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Getting to Know You…Getting to Know All About You!
Yes, it’s that time again --- time to get to know you, our readers. Last year's Reader Survey gave us a lot of insight into your reading and book-buying habits, which was so very helpful. At every meeting we attend with publishers, and in any conversation we have with authors, the lead question is “Who are your readers?” Also, people are always asking us about the specific habits of our readers, like the formats you are enjoying, the genres you love, and where you learn about books.
So we are doing a Reader Survey again this year to ensure that we have the latest information to share. At a time when a recent study said that only 16% of Americans read for pleasure, we want to hear from our readers who we KNOW are part of this very important group.
We are awarding three readers who finish the survey a $50 gift card to the bookstore of their choice, while five others will be selected to win a book from Bookreporter's shelves. The survey, which should take about 15 minutes to complete, will be open until Friday, October 24th at noon ET.
Please take the time to answer. We are so looking forward to hearing what you have to say! We can shape our coverage better if we know what interests you.
This is your last Weekly Update newsletter reminder to sign up for October’s “Bookaccino Live” book preview event, which will take place on Wednesday, October 8th at 2pm ET.
The focus will be on titles releasing between October 7th and November 4th, along with a few from December, plus January 2026, 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.
Amy Neff joined us last Thursday for September's “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event to discuss her debut novel, THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST, an international bestseller and a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick that is now available in paperback.
Amy worked on this book for more than a decade, and it all started with her writing in a notebook in Central Park when she was in her 20s. She talks about her own extended family and how their beach vacations (where picnics were held in the garage) influenced her writing about a long marriage, though she is only in her late 30s. Amy also shares that she developed the chapters with the three children later in the writing process.
There is a lot of conversation about the ending. Readers want to know if that had changed over the course of Amy's writing. Click here to watch the video.
* Please note that the podcast is not available at this time as our distributor continues to have tech issues. When it is ready, you will be able to access it using this link.
As I noted in last week’s newsletter, the growing word of mouth for THE CORRESPONDENT --- Virginia Evans’ debut novel that released in April and hit the New York Times bestseller list for the first time last week --- truly has been incredible. Ann Patchett hailed it as “[a] cause for celebration,” and Florence Knapp said, “I cried more than once as I witnessed this brilliant woman come to understand herself more deeply.”
We’re featuring our review of THE CORRESPONDENT (an upcoming Bets On pick) from Pamela Kramer, who has this to say: “There are too many beautiful instances of Sybil's life and her thoughtful commentary on life in general as seen through her correspondence to share here. But be assured that reading this epistolary novel will grip you emotionally and stay with you long after you read the final letter…. The book can be savored in private, but it also is perfectly suited for debate and discussion in a book club. What a conversation they will have!”
I agree! My book group has selected it for our next discussion. Don’t miss my Bets On commentary in next week’s newsletter.
Who has time to think about murder when there's a wedding to plan? THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE is the can’t-miss fifth installment in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, which is now streaming on Netflix.
Kate Ayers has our review and says, “No Thursday Murder Club mystery is really about whatever case these elderly amateur detectives take on. It has everything to do with the four of them --- their friendship, their trust and their reliance on each other. Of course, having an intriguing mystery to solve is icing on an already tasty cake…. Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce, Ibrahim and their supporting cast will win over fans and newcomers alike for years to come.”
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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IN THE TIME OF FIVE PUMPKINS: In this latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Mma Ramotswe takes on a number of perplexing situations. While she tries to maintain her usual impartiality, it’s difficult when one of the cases involves someone so close to her heart.
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GRAY DAWN: In this thrilling new mystery from Walter Mosley, Detective Easy Rawlins has settled into the happy rhythm of his new life when a dark siren from his past returns and threatens to destroy the peace he's fought for.
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THE PHOEBE VARIATIONS: Jane Hamilton, the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of THE BOOK OF RUTH and A MAP OF THE WORLD, returns with a stunning coming-of-age novel about girls, mothers and finding one's way in the world.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
My latest Bets On picks are APOSTLE’S COVE by William Kent Krueger and DAYS YOU WERE MINE by Clare Leslie Hall. Click on each of the titles for my Bets On commentary.
