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On Wednesday, August 27th, Bookreporter will celebrate its 29th anniversary! When I think of this, so many memories come to mind, the first of which is the sound that we used to hear when we connected to AOL in those very early days.
At that time, book covers and author photos were the size of postage stamps, and they needed to be uploaded into the AOL system 24 hours in advance if we wanted them to show up. When authors would “appear” with us, the interviews were conducted by phone. There often would be someone on the team in the office typing for the author, and the interview would run in lines of chat in an “auditorium setup” online where readers sat in make-believe rows. Events could “sell out,” and you wanted to be in the row with your friends so you could “chat” during the program. I know, it is pretty amusing and sounds so archaic! I am sharing the home screen above for those of you who were not early readers of the site.
Now we have more than 230 author interviews available as videos and podcasts online, as well as five years of “Bookaccino Live” and “Bookaccino Live” Book Group programs. We were so happy when broadband finally caught up with our ideas of how to bring books and authors to readers.
As I think back on these nearly three decades, the people who have been a part of the site through the years come to mind.
First and foremost is Tom Donadio, our brilliant Editorial Director, who found his way into our office as an intern in 2002. His keen eye and attention to detail had him quickly taking on more and more responsibilities as the years rolled on. I am not sure exactly when he became our Editorial Director, but I know that Bookreporter is as much about him as it is about me. He does a fabulous job connecting the right reviewer with the right book. And that is an art.
Our reviewers, unlike those at most book review sites, are not assigned books. Tom offers them a selection of books that we aim to cover in a month, and they select those that they are interested in reading. If more than one person requests a title, he looks at who he thinks is the best match for a book. If a book that we would like to cover is not selected, he will try to find a reviewer for it based on what he knows about each of their interests. Then there are the moments when I discover a book that has not been reviewed, and he works to find a reviewer for it.
But Tom is a lot more than just our Editorial Director. He’s a sounding board for every idea that I have. Years ago, I formed a habit of prefacing all ideas with “Let me know if this is a good idea or a bad one.” I trust when he says, “Not a good one.” We talk on Slack all day long, and typically not a day goes by without at least one phone call.
And on that note, thank you to our reviewers who week after week bring their insights and analysis of books and authors to our pages. Because of their work, every weekly newsletter is filled with reviews and commentary, which we hope will make you want to read a book --- and then talk about it.
I read this week that reading for pleasure in the US is down 40%, a number that alarms me! “Researchers from University College London and the University of Florida examined national data from 2003 to 2023 and found that the share of people who reported reading for pleasure on a given day fell to 16 percent in 2023 from a peak of 28 percent in 2004 --- a drop of about 40 percent. It declined around 3 percent each year over those two decades.” You can read more about that here.
Another very key member of our team is Francesca Smith, who joined us last year, first as our Contest Coordinator. I now have to think about what her title might be since she is managing our social media (you are following us on Facebook and Instagram, right?), as well as working on updates for the authors whose websites we build and manage. And she is jumping in to set up and manage the many events that we are doing, including reviewing post-event data. I love working with her. She sometimes comes to my home office to work --- and I am amazed at how quickly she has picked up on what needs to be done and how efficiently she helps execute challenges. And yes, I have learned a number of very cool tech shortcuts on the days when she is working beside me.
Just minutes before we sent last week’s newsletter, we learned the heartbreaking news that New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles passed away at the age of 65 following a decades-long battle with multiple myeloma.
Iles’ Natchez Burning trilogy continued the story of Penn Cage, the protagonist of THE QUIET GAME, TURNING ANGEL and THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL. Last year’s SOUTHERN MAN marked Penn’s long-awaited return in what would be Iles’ final novel. He also was a member of the lit-rock group The Rock Bottom Remainders.
Our reviewer Ray Palen has this to say about Iles’ literary accomplishments and legacy:
“Greg Iles burst on the scene in 1993 with his debut novel, SPANDAU PHOENIX, which is about a plot involving Hitler’s Nazi deputy, Rudolf Hess. This came directly on the heels of his moving away from a career in music as the guitarist, singer and songwriter for the band Frankly Scarlet, which he founded.
“What a good thing for us that Iles discovered fiction because he would spend the next 30+ years producing truly memorable novels. One of them, 24 HOURS, was turned into the 2002 film Trapped, for which Iles wrote the screenplay.
