorce. It’s Ellie’s opportunity for change too. The unfaithful cad can have the house. She’s taking the Bentley. Ellie, her housekeeper Mavis, and her elderly friend Dora --- each needing escape --- impulsively head for parts unknown in the South of France. With the Rhône surging beside them, they have nowhere to be and everywhere to go. Until the Bentley breaks down in the inviting fishing hamlet of Saint Benet. Here, Ellie rents an abandoned villa in the hills, makes wonderful friends among the villagers, and finds herself drawn to Nico, a handsome and enigmatic fisherman. But fates soon change when the threat of war encroaches. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
THE WHITE CROW: A Philomena McCarthy Novel by Michael Robotham (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Katy Sobey
Philomena McCarthy has defied the odds to become a young officer with the Metropolitan Police despite her father and her uncles being notorious London gangsters. On patrol one night, Philomena finds a barefoot child, covered in blood, who says she can’t wake her mother. Meanwhile, three miles away, a London jeweler has a bomb strapped to his chest in his ransacked store and millions are missing. These two events collide and threaten Philomena’s career, her new marriage, and her life. In too deep, and falling further, Phil must decide who she can trust --- her family or her colleagues --- and on what side of the thin blue line she wants to live. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE DEAD HUSBAND COOKBOOK by Danielle Valentine
(Psychological Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Lauryn Allman
When infamous chef, restaurateur and television personality Maria Capello's husband died, the media circus was intense…and quick to cast the blame. Whispers claimed Maria murdered her husband to build her culinary empire on his bones, and that there was an all-too-grisly reason his body was never recovered. Yet for the past few decades, the Capello family maintained their stony silence --- until now. Thea Woods has no idea why she was chosen to work with Maria on her sure-to-be-infamous memoir, but she doesn't question her luck. Spirited away to the Capellos' rustic upstate farm, she's soon embroiled in the mystery --- and cut off from the rest of the world. As the true story of Maria's past unfolds and the stench of rot hidden behind the kind coastal grandmother veneer rises, Thea finds herself trapped...and desperately afraid. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
THE FOURTH DAUGHTER by Lyn Liao Butler (Fiction)
Audiobook available; read by Elaine Kao, Christina Ho, Austin Ku, Nancy Wu and Dana Wing Lau
Chef Liv Kuo’s star is on the rise…until a traumatic incident leaves her emotionally unable to venture outside her Manhattan apartment. But an unexpected reason to break free comes from Ah-Ma, Liv’s beloved grandmother in Taiwan. Ah-Ma needs Liv’s help in finding her fourth daughter, taken from her when the girl was an infant. After all these years, it seems impossible. It’s also a mystery: Ah-Ma’s fourth daughter is an aunt Liv never even knew existed. After landing in Taiwan, Liv hears the heartbreaking story of her grandmother’s plight in a country once under martial law, of choices made for her, and of the hopeful search for a lost girl that has endured for more than 60 years. Their journey for answers turns up both a precious old cookbook and a tale of fatal betrayal that shakes everything Liv believed about her family. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
THE KNOWING: How the Oppression of Indigenous Peoples Continues to Echo Today by Tanya Talaga (History)
Audiobook available, read by Tanya Talaga
For generations, Indigenous People have known that their family members disappeared, many of them after being consigned to a coordinated system designed to destroy who the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people are. This is one of Canada’s greatest open secrets, an unhealed wound that until recently lay hidden by shame and abandonment. THE KNOWING is the unfolding of history unlike anything we have ever read before. Award-winning and bestselling Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga retells the history of her country as only she can --- through an Indigenous lens, beginning with the life of her great-great grandmother, Annie Carpenter, and her family as they experienced decades of government- and Church-sanctioned enfranchisement and genocide. Reviewed by Pauline Finch.
DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS: A Mary Shelley Mystery by Heather Redmond (Historical Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Siobhan Waring
London, June 1814: On a day out in Hyde Park to celebrate the peace treaty with France, Mary Godwin and Jane “Claire” Clairmont are less than charmed by their brother Charles’ courtship with a girl from the local cheese shop. When Miss Winnet Davies is not swooning from the heat, she’s imploring Charles to buy her a pretty dress. But he hasn’t a tuppence --- nor have they, as their father, philosopher William Godwin, is facing the prospect of debtor’s prison. When a constable arrives at the Godwin home the following day, looking for Charles, Mary and Jane learn that the lifeless body of Miss Davies was found hanging from a tree branch and an examination revealed she was with child. Their stepbrother has gone missing. Mary assumes that he too is dead, but her stepmother admonishes her and insists the sisters find their brother. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
BAT OUT OF HELL: An Anthology of New Mystery Short Stories edited by Don Bruns (Mystery/Short Stories)
Audiobook available; read by Scott Brick, B. J. Harrison, Bradford Hastings, John Pirhalla, James Fouhey, Liam Gerrard and Roger Wayne
Edited by Don Bruns, this fourth installment in the Music and Murder Mystery series is a nonstop thrill ride of engrossing mysteries from some of the best authors in the business. It includes a brand-new Jack Reacher story from Andrew Child and a never-before-seen Pignon Scorbion prequel from Rick Bleiweiss, as well as exciting new mysteries from Heather Graham, Don Bruns, John Gilstrap, Dave Bruns, C. J. Kudlacz and Charles Todd. Whether you are familiar with the series or encountering it for the first time, BAT OUT OF HELL has something for everyone. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on August 12th
Below are some notable titles releasing on August 12th 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 August 11th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
FOR RICHER FOR POORER by Danielle Steel (Fiction)
A loving mother and successful fashion designer struggles to keep her family together and her business afloat in this gripping novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.
THE HARVEY GIRLS by Juliette Fay (Historical Fiction)
Juliette Fay transports us to 1920s America with this big-hearted tale of two very different women who must learn to trust each other as one tries to save her family and the other to save herself.
KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner (Mystery/Thriller)
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner returns with the latest installment in her addictive Frankie Elkin series. This time, Frankie is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, whose friend suspects she is in grave danger --- before it is too late.
LUCKY DAY by Chuck Tingle (Horror)
LUCKY DAY is the latest from Chuck Tingle, the USA Today bestselling author of CAMP DAMASCUS and BURY YOUR GAYS, where one woman must go up against horrifying odds to save the world.
SEDUCTION THEORY by Emily Adrian (Fiction)
When two married professors tiptoe toward infidelity, their transgressions are brought to light in a graduate student’s searing thesis project.
TOO OLD FOR THIS by Samantha Downing (Psychological Thriller)
A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left --- what’s another murder?
THE VIOLET HOUR: A Lowcountry Tale by Victoria Benton Frank (Fiction)
From the author of MY MAGNOLIA SUMMER comes a heartwarming and empowering novel about thriving after tragedy.
WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE by Karin Slaughter (Mystery/Thriller)
WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE is the first thrilling mystery in the new North Falls series from Karin Slaughter, the New York Times bestselling author of PRETTY GIRLS and the Will Trent series.
Click here to see the latest “On Sale This Week” newsletter.
From left to right: Victoria Benton Frank, Eli Cranor, Francesca Serritella
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
Here are six upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.
Monday, August 11th at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Eli Cranor for a live virtual discussion of his new thriller, MISSISSIPPI BLUE 42, as part of their B&N Midday Mystery Virtual Event series. Eli will be in conversation with the bestselling author of KING OF ASHES, S. A. Cosby.
Tuesday, August 12th at 9pm ET: Killer Author Club: Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf and Kaira Rouda will talk to James L'Etoile about his latest novel, RIVER OF LIES, the second installment in his mystery series featuring Detective Emily Hunter, following FACE OF GREED.
Wednesday, August 13th at 2pm ET: “Bookaccino Live” Book Preview Afternoon Event: Carol Fitzgerald will present titles releasing between August 12th and September 2nd, along with a few from the first half of October, that we would like to get on your radar. Included will be fiction; historical fiction; thrillers and mysteries; and memoirs, biographies and other nonfiction.
Wednesday, August 13th at 7pm ET: “Friends & Fiction”: Join “Friends & Fiction” for a conversation with Victoria Benton Frank about her latest book, THE VIOLET HOUR, a heartwarming and empowering novel about thriving after tragedy.
Wednesday, August 13th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Francesca Serritella will talk about her highly anticipated new book, FULL BLOOM, following her 2020 debut, GHOSTS OF HARVARD. Set among the upper echelons of New York City, this sensual and seductive novel is at once a poignant story of becoming and a riveting mystery.
Thursday, August 14th at 7pm ET: Warwick's: Warwick's presents Virginia Evans as she discusses her debut novel, THE CORRESPONDENT, with longtime Warwick’s customer Mary Allen. This gem of a book is about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person.
"Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers long-form, in-depth author interviews. 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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Steve Berry (THE LIST)
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Francesca Serritella (FULL BLOOM)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
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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 August 8th to August 22nd at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner and THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman.
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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