Books on Screen Offerings for October
We’ve updated our Books on Screen feature for this month. October’s roundup includes the films The Woman in Cabin 10 on Netflix and Regretting You in theaters; the series premieres of HBO's "IT: Welcome to Derry" and Apple TV+'s "Down Cemetery Road"; the season premieres of "Tracker" and "Watson" on CBS; the season finales of USA Network's "The Rainmaker," STARZ's "Outlander: Blood of My Blood," AMC's "The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon" and Apple TV+'s "Slow Horses"; the continuation of "The Morning Show" on Apple TV+; and the DVD/Blu-ray releases of She Rides Shotgun, I Know What You Did Last Summer and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We are giving away GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben and TWICE by Mitch Albom in our new Word of Mouth contest. Let us know by Friday, October 17th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll have a chance to win both these titles. I have an advance copy of GONE BEFORE GOODBYE here, and I am looking forward to reading it!
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
For our latest poll, we’ve listed 35 titles releasing this month, and we’re asking you which, if any, you’d like to read. Click here to let us know.
In our previous poll, we listed 30 titles releasing in paperback in September and asked which of them, if any, you have read or are planning to read. Below are your top five picks, and you can see all the results here.
Explore the World of Marie Benedict with Your Book Group!
On ReadingGroupGuides.com, our BIG contest featuring Marie Benedict’s books is ending on Wednesday, October 8th at noon ET --- so the time to submit your entries is NOW.
One winner will receive Marie's eight solo historical novels --- THE OTHER EINSTEIN, CARNEGIE’S MAID, THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM, LADY CLEMENTINE, THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE, HER HIDDEN GENIUS, THE MITFORD AFFAIR and THE QUEENS OF CRIME --- as well as her novella, AGENT 355. Three runners-up will win up to 12 copies of THE QUEENS OF CRIME for their group.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Diane wrote, “I could not believe your big beautiful write-up on THE CORRESPONDENT. I am so glad you liked the book. I would not normally write to you, but the mood of the book made me want to reach out to you and others who I think will enjoy the book. I love your newsletter and your book picks.”
Denise, a longtime reader and friend who lives in Maryland, wrote, “I’m in a work book club run virtually, and someone in the club mentioned THE CORRESPONDENT. I sent her your interview, and she showed it to her entire book club. I think you have some new fans! My friend said, 'Yes, you can tell her that a book club made up of fifth-grade girlfriends who are now in their 70s found the book compelling, and the interview with the author provided an extra layer of delight, as well as insight into this extraordinary book.'
“For whatever it is or isn’t worth, I didn’t pick up this book when it was new either. My sister told me about it, and another friend told me about it, which finally made me read it. And I’m a lawyer who lives in Maryland!!! Duh!”
Denise, as always, I appreciate you! What is interesting is that the Bookreporter Facebook post about this interview has been shared and commented on with gusto. I love this! And between the video and the podcast, we are close to 1,000 views/listens in the past week. Thank you to all who enjoyed it.
Mindy wrote, “What a surprise to find a book in my mailbox from you. I’m looking forward to reading AWAKE. I love 'Bookaccino Live' and the chance to see what new books are coming out. I appreciate all the work you and your team do --- from the author interviews to the newsletters, etc. I’m amazed at how many books you read to share with us. Thank you so much for the book. I really appreciate it.”
Susie wrote, “I, too, shopped the Sundance Catalog for a long time (sorry to see them close), and I shopped at the Sundance Stores here in Seattle. We also visited Robert Redford’s 'Sundance Institute' in Utah years ago, which was impressive. I was sad to read that Robert passed. He was always one of my favorite actors, and I also admired all that he did for the environment for many years.”
“The Morning Show” on Apple TV+. I loved the first episode of the season, but it's gone downhill from there. It’s not great when you're not rooting for anyone!