“Perhaps Iles’ finest work, and what he most certainly will be best remembered for, was his Natchez Burning trilogy (NATCHEZ BURNING, THE BONE TREE and MISSISSIPPI BLOOD). This was a weighty literary feat set in the American South with themes ranging from political corruption to racism during the Jim Crow era, and it called to mind Robert Penn Warren’s classic novel, ALL THE KING’S MEN. The lead character, Penn Cage, suffered from the same disease that eventually would take Iles’ life --- multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer that he battled since being diagnosed in 1996.
“Although we lost this extremely talented man far too young at the tender age of 65, he left behind a legacy of writing that I hope will be studied in literature classes for decades to come in much the same way as ALL THE KING’S MEN and Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD are. Rest in peace, Greg, and thank you.”
On Tuesday, September 16th at 8pm ET, we will be hosting a special “Bookaccino Live” Fall Preview evening program. I will be talking about a number of books releasing this fall that we think you will enjoy reading over the next few months. Included will be fiction; historical fiction; thrillers and mysteries; and memoirs, biographies and other nonfiction. Click here to sign up.
We are thrilled to announce that Amy Neff will be September’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group guest. The event will be held on Thursday, September 25th at 8pm ET, and you can sign up here for it. We will talk about 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. This emotional, life-affirming novel asks: What if you could write the final chapter of your own love story?
There will be a two-part Q&A session after I talk to Amy.
For the first part, those who are asking a question on camera will be featured. This includes spending time with Amy backstage in our virtual green room before the show starts. If you would like to ask your question "live on screen" this way, please email me with the subject line "Amy" by noon ET on September 25th. Be sure to include your name, city and state, as well as your question. If you do not want to appear on camera but still would like to ask a question, please note that you want to be off camera, and share your question --- adding your name, city and state.
Then we will take questions from other members of the audience.
Lisa Gardner returns with the fourth installment in her series starring missing persons expert Frankie Elkin. This time, in KISS HER GOODBYE, 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.
In his review, Ray Palen calls Frankie “quite the complex character. She is a recovering alcoholic who sees things in a way that most people would not, earning her a great reputation that often precedes each new case she tackles.” He goes on to say, “KISS HER GOODBYE peels away piece by piece like the skin from an onion as Lisa Gardner deftly reveals the secrets and details surrounding the investigation, which provides endless surprises and danger at every turn.”
THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA is Sharon Kurtzman’s much-talked-about debut novel and was inspired by the experiences of her own family after the Holocaust. This sweeping saga, which will be a Bets On selection, shines a light on the courageous spirit of WWII refugees as they battle to survive the overwhelming hardships of a world torn apart.
Amy Gwiazdowski has our review and says, “It is heartbreaking and devastating in one chapter, and a heartwarming and touching love story in the next. I love how Kurtzman takes us back in time while still keeping us rooted in the present. This is a wonderful book, full of both tears and moments of joy. At certain points, your heart will feel wrung out, but Kurtzman makes it all worthwhile and brings the story together in a most marvelous way.”
Don’t miss my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with Sharon in the September 5th newsletter, followed by my Bets On commentary on September 12th.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Fannie Flagg, the beloved author of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFÉ, returns with a tapestry of joyful and startling interconnected stories that celebrate how people from all across America cope with adversity and unexpected changes in a confusing world.
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THE BREAK-IN: After killing an intruder in self-defense, a wealthy London mother must unravel a terrifying mystery filled with twists and turns in this latest thriller from Katherine Faulkner, whose previous novels are GREENWICH PARK and THE OTHER MOTHERS, both of which were Bets On picks. I am looking forward to this one!
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THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY: On the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett M. Graff delivers an epic narrative of the atomic bomb’s creation and deployment, woven from the voices of hundreds of scientists, generals, soldiers and civilians.
I’m Betting You’ll Love…
My three latest Bets On selections are SHE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING by Shari Lapena, THIS HAPPENED TO ME: A Reckoning by Kate Price, and WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH by Lisa Ridzén (which is this month’s #1 Indie Next pick). Click on each of the titles for my commentary.
Fall Reading Contest Update
We kicked off our 2025 Fall Reading contests this week by giving away the aforementioned THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman, along with THE HEIR: A Young Queen Victoria Mystery by Darcie Wilde. Our next two contests will go live at noon ET on Tuesday, September 2nd and Wednesday, September 3rd. The prize books will be APOSTLE’S COVE by William Kent Krueger and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY? by Sarah McCoy.
Enter Our New Word of Mouth Contest
We also are giving away APOSTLE’S COVE and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY? in our new Word of Mouth contest. Let us know by Friday, September 5th at noon ET what books you’ve read, and you’ll have a chance to win both these titles.
Vote in Our New Poll --- and Check Out Results from the Last Poll
In honor of our 29th anniversary, our new poll asks how long you’ve been a reader of Bookreporter. Are you a newcomer, a longtime fan or somewhere in between? Click here to let us know by Friday, September 5th at noon ET.
Our previous poll asked which features on Bookreporter you love the most. Below are your top five faves, and you can see all the results here.
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Coming Soon (77%)
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Seasonal Contests (63%)
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Poll (61%)
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Reviews (61%)
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Bookreporter.com Bets On (60%)
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Debbie wrote, “I was so sorry to hear that Greg Iles had died. He was one of my favorite authors. I loved his writing style and his stories, and how, through those stories, he expressed how much he loved his home state of Mississippi. But at the same time, he did not shy away from exposing its warts, especially in his last book, SOUTHERN MAN. That was his true genius. His readers have lost a great author, and Mississippians have lost a great native son, even if they don't realize it.”
Mary Lou wrote, “I just finished watching the recorded 'Bookaccino Live' from last week. I am so glad you guys record those meetings because there was no way I could make it live. I have your letter writer beat from last Friday's newsletter. She said she found seven books to read. I counted 10 from August/September and four from October. So many good books coming out. Thanks for all you guys do for us readers.”
Lisa wrote, “Thank you for all your hard work at Bookreporter. With all the noise online, it’s a pleasure to find really good writing. I like that you span the genres and hone in on works that are sometimes overlooked. I especially look forward to your interviews, reviews, commentary and reading lists. I cannot think of a better way to start my Fridays than with you. I am a longtime writer and educator. My work appears in the New York Times, Smithsonian and elsewhere. I often find books to recommend to my classes on your site. My favorite feature right now is Bookreporter.com Bets On. It’s a treat! So, that’s it. Just thanks. And keep going. We need you.”
Betty wrote, “I was a lucky winner in your contest! The prize was a copy of FINDING GRACE by Loretta Rothschild. This book begins gently with a mom, dad and young daughter celebrating Christmas at the Ritz. With a shocking end to the first chapter that made me gasp out loud, I was hooked. Rich in detail and descriptions, we fall in love with the characters and hope all will work out. Withholding important information from the woman he loves leads to disastrous results. 'Oh what a tangled web we weave…' Will they find their way back to love? Is it even possible after all the lies? The narrative goes back and forth from the past memories to present day. This is a story for modern times. I can’t wait to read her next novel. Thank you for a great read!”
Terry wrote about receiving MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH MURDER by Colleen Cambridge in a ReadingGroupGuides.com contest: “I apologize for being so late getting you this photo of the book that I won months ago. I can already tell by the summary I will enjoy it.”
Fans of Orphan X: Leave it to Gregg Hurwitz to come up with a great idea on how fans of his Orphan X thrillers can donate to make dreams come true. As he wrote in an email, “We know that Orphan X answers the phone the same way every time someone dials his encrypted number, 'Do you need my help?' But as of late, he’s been asking a different question: 'Can we have your help?'” As per Greg's email, a new 501c3 has been organized to help those in need. You can learn more about it here.
“Hostage” on Netflix: I have been enjoying this series. It's brisk with both a female British prime minister and a female French president.
Judith Viorst: The author of ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY wrote this piece for Allure about aging and being 94. I loved it.
Here are a few upcoming events where I will be in conversation with authors. I hope to see some of you at one or more of these programs:
Saturday, September 13th, 4:30-5:30pm: I will be interviewing Adriana Trigiani at the Milford Readers and Writers Festival in Milford, PA about THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO and much more. Tickets are here.
Monday, October 6th at 6:30pm: I will be interviewing Clare Leslie Hall about BROKEN COUNTRY at Barnes & Noble in Paramus, NJ. You can register for this event here.
Saturday, October 11th: I will be moderating three panels at the Morristown Festival of Books. The day starts at 10am and ends at 4:30pm. You can see the amazing list of authors who will be spending the day with readers here. This event is free!
For next week, I do not have any real plans except a huge stack of books that I want to read and trying to schedule as little as possible! This has been a year of go go go, and no plans sounds right up my alley. Well, I do plan to hit some aqua classes at the health club. I have at least four jotted down.