“Doc” on Netflix: Yes, I like medical shows, even when I am told that they are not spot-on for what really goes on in a hospital. I enjoyed this 10-episode series about a doctor who is in a car accident and loses eight years of memories. I blitzed through the season briskly.
We didn't watch any episodes of “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” this week as my husband has spent the last three nights cheering for the Yankees, who always seem to love playing in October!
It feels like summer in the New York City area, so we have NOT closed the pool here yet. The outdoor pool at the health club changed its plan to close on Tuesday and is staying open through the weekend. Yes, early October has been nicer than all of July in our part of the country. It’s just absolutely gorgeous.
We were in the city for meetings on Wednesday, and while we were there, I hit the Union Square Greenmarket. I absolutely love shopping at markets like this. I found sun gold tomatoes, the first watermelon radishes that I have seen this season, and brown radishes, which I never have seen before. I also bought the flowers pictured above that are so unusual. From the research that I have seen, they usually grow in sandy soil in Africa, but I am not sure of their generic name. I love finding something unexpected and fun like this.
I have been in serious prep mode for the event with Clare Leslie Hall that I am doing at the Barnes & Noble in Paramus, NJ on Monday night, which I am excited about. I am going to two parties in the city during the week, and then I have events at the Morristown Festival of Books next Friday and Saturday. I am looking forward to all of this...and yes, we will be sharing photos. If you are at the Barnes & Noble event on Monday night, please be sure to say hello.
My Fitbit has been registering that I am not moving enough during the day. I think it should start measuring my keystrokes instead of my footsteps. I would be waaaaaay ahead then.
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:
THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by a full cast
Throughout her life, Sybil Van Antwerp has used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past 10, Sybil sits down to write letters --- to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter. Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to watch our "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Virginia Evans.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read our review.
THE CORRESPONDENT will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's commentary in next week's newsletter.
Featured Review:
THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE by Richard Osman
THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Fiona Shaw
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles. And Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favorite criminal. But when Elizabeth meets Nick, a wedding guest asking for her help, she finds that the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. And when Nick disappears without a trace, his cagey business partner becomes the gang’s next stop. It seems the duo has something valuable --- something worth killing for. Joyce’s daughter, Joanna, jumps into the fray to help the gang as they seek answers. Has someone kidnapped Nick? And what’s this uncrackable code they keep hearing about? Plunged back into action once more, can the four friends solve the puzzle and a murder in time? Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
APOSTLE’S COVE by William Kent Krueger
and DAYS YOU WERE MINE by Clare Leslie Hall
APOSTLE'S COVE by William Kent Krueger (Mystery)
William Kent Krueger always delivers with his Cork O’Connor series. While I am a huge fan of his stellar stand-alone novels, I am in awe of how he consistently cranks out interesting stories in his series books. He also is brilliant at weaving in enough backstory on characters and prior events to ensure that even a newcomer can stay on top of what’s going on. Things like references to Cork’s first wife are incorporated here (she was active on the case being discussed in this latest installment as she was the attorney on it), but readers also will learn about her death, which happened in an earlier book. The storytelling feels seamless for readers, but you know it takes a deft hand from an author to reveal what you need to know and when you need to know it.
In APOSTLE’S COVE, Cork receives word from his son, Stephen, who is a law student, that decades ago a man most likely was wrongly convicted of a crime. It was a case from early in Cork’s career, and the situation was not black and white to him from the start. Indeed, he had many questions. But when a confession was delivered in earnest by Axel Boshey, a Native American, there was no choice but to accept it. It was troubling, though. So fast forward to now, and Cork is taking a new view on what happened all those years ago.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here to visit William Kent Krueger's website.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on APOSTLE'S COVE.
DAYS YOU WERE MINE by Clare Leslie Hall (Fiction)
There is something lovely about enjoying an author’s latest book and then going back to read his or her previous work. Earlier this year, I read BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall. I, like many other readers, loved it. I enjoyed the plotting, the storytelling and the characters. There were reveals, questions about what was right --- and wrong --- and great pacing. It’s one of the most talked-about books of the year, and I venture that it will appear on many “Best of 2025” lists.