I also got a Fitbit as I want to see how much I move all day just walking around --- and then ramp that up with things like walking in the pool here at the house and at the club. I first strapped this on Wednesday morning, and it kept buzzing and telling me to move. Look, my fingers were flying across the keyboard. I guess they meant my feet. If I could get in shape doing keystrokes, it would be amazing. Typing clearly does not count.
I know Editorial Director Tom will be watching a lot of the US Open starting Sunday, and I plan to catch matches as well. I could go for another Alcaraz/Sinner final.
Thanks to all of you for being part of these 29 years --- whether you were there from the beginning or found us this week!
Read on, and have a great TWO weeks.
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: KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner
KISS HER GOODBYE by Lisa Gardner (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Hillary Huber
Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband, Isaad, seems unconcerned. Sabera's closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three-year-old daughter, Zahra. At her insistence, missing persons expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search. Just in time for a video of the young mother to surface --- showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder. Frankie quickly realizes there's much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. When Isaad also disappears under mysterious circumstances and an attempt is made on Zahra's life, Frankie realizes that she quickly must crack the code of this family's horrific past. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- 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:
THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA by Sharon Kurtzman (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Rachel F. Hirsch
In 2018, Zoe Rosenzweig is reeling after the loss of her beloved grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. She becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to her family during the war. Vienna, 1946: Chana Rosenzweig has endured the horrors of war to find herself, her mother and her younger brother finally free in Vienna. But freedom doesn’t look like they’d imagined it would, as they struggle to make a living and stay safe. Despite the danger, Chana sneaks out most nights to return to the hotel kitchen where she works as a dishwasher, using the quiet nighttime hours to bake her late father’s recipes. Soon, Chana finds herself caught in a dangerous love triangle, torn between the black-market dealer who has offered marriage and protection, and the apprentice baker who shares her passions. How will Chana balance her love of baking against her family’s need for security? Reviewed by Amy Gwiazdowski.
- 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 Sharon Kurtzman's website.
- Click here for a downloadable booklet that includes some of Sharon's favorite recipes.
Click here to read our review.
THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's Bets On commentary and her "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Sharon Kurtzman in September.
Bookreporter.com Bets On:
SHE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING by Shari Lapena,
THIS HAPPENED TO ME by Kate Price,
and WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH by Lisa Ridzén
SHE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING by Shari Lapena (Domestic Thriller)
Bookreporter readers are well aware of how much I love Shari Lapena’s books. She knows how to keep me turning the pages. In fact, I had just a few chapters of SHE DIDN’T SEE IT COMING left to read one morning, so I downloaded the audiobook narrated by January LaVoy and finished with a listen on the way to the health club. She is that good; I just did not want to wait to see how the book wrapped up.
Let’s look at the setup. Bryden is working at home in her luxury apartment. She fails to pick up her daughter at daycare, which is most unlike her. Her husband, Sam, arrives home to find her laptop on, her car keys still there, her vehicle still in the underground garage, and her cell phone still in the apartment. It’s as if she vanished.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on
SHE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING.
THIS HAPPENED TO ME: A Reckoning by Kate Price (Memoir)
At the beginning of the year, I decided that I wanted to spotlight some titles that I would call “issue books” --- nonfiction that looked at topics that I think are worth exploring. THIS HAPPENED TO ME by Kate Price is one of those books.
At a young age, Kate, who grew up in Appalachia, spent lots of time reading books and finding refuge in the children’s department of her local library. There she could “visit” various places and find adventure and warm family stories, which were very different from what she saw at home. Her father was violent, her mother lived in fear of him, and she frequently was pitted against her older sister in abusive ways.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read our review.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on THIS HAPPENED TO ME.
WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH written by Lisa Ridzén, translated by Alice Menzies (Fiction)
I am always skeptical when books arrive with tissues and a note that I am going to need them. I wonder when I will have to use them --- the beginning, the middle or the end. Or not at all.
I grabbed WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH by Lisa Ridzén last Sunday and took my usual spot to stand at the side of the pool and read. I know, it’s not your typical way to read a book, but it’s how I’ve been reading these past couple of summers.
Bo is a man who has seen a lot of good years. He’s now living at home with caregivers stopping in around the clock to see to his needs. They write notes about what he has been eating, his mood, and what else they observe as they visit. Bo’s world has become pretty small. His wife is suffering from dementia and is living in a care home. His best friend (being realistic here, the last friend his age who’s alive) lives too far to visit often, though they commiserate on the phone. Bo conjures up memories of their very different worlds, but also the closeness of their lives. When you read it, you will see what I mean.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read more of Carol's commentary on
WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH.
Featured Review:
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO by Fannie Flagg
SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Fictions by Fannie Flagg (Fiction/Short Stories)
Audiobook available, read by Fannie Flagg
Fannie Flagg once said that what the world needs now is a good laugh. And that is what she gives us in these warmhearted, always surprising stories about people who are finding clever ways to deal with the curveballs life sometimes throws at us. Velma in Kansas, a loving great-grandmother, struggles to bridge generational gaps with her family. We cheer for Helen, in Ithaca, New York, who takes an audacious course of action when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. In Bent Fork, Wyoming; in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; in Tucson, Arizona; and in towns and cities all across America, people figure out inventive ways to overcome obstacles to happiness. And in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Special Agent Frawley is studying the mysteries of being human from an original perspective. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE BREAK-IN by Katherine Faulkner
THE BREAK-IN by Katherine Faulkner (Domestic Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Shiromi Arserio
Alice, a professional mother of one, is hosting a playdate with friends at her upscale London home when a disturbed man breaks in. With her child in the next room, Alice panics and kills him --- an act later ruled to have been in self-defense. Everyone tries to encourage Alice to move on with her life. But with strange comments appearing online, a mysterious phone call telling her all is not as it seems, and her husband, nanny and friends behaving strangely, Alice finds herself drawn to the mystery of who her intruder really was. As she digs deeper, she discovers a trail of dark secrets that spiral closer to home than she ever could have imagined. Reviewed by Rebecca Munro.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review:
THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY
by Garrett M. Graff
THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY: An Oral History of the Making and Unleashing of the Atomic Bomb by Garrett M. Graff (Oral History)
Audiobook available, read by Edoardo Ballerini and a full cast
The building of the atomic bomb is the most audacious undertaking in human history: a rush by a small group of scientists and engineers in complete secrecy to unlock the most fundamental power of the universe. Even today, 80 years later, the Manhattan Project evokes boldness, daring and the grandest of dreams: bringing an end to World War II in the Pacific. THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY is the panoramic narrative of how ordinary people grapple with extraordinary wartime risks, sacrifices and choices that will transform the course of history. Drawing from dozens of oral history archives and hundreds of books, reports, letters, diaries and transcripts from across the US, Japan and Europe, Garrett M. Graff masterfully blends the memories and perspectives from the known and unknown. Reviewed by Lorraine W. Shanley.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com's 15th Annual
Fall Reading Contests and 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. In our Fall Reading Contests and Feature, we are spotlighting a number of outstanding books that we know people will be talking about this fall.
We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through October, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.
Our next two contests will be up at noon ET on Tuesday, September 2nd and Wednesday, September 3rd. The prize books will be APOSTLE'S COVE by William Kent Krueger and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY? by Sarah McCoy.
This year's featured titles are:
Click here to read all the contest details
and learn more about our featured titles.
What’s New This Month on ReadingGroupGuides.com
HATCHET GIRLS: A Hap and Leonard Novel by Joe R. Lansdale (Mystery/Humor)
Audiobook available, read by Christopher Ryan Brandt
When Hap and Leonard are called in on a strange request (subduing a meth-hopped hog) by a desperate young lady, they quickly learn this woman is part of a fringe group: The Hatchet Girls, who have pledged their allegiance to a crazed and grudge-bearing leader bent on bloody societal revenge. The timing couldn't be worse to be caught in such a vile, sticky wicket of a case. Both boys are wrapped up in their domestic lives. Leonard is in the midst of wedding planning with his fiancée, Pookie. And meanwhile, Hap and Brett are hard at work on their new home. Homemaking bliss will have to wait as Hap and Leonard are driven to stop the danger in its tracks and better understand the group's mission and the plans they already have set in place for helter-skelter-esque mayhem. Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro.