So it was lovely to see that Clare’s publisher repackaged and released for the first time in the US two of her backlist titles: DAYS YOU WERE MINE (published in late August) and PICTURES OF HIM (published in late September). These books originally released in the UK under the pseudonym Clare Empson, and one can see the emotional writing chops that are at the core of BROKEN COUNTRY. Here I am going to look at DAYS YOU WERE MINE.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on DAYS YOU WERE MINE.
Featured Review:
IN THE TIME OF FIVE PUMPKINS
by Alexander McCall Smith
IN THE TIME OF FIVE PUMPKINS: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (26) by Alexander McCall Smith (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Bianca Amato
Mma Ramotswe can sense the rain long before it comes. It’s been a long, dry summer, but the first downpour of the season tends to bring with it new growth. In this case, it also brings a new client, who suspects his wife of having an affair. Mma Ramotswe is on the case, and she decides to bring Charlie along. But as they look further into the matter, they begin to suspect their client may not have been entirely truthful in explaining his predicament. Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B.’s Matekoni has struck up a new friendship with a man named Mr. Mogorosi, a prominent figure in the motor trade business. Mma Ramotswe is concerned that Mr. Mogorosi may have ulterior motives for his attentions. When the two go on a fishing trip in waters teeming with dangerous crocodiles, she begins to worry for Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s safety. Reviewed by Pauline Finch.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: GRAY DAWN by Walter Mosley
GRAY DAWN: An Easy Rawlins Mystery by Walter Mosley (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Michael Boatman
The name Easy Rawlins stirs excitement in the hearts of readers and fear in the hearts of his foes. His success has bought him a thriving detective agency, with its first female detective; a remote home, shared with children and pets and lovers, high atop the hills overlooking gritty Los Angeles; and more trouble, more problems and more threats to those whom he loves. In other words, he’s still beset on all sides. A number of below-the-law powerbrokers plead with Easy to locate a mysterious, dangerous woman --- Lutisha James, though she’s gone by another name that Easy will immediately recognize. 1970s Los Angeles is a transient city of delicate, violent balances, and Lutisha has disturbed that. She also has a secret that will upend Easy’s own life, painfully closer to home. Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE PHOEBE VARIATIONS by Jane Hamilton
THE PHOEBE VARIATIONS by Jane Hamilton (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Rachel Jacobs
Seventeen-year-old Phoebe was never interested in her birth family. But on the cusp of her high school graduation, her adoptive mother, Greta, insists on a visit to meet her biological parents and siblings. The encounter is a jolt, a revelation that derails Phoebe. With the help of her best friend, Luna, Phoebe runs away --- as far as their friend Patrick O’Connor’s chaotic home, where she hopes to go unnoticed among his 13 siblings. But when Phoebe asks Patrick to chop off her hip-length hair, she’s suddenly transformed. Patrick’s older brothers can’t help but notice the striking, Peter Pan–like stranger who suddenly has appeared in their midst. What starts as an adolescent rebellion soon spirals into a whirlwind of self-discovery and unexpected connections. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com's 15th Annual Fall Reading Feature
Fall is known as the biggest season of the year for books. The titles that release during this latter part of the year often become holiday gifts, and many are blockbusters. We spotlighted eight of these books in our Fall Reading Contests and Feature. While our series of 24-hour giveaways have ended, we encourage you to take a look at our featured titles, which we know people will be talking about this fall and beyond.
This year's featured titles are:
- Click here to see the winners of this year's Fall Reading contests.
Click here to see our Fall Reading feature.
Special Contest on ReadingGroupGuides.com:
Enter to Win Copies of Marie Benedict's Solo Historical Novels, Plus a Novella We Want to Get on Your Radar!
This is our last Weekly Update newsletter to spotlight this contest,
which ends THIS Wednesday!
Marie Benedict is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction featuring iconic --- and often ignored --- women in history. Her books lead to fascinating discussions, especially among book groups, so we are thrilled to host a very special contest that immerses you in her world.
One Grand Prize winner will be awarded all eight of Marie's solo historical novels --- THE OTHER EINSTEIN, CARNEGIE’S MAID, THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM, LADY CLEMENTINE, THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE, HER HIDDEN GENIUS, THE MITFORD AFFAIR and THE QUEENS OF CRIME --- along with her novella, AGENT 355.
Three additional readers will win up to 12 copies of THE QUEENS OF CRIME for their book group.
» And be on the lookout for Marie's next novel, DAUGHTER OF EGYPT, which releases on March 24, 2026. It's about a young aristocratic Englishwoman who unearths the truth about a forgotten Pharaoh. Read more about the book here.
Click here to enter the contest by Wednesday, October 8th at noon ET.
What’s New on ReadingGroupGuides.com
October’s Books on Screen Feature
Here is a preview of this month's movies, TV shows and DVDs/Blu-rays that are based on books. For a complete list of October's offerings, please click here.
Film Releases
The Woman in Cabin 10
Release Date: Friday, October 10th on Netflix
Based on: THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 by Ruth Ware
Regretting You
Release Date: Friday, October 24th (wide release in theaters)
Based on: REGRETTING YOU by Colleen Hoover
Series Premieres
"IT: Welcome to Derry"
Air Dates: Sundays at 9pm ET/PT on HBO; Series Premiere on October 26th
Based on: IT by Stephen King
"Down Cemetery Road"
Release Dates: Wednesdays on Apple TV+; Series Premiere on October 29th (the first two episodes of Season 1 will be available)
Based on: DOWN CEMETERY ROAD by Mick Herron
Season Premieres
"Watson"
Air Dates: Mondays at 10pm ET/PT on CBS; Season 2 Premiere on October 13th
Based on: The works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
"Tracker"
Air Dates: Sundays at 8pm ET/PT on CBS; Season 3 Premiere on October 19th
Based on: THE NEVER GAME by Jeffery Deaver
Season Finales
"Outlander: Blood of My Blood"
Air Dates: Fridays at 8pm ET/PT on STARZ; Season 1 Finale on October 10th
Based on: The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
"The Rainmaker"
Air Dates: Fridays at 10pm ET/PT on USA Network; Season 1 Finale on October 17th
Based on: THE RAINMAKER by John Grisham
"Slow Horses"
Release Dates: Wednesdays on Apple TV+; Season 5 Finale on October 29th
Based on: LONDON RULES: A Slough House Novel, by Mick Herron
Ongoing Series
"The Morning Show"
Release Dates: Wednesdays on Apple TV+; Season 4 continues
Based on: TOP OF THE MORNING: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV by Brian Stelter
On DVD and Blu-ray
I Know What You Did Last Summer
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: Tuesday, October 7th
Based on: Characters from I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER by Lois Duncan
She Rides Shotgun
DVD Release Date: Tuesday, October 14th
Based on: SHE RIDES SHOTGUN by Jordan Harper
OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES by Clare Mackintosh (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Chloe Angharad Davies, Joe Eyre and Penelope Rawlins
The Hill is the kind of place where everyone wants to live: luxurious, exclusive and safe. But now someone is breaking and entering these Cheshire homes one by one, and DS Leo Brady suspects that the burglar is looking for something, or someone, in particular. Over the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan recovers the body of an estate agent from the lake. There's no love lost between Ffion and estate agents, but who hated this one enough to want her dead --- and why? As their cases collide, Ffion and Leo discover that people will pay a high price to keep their secrets behind closed doors. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
FIEND by Alma Katsu (Supernatural Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Barrie Kreinik
The Berisha family runs one of the largest import-export companies in the world, and they’ve always been lucky. Their rivals suffer strokes. Inconvenient buildings catch on fire. Earthquakes swallow up manufacturing plants, destroying harmful evidence. Things always seem to work out for the Berishas. They’re blessed. At least that is what Zef, the patriarch, has always told his three children. And each of them knows their place in the family. But when things stop going as planned, and the family blessing starts looking more like a curse, the Berishas begin to splinter, each hatching their own secret scheme. They didn’t get to be one of the richest families in the world without spilling a little blood, but this time, it might be their own. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE MAD WIFE by Meagan Church (Historical/Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Susan Bennett
Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife, despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu's carefully crafted life begins to unravel. When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman's constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew --- and others soon begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept? Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
A MURDER IN PARIS by Matthew Blake (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available; read by Josh Wichard, Rose Robinson and Penelope Rawlins
Olivia Finn is a memory expert at Charing Cross Hospital in London. One night, she receives an urgent call from the police at the Hotel Lutetia on Paris’s famous Left Bank. Olivia’s French grandmother, Josephine Benoit, has appeared at the Lutetia in a distressed state claiming she once committed a murder in the hotel at the end of the Second World War. Traveling to Paris, Olivia finds her grandmother confused. But Josephine insists it is a recovered memory from the past. More disturbingly, hotel records show that a woman did die in that room of the Lutetia in 1945. Could her story really be true? As people start dying in the present day, Olivia is plunged into a race against time to uncover the truth about Josephine and what really happened all those years ago. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
BEINGS by Ilana Masad (Historical/Science Fiction)
Audiobook available; read by Hayden Bishop, Jesus E. Martinez and Renata Friedman
In 1961, an interracial couple drove through the dark mountains of New Hampshire when a mysterious light began to follow them. Years later, through hypnosis, they recalled an unbelievable brush with extraterrestrial life. In BEINGS, the couple's experience serves as one part of a trio of intertwined threads. Known only by their roles as husband and wife, Ilana Masad explores the pair's trauma and its aftermath and questions what it means to accept the impossible. In the second thread, letters penned by a budding science-fiction writer, Phyllis, to her beloved, Rosa, expose the raw ache of queer yearning, loneliness and alienation in the repressive 1960s. In the present day, a reclusive and chronically ill Archivist attempts to understand a strange forgotten childhood encounter while descending into obsession over both Phyllis' letters and the testimony of the first alien abductees. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
WATCHING EVIL DEAD: Unearthing the Radiant Artist Within by Josh Malerman (Memoir/Self-Help)
Audiobook available, read by Josh Malerman
One night, bestselling author Josh Malerman --- then just an aspiring writer --- watched Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead with his fiancée and two friends. It was a gathering that could’ve gone unnoticed, another date night with a movie. But for Malerman, it became a landmark. It changed the course of his life, and it will inspire you to reflect on your own journey and to discover existing triumphs that are within you already. Describing the course of the night, Malerman reflects on his life, from his career as a musician to his stack of rough drafts, written prior to ever being published --- and on how meeting the love of his life, a fellow creative, opened him to new experiences and new ways of viewing the world they now quest through together. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
ACQUIRED TASTE by Clay McLeod Chapman (Horror/Short Stories)
Audiobook available, read by James Patrick Cronin
A father returns from serving in Vietnam with a strange and terrifying addiction; a man removes something horrifying from his fireplace and becomes desperate to return it; and a right-wing news channel has its hooks in people in more ways than one. From department store Santas to ghost boyfriends and salamander-worshipping nuns; from the claustrophobia of the COVID-19 pandemic to small-town Chesapeake USA, Clay McLeod Chapman takes universal fears of parenthood, addiction and political divisions and makes them uniquely his own. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
DINNER AT THE NIGHT LIBRARY written by Hika Harada, translated by Philip Gabriel (Fiction/Magical Realism)
Audiobook available, read by Cindy Kay
All Otoha Higuchi wants to do is work with books. However, the exhausting nature of her work at a chain bookstore quickly brings reality crashing down around her. She is on the verge of quitting when she receives a message from somebody anonymous, inviting her to apply for a job at "The Night Library." The library exclusively stores books by deceased authors, and none of them can be checked out. Instead, they’re put on public display to be revered and celebrated by the library’s visitors. Night after night, Otoha bonds with her colleagues over meals in the café, each of which are inspired by the literature on the shelves. But as strange occurrences start happening around the library that may bring the threat of its closure, Otoha and her friends fear that the peace they have found there will be forever lost to them. Reviewed by Sam Johnson.