THE SURROGATE MOTHER by Freida McFadden (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Alyson Krawchuk
Abby wants a baby more than anything. But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that have fallen through, it seems like motherhood is not in her future. That is, until her personal assistant, Monica, makes a generous offer to serve as a surrogate. It's an offer that will make all of Abby's dreams come true. But soon, strange things start happening. And it turns out Monica isn't who she says she is. The woman now carrying Abby's child has an unspeakable secret. And she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
HEMLOCK & SILVER by T. Kingfisher (Fantasy/Adventure)
Audiobook available, read by Jennifer Pickens
Healer Anja regularly drinks poison. Not to die, but to save --- seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on. But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her. Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick. Or it might be the thing that kills them all. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
THE BEAST IN THE CLOUDS: The Roosevelt Brothers' Deadly Quest to Find the Mythical Giant Panda by Nathalia Holt (History)
Audiobook available, read by Jacques Roy
During the 1920s, dozens of expeditions scoured the Chinese and Tibetan wilderness in search of the panda bear, a beast that many believed did not exist. When the two eldest sons of President Theodore Roosevelt sought the bear in 1928, they had little hope of success. Together with a team of scientists and naturalists, they accomplished what a decade of explorers could not, ultimately introducing the panda to the West. In the process, they documented a vanishing world and set off a new era of conservation biology. Along the way, the Roosevelt expedition faced an incredible series of hardships as they disappeared in a blizzard, were attacked by robbers, overcome by sickness and disease, and lost their food supply in the mountains. The explorers would emerge transformed, although not everyone would survive. Reviewed by Jana Siciliano.
WE SHOULD ALL BE BIRDS: A Memoir by Brian Buckbee with Carol Ann Fitzgerald (Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Brian Buckbee
On a spring evening in Montana, Brian Buckbee encounters an injured baby pigeon. Heartbroken after the loss of the love of his life and increasingly isolated by a mysterious illness that overtook him while trekking through Asia, Brian is unaware that this bird --- who he names Two-Step --- will change his life. Brian takes in Two-Step and more injured birds, eventually transforming his home into a madcap bird rehabilitation and rescue center. As Brian and Two-Step grow closer, an unexpected kinship forms. But their paths won’t converge forever. As Two-Step heals and finds love, Brian’s condition worsens, and with his friend’s release back into the world looming closer, Brian must decide where this story leaves him. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
THE ART OF A LIE by Laura Shepherd-Robinson (Historical Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Sophie Roberts and Justin Avoth
Following the murder of her husband in what looks like a violent street robbery, Hannah Cole is struggling to keep her head above water. Her confectionary shop on Piccadilly is barely turning a profit, and her suppliers are conspiring to put her out of business. Henry Fielding, the famous author-turned-magistrate, is threatening to confiscate the money in her husband’s bank account because he believes it might have been illicitly acquired. And even those who claim to be Hannah’s friends have darker intent. Only William Devereux seems different. A friend of her late husband, Devereux helps Hannah unravel some of the mysteries surrounding his death. But their friendship opens Hannah to speculation and gossip and draws Henry Fielding’s attention her way, locking her into a battle of wits more devastating than anything she can imagine. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
THE UNSEEN by Ania Ahlborn (Domestic Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by a full cast
Isla Hansen, a mother reeling from a devastating loss, is beside herself when a mysteriously orphaned child appears on the outskirts of the Hansens’ secluded Colorado property. Although strange and unexplainable, the child’s presence breathes new life into Isla. But as the child settles in, Isla’s husband, Luke, and their five children notice peculiarities that hint at something far beyond the ordinary --- anomalies that challenge the very fabric of reality itself. The tension within the Hansen household grows, and with it, the sense that there is something very wrong with the new kid in the house. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKSHOPS by Poppy Alexander (Romance)
Audiobook available, read by Karen Cass
Capelthorne’s Books may be a tad run-down these days, but to Jules Capelthorne, the wonky, dusty world of literary treasures is full of precious childhood memories. When her great-aunt Florence gets too frail to run it alone, Jules ditches her junior publishing job in London and comes home to make the bookshop’s 100th birthday a celebration to remember. But Jules quickly discovers that the bookshop is close to bankruptcy, and the lease on the building is up for renewal. To make matters worse, the owner of the property is the insufferable Roman Montbeau. The Montbeaus and Capelthornes have feuded for years. Jules may not be able to splash the cash on promotions and marketing like the Montbeaus, but she has some ideas of her own. Plus she has a tenacity that just may win the hardest of hearts and the most hopeless of conflicts. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
GONE IN THE NIGHT: A Detective Annalisa Vega Novel by Joanna Schaffhausen (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Kelsey Navarro Foster
Detective Annalisa Vega hasn’t forgiven her brother for his role in a murder, and he hasn’t forgiven her for turning him in. So she’s surprised when he asks her to visit him in prison. One of his fellow inmates, Joe Green, may be innocent of the murder that landed him behind bars. Joe is doing hard time for killing his ex-wife’s lawyer, but an anonymous letter sent to the prison warns that the eyewitness in Joe’s trial made up her story. With her private investigation business foundering, Annalisa is desperate enough to start poking around into Joe’s meager case. She immediately finds two problems: the eyewitness definitely lied about what she saw the night of the murder, and Annalisa’s husband, Nick, was the cop who arrested Joe. Annalisa’s search for the truth will test the bounds of her marriage, her family and her own sense of justice. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
ARCHIPELAGO by Natalie Bakopoulos (Fiction)
Along the way to a translation writing residency on the Dalmatian coast, ARCHIPELAGO’s unnamed narrator has an unsettling, aggressive encounter with a man on a ferry, which sets off a series of strange events. At the residency, she reunites with Luka, an old friend who seems to have included a version of her in his novel. They strike up a romantic relationship as she continues her translation work. The hazy summer stretches on until, after a sudden shift, she embarks upon an impulsive road trip back to Greece, crossing borders. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
Noteworthy Books Releasing on
August 26th, September 1st and September 2nd
Below are some notable titles releasing on August 26th, September 1st and September 2nd 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 weeks of August 25th and September 1st, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here.