Next Week's Notables:
Noteworthy Books Releasing on October 7th
Below are some notable titles releasing on October 7th 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 October 6th, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
CRY HAVOC: A Tom Reece Thriller by Jack Carr (Historical/Political Thriller)
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr brings the worlds of special operations and CIA paramilitary units into direct collision in the jungles of Vietnam with his explosive new thriller introducing young Navy SEAL Tom Reece, a man torn between the blurred lines and allegiances of the military and the increasingly murky world of intelligence.
THE HITCHHIKERS by Chevy Stevens (Psychological Thriller)
A chilling, twist-laden ride to the final page, THE HITCHHIKERS is that rare novel that will break your heart as well as hold you in suspense. The author of the classic thrillers STILL MISSING and THOSE GIRLS has delivered her next breathtaking novel.
THE INTRUDER by Freida McFadden (Psychological Thriller)
There's someone at your front door. Should you let them in? Find out in a riveting new thriller from global sensation and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE HOUSEMAID, Freida McFadden.
LAST RITES by Ozzy Osbourne (Memoir)
Unflinching, brutally honest, but surprisingly life-affirming, LAST RITES demonstrates once again why Ozzy Osbourne has transcended his status as "The Godfather of Metal" and "The Prince of Darkness" to become a modern-day folk hero and national treasure.
MY BELOVED: A Mitford Novel by Jan Karon (Fiction)
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon gives her beloved fans what they want for Christmas: a new Mitford novel. Poignant, hilarious and life-affirming, MY BELOVED sets a generous table for millions of readers who love these characters like family.
OVERDUE by Stephanie Perkins (Romance)
OVERDUE, a sparkling adult debut from beloved New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Perkins, is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way.
PAPER GIRL: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America by Beth Macy (Memoir)
From one of our most acclaimed chroniclers of the forces eroding America’s social fabric comes her most personal and powerful work: a reckoning with the changes that have rocked her own beloved small Ohio hometown.
PHOTOGRAPH by Brian Freeman (Mystery/Thriller)
From New York Times bestselling author Brian Freeman, PHOTOGRAPH is an emotional cold case mystery of hidden identities and startling twists --- perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Mary Kubica and Freida McFadden.
RACE AGAINST TERROR: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War by Jake Tapper (True Crime)
In this thrilling true story, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jake Tapper uncovers an investigation --- unlike any other in American history --- to lock up a dangerous terrorist before he’s set free.
SHADOW TICKET by Thomas Pynchon (Historical/Noir Mystery)
SHADOW TICKET is the long-awaited new novel from Thomas Pynchon, the bestselling and award-winning author of GRAVITY'S RAINBOW, THE CRYING OF LOT 49, VINELAND and INHERENT VICE.
SHARP FORCE: A Scarpetta Novel by Patricia Cornwell (Mystery/Thriller)
A serial killer wreaks havoc on Northern Virginia, appearing as a ghostly apparition before striking --- and Kay Scarpetta must avoid becoming their next victim.
TWICE by Mitch Albom (Fiction)
What if you got to do everything in your life --- twice? The heart of Mitch Albom’s latest novel is a stunning love story that dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.
VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville (Historical Fiction)
Everything was a puzzle, everything a trap set to mystify and hinder me. VENETIAN VESPERS is a haunting, atmospheric novel from one of the most sophisticated stylists of our time.
Click here to see the latest “On Sale This Week” newsletter.
Carol's In-Person Events Schedule
From left to right: Hank Phillippi Ryan, Mitch Albom, Madeline Martin
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, October 6th at 7pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Hank Phillippi Ryan will talk about her new thriller, ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS, in which a glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase.