August 26th
BACKSTAGE: Stories of a Writing Life by Donna Leon (Memoir)
BACKSTAGE is a memorable collection of stories and essays on writing, reading, teaching and Venice by the celebrated author of the bestselling Guido Brunetti series.
THE BOOK OF LOST HOURS by Hayley Gelfuso (Historical Fantasy/Romance)
This sweeping, unforgettable novel follows two remarkable women moving between postwar and Cold War-era America and the mysterious time space, a library filled with books containing the memories of those who bore witness to history.
THE BREAK-IN by Katherine Faulkner (Domestic Thriller)
After killing an intruder in self-defense, a wealthy London mother must unravel a terrifying mystery filled with twists and turns.
CHILDREN OF THE BOOK: A Memoir of Reading Together by Ilana Kurshan (Memoir)
In CHILDREN OF THE BOOK, Ilana Kurshan reveals how literature weaves an invisible thread through the tapestry of family life.
DAYS YOU WERE MINE by Clare Leslie Hall (Fiction)
From the author of BROKEN COUNTRY comes a captivating drama about how one man’s quest to uncover the truth about his adoption changes everything he knows about love, loss and the unbreakable bonds of family.
THE HEIR: A Young Queen Victoria Mystery by Darcie Wilde (Historical Mystery)
For fans of "The Crown," The Young Victoria and all things British royalty is a new mystery set in 1830s London and starring none other than the young Princess Victoria --- the future Queen of England --- as a rebellious amateur sleuth.
KATABASIS by R. F. Kuang (Historical Fantasy)
Two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul --- perhaps at the cost of their own.
A NEW NEW ME by Helen Oyeyemi (Fiction)
From the award-winning, bestselling author who brought us BOY, SNOW, BIRD comes a masterful story that asks: What if the different sides of your personality had trust issues with each other?
TOMLINSON'S WAKE: A Doc Ford Novel by Randy Wayne White (Thriller/Adventure)
From New York Times bestselling author Randy Wayne White comes the latest thriller following Doc Ford and his perilous journey into Mesoamerica after a world-shattering earthquake threatens his squad's safety --- and all of their lives.
A TRUCE THAT IS NOT PEACE by Miriam Toews (Memoir)
Internationally bestselling author Miriam Toews' memoir of the will to write is a work of disobedient memory, humor and exquisite craft set against a content-hungry, prose-stuffed society.
September 1st
BILLION-DOLLAR RANSOM by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski (Thriller)
Six kidnappers pursue a whopping 10-figure payout in this thrilling novel featuring “breakneck pacing and loop-the-loop plotting” (Publishers Weekly).
PLEASE DON’T LIE by Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt (Psychological Thriller)
In this stylish, twisty thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline and award-winning author Anne Burt, a young woman heads to the Adirondacks with her new husband for a fresh start --- but the past won’t let her go.
September 2nd
AMITY by Nathan Harris (Historical Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE SWEETNESS OF WATER comes a gripping story about a brother and sister, emancipated from slavery but still searching for true freedom, and their odyssey across the deserts of Mexico to escape a former master still intent on their bondage.