Tuesday, October 7th at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble Book Club: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Patrick Ryan for a live virtual event to discuss their September B&N Book Club pick, BUCKEYE. Patrick will be in conversation with Lexie Symth, B&N's Fiction Category Manager, and Brenda Allison, Frontlist Buyer at B&N.
Tuesday, October 7th at 7pm ET: Warwick's: Warwick's presents Madeline Martin as she discusses her latest book, THE SECRET BOOK SOCIETY, with Rachel McMillan. Set in Victorian London, this captivating historical novel is about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.
Tuesday, October 7th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Stephen Hunter will talk about his new novel, THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER, a classic Western about a Civil War veteran investigating the dark reality of a prosperous ranch.
Tuesday, October 7th at 9pm ET: Killer Author Club: Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf and Kaira Rouda will talk to Tessa Wegert about IN THE BONES, the opening installment in her North Country series. The arrival of a celebrity athlete on a remote peninsula in New York’s Thousand Islands unearths dark and deadly buried secrets.
Wednesday, October 8th at 2pm ET: “Bookaccino Live” Book Preview Afternoon Event: Carol Fitzgerald will present titles releasing between October 7th and November 4th, along with a few from December, plus January 2026, 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, October 8th at 7pm ET: “Friends & Fiction”: Join “Friends & Fiction” for a conversation with Mitch Albom about his new novel, TWICE, a stunning love story that dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.
Friday, October 10th at 7pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Patricia Cornwell will talk to special guest host Jamie Lee Curtis about her latest Scarpetta mystery, SHARP FORCE. “Scarpetta” is soon to be a streaming series starring Curtis, along with Nicole Kidman.
"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:
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: October Releases to Anticipate
Which of the following titles releasing in October have you read or do you plan to read? Please check all that apply.
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AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE: An Andy Carpenter Mystery, by David Rosenfelt
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THE BLACK WOLF by Louise Penny
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BOLEYN TRAITOR by Philippa Gregory
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A CHRISTMAS WITNESS: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Novella, by Charles Todd
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COYOTE HILLS by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman
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CRY HAVOC: A Tom Reece Thriller, by Jack Carr
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DEAD AND ALIVE: Essays, by Zadie Smith
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A FERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS by Debbie Macomber
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FINDING MY WAY: A Memoir, by Malala Yousafzai
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FUTURE BOY: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, by Michael J. Fox and Nelle Fortenberry
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THE GALLERY ASSISTANT by Kate Belli
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GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben
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THE HITCHHIKERS by Chevy Stevens
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THE INTRUDER by Freida McFadden
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JOYRIDE: A Memoir, by Susan Orlean
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KING SORROW by Joe Hill
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THE LAND OF SWEET FOREVER: Stories and Essays, by Harper Lee
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THE LAST DEATH OF THE YEAR: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery, by Sophie Hannah
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LAST RITES by Ozzy Osbourne
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MY BELOVED: A Mitford Novel, by Jan Karon
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PAPER GIRL: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America, by Beth Macy
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THE PICASSO HEIST by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
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THE PROVING GROUND: A Lincoln Lawyer Novel, by Michael Connelly
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RACE AGAINST TERROR: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War, by Jake Tapper
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REMAIN: A Supernatural Love Story, by Nicholas Sparks, with M. Night Shyamalan
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SHADOW TICKET by Thomas Pynchon
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SHARP FORCE: A Scarpetta Novel, by Patricia Cornwell
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THE TIN MEN by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille
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THE TOURISTS by Christopher Reich
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TWICE by Mitch Albom
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VAGABOND: A Memoir, by Tim Curry
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VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville
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THE WAYFINDER by Adam Johnson
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THE WIDOW by John Grisham
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WRITING CREATIVITY AND SOUL by Sue Monk Kidd
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None of the above
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, October 17th 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 October 3rd to October 17th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben and TWICE by Mitch Albom.
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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