APOSTLE'S COVE by William Kent Krueger (Mystery)
The New York Times bestselling Cork O’Connor mystery series continues with Cork revisiting a case from his past and confronting mysterious deaths in the present.
AT LAST by Marisa Silver (Historical Fiction)
Set in mid-century America, AT LAST explores a rich family saga centered on two fierce and competitive matriarchs whose intertwined lives reflect the complexities of family, tradition and personal ambition.
BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan (Historical Fiction)
Sweeping yet intimate, rich with piercing observation and the warmth that comes from profound understanding of the human spirit, BUCKEYE captures the universal longing for love and for goodness.
FRAMED IN DEATH by J. D. Robb (Mystery/Thriller)
Death imitates art in this brand-new crime thriller starring homicide cop Eve Dallas from the #1 New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb.
THE GIRL WITH ICE IN HER VEINS: A Lisbeth Salander Novel by Karin Smirnoff (Thriller)
THE GIRL WITH ICE IN HER VEINS is a twisty, vertiginous, hard-hitting thriller that breathes new life into Stieg Larsson's epic series and unforgettable characters.
THE HALLMARKED MAN: A Cormoran Strike Novel by Robert Galbraith (Mystery)
A gripping, wonderfully complex novel that takes Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott's story to a new level, THE HALLMARKED MAN is a can't-miss read for any fan of this unique series.
HOT DESK by Laura Dickerman (Romantic Comedy)
"Younger" meets WRITERS & LOVERS in this rollicking, sparkling and funny novel that spans decades and generations of a family in the publishing industry.
THE IMPROBABLE VICTORIA WOODHULL: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President by Eden Collinsworth (Biography)
From the acclaimed author of WHAT THE ERMINE SAW and BEHAVING BADLY comes a portrait of Victoria Woodhull, a celebrated and maligned 19th-century businesswoman and activist, and a leader in the fight for women’s suffrage and labor reforms.
MOTHER MARY COMES TO ME by Arundhati Roy (Memoir)
This raw and deeply moving memoir traces the complex relationship with Arundhati Roy's mother, Mary, a fierce and formidable force who shaped Arundhati’s life both as a woman and as a writer.
VIANNE by Joanne Harris (Fiction)
Million-copy bestselling author Joanne Harris returns to the world of CHOCOLAT with the long-awaited story of Vianne, which begins six years before she opens her scandalous chocolaterie in the small French village of Lansquenet.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY? by Sarah McCoy (Historical Fiction)
From New York Times bestselling author Sarah McCoy comes a spellbinding novel based on a true story: a beautiful young movie star of Hollywood’s Golden Age gives up her bright career to become a nun.
Click here to see the latest “On Sale This Week” newsletter.
From left to right: Sarah Pekkanen, Sharon Kurtzman, Sarah McCoy
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 25th at 6pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Darcie Wilde will talk about her latest novel, THE HEIR, the first installment in her new mystery series featuring a young Princess Victoria --- the future Queen of England --- as a rebellious amateur sleuth.
Tuesday, August 26th at 9pm ET: Killer Author Club: Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf and Kaira Rouda will talk to Sarah Pekkanen about 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.
Wednesday, August 27th at 7pm ET: “Friends & Fiction”: Join “Friends & Fiction” for a conversation with Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt about their new thriller, PLEASE DON'T LIE, in which a young woman heads to the Adirondacks with her new husband for a fresh start --- but the past won’t let her go.
Thursday, August 28th at 7pm ET: Warwick's: Warwick's presents Sharon Kurtzman as she discusses her debut novel, THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA, with Rachel McMillan. The book shines a light on the courageous spirit of WWII refugees as they battle to survive the overwhelming hardships of a world torn apart.
Wednesday, September 3rd at 7pm ET: “Friends & Fiction”: Join “Friends & Fiction” for a conversation with Sarah McCoy about her new book, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY?, a spellbinding novel based on a true story: a beautiful young movie star of Hollywood’s Golden Age gives up her bright career to become a nun.
Thursday, September 4th at 8pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Randy Wayne White will talk about TOMLINSON'S WAKE, the latest thriller following Doc Ford and his perilous journey into Mesoamerica after a world-shattering earthquake threatens his squad's safety --- and all of their lives.
"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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Sharon Kurtzman (THE LOST BAKER OF VIENNA)
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Hank Phillippi Ryan (ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS)
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 22nd to September 5th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of APOSTLE'S COVE by William Kent Krueger and WHATEVER HAPPENED TO LORI LOVELY? by Sarah McCoy.
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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