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Editorial Content for Kaikeyi

Book

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Carly Silver

Vaishnavi Patel’s KAIKEYI is the latest in a new wave of retellings of the stories of maligned women in mythology.

In the vein of Jennifer Saint’s ARIADNE, Madeline Miller’s CIRCE, and Genevieve Gornichec’s THE WITCH’S HEART, this book delivers a stellar reinvention of Queen Kaikeyi, the wicked stepmother of Rama in the Indian epic the Ramayana.

"Patel creates an engaging backstory for her villainess turned heroine."

Teaser

The only daughter of the kingdom of Kekaya, Kaikeyi is raised on tales of the gods. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, and listens as her own worth is reduced to how great a marriage alliance she can secure. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear. Desperate for some measure of independence, she turns to the texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. With this power, Kaikeyi transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat and most favored queen. But as the evil from her childhood stories threatens the cosmic order, the path she has forged clashes with the destiny the gods have chosen for her family.

Promo

The only daughter of the kingdom of Kekaya, Kaikeyi is raised on tales of the gods. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, and listens as her own worth is reduced to how great a marriage alliance she can secure. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear. Desperate for some measure of independence, she turns to the texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. With this power, Kaikeyi transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat and most favored queen. But as the evil from her childhood stories threatens the cosmic order, the path she has forged clashes with the destiny the gods have chosen for her family.

About the Book

“With a graceful, measured elegance” (New York Times), this lyrical novel reimagines the life of the infamous queen from the ancient epic the Ramayana, giving voice to an extraordinary woman determined to leave her mark in a world where gods and men dictate the shape of things to come.

“I was born on the full moon under an auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions --- much good it did me.”

So begins Kaikeyi’s story. The only daughter of the kingdom of Kekaya, she is raised on tales of the gods: how they churned the vast ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality, how they vanquish evil, and ensure the land of Bharat prospers and how they offer powerful boons to the devout and the wise. Yet she watches as her father unceremoniously banishes her mother, listens as her own worth is reduced to how great a marriage alliance she can secure. And when she calls upon the gods for help, they never seem to hear.

Desperate for some measure of independence, she turns to the texts she once read with her mother and discovers a magic that is hers alone. With this power, Kaikeyi transforms herself from an overlooked princess into a warrior, diplomat and most favored queen, determined to carve a better world for herself and the women around her.

But as the evil from her childhood stories threatens the cosmic order, the path she has forged clashes with the destiny the gods have chosen for her family. And Kaikeyi must decide if resistance is worth the destruction it will wreak --- and what legacy she intends to leave behind.

Audiobook available, read by Soneela Nankani

Editorial Content for Here Goes Nothing

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Ray Palen

Australian author Steve Toltz was shortlisted for the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his 2008 novel, A FRACTION OF THE WHOLE, which means he has a special talent for moving words around the page. However, I daresay he has never attempted anything so outlandishly satisfying and timely as his latest release, which is aptly set during a pandemic and ironically titled HERE GOES NOTHING. Read More

Teaser

Angus is a reformed ne'er-do-well looking forward to the birth of his first child when he's murdered by a man who's in love with his pregnant wife, Gracie. Having never believed in God, heaven or hell, Angus finds himself in the afterlife --- a place that provides more questions than answers. As a worldwide pandemic finally reaches the shores of Australia, the afterlife starts to get very crowded. Angus finds a way to reconnect with Gracie and maybe even seek revenge on his murderer.

Promo

Angus is a reformed ne'er-do-well looking forward to the birth of his first child when he's murdered by a man who's in love with his pregnant wife, Gracie. Having never believed in God, heaven or hell, Angus finds himself in the afterlife --- a place that provides more questions than answers. As a worldwide pandemic finally reaches the shores of Australia, the afterlife starts to get very crowded. Angus finds a way to reconnect with Gracie and maybe even seek revenge on his murderer.

About the Book

A wildly inventive, savagely funny and topical novel about love, mortality and the afterlife, by the Booker-shortlisted author of A FRACTION OF THE WHOLE.

Angus is a reformed ne'er-do-well looking forward to the birth of his first child when he's murdered by a man who's in love with his pregnant wife, Gracie. Having never believed in God, heaven or hell, Angus finds himself in the afterlife --- a place that provides more questions than answers. As a worldwide pandemic finally reaches the shores of Australia, the afterlife starts to get very crowded. Angus finds a way to reconnect with Gracie and maybe even seek revenge on his murderer.

HERE GOES NOTHING is a novel of exhilarating originality and scope about birth, death and everything in between and after by "a writer of prodigious talent" (Peter Carey) that contains a vision of the afterlife that rivals Dante’s DIVINE COMEDY and George Saunders' LINCOLN IN THE BARDO, and the emmy-nominated "The Good Place."

Audiobook available, read by Ben Chapple

Editorial Content for Disappeared

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

L. Dean Murphy

Following 2020’s intriguing debut, TOWARD THE LIGHT, Bonnar Spring’s stand-alone novel introduces middle-age sisters Julie and Fay. The two enjoy annual excursions sans family to an exotic destination, this one to Morocco. The northwestern African country of 2005 is far removed from the contemporary tourist magnet. Read More

Teaser

Julie Welch’s sister, Fay Lariviere, disappears from their hotel in Morocco. Although she leaves a note that she’ll be back in two days, Fay doesn’t return. Julie’s anger shifts to worry --- and to fear when she discovers a stalker. Then, an attack meant for Julie kills another woman. Searching Fay’s luggage and quizzing the hotel staff, Julie discovers Fay’s destination --- a remote village in the Saharan desert. Convinced her sister is in danger and propelled by her own jeopardy, Julie rushes to warn Fay. By the time she reaches the village, Julie finds that Fay has traveled deeper into the desert. With a villager as her guide, Julie follows, only to be stranded in the Sahara when the guide abandons her. Julie is eventually reunited with Fay --- in a prison cell --- and learns the reasons for Fay’s secrecy.

Promo

Julie Welch’s sister, Fay Lariviere, disappears from their hotel in Morocco. Although she leaves a note that she’ll be back in two days, Fay doesn’t return. Julie’s anger shifts to worry --- and to fear when she discovers a stalker. Then, an attack meant for Julie kills another woman. Searching Fay’s luggage and quizzing the hotel staff, Julie discovers Fay’s destination --- a remote village in the Saharan desert. Convinced her sister is in danger and propelled by her own jeopardy, Julie rushes to warn Fay. By the time she reaches the village, Julie finds that Fay has traveled deeper into the desert. With a villager as her guide, Julie follows, only to be stranded in the Sahara when the guide abandons her. Julie is eventually reunited with Fay --- in a prison cell --- and learns the reasons for Fay’s secrecy.

About the Book

These two sisters are about to be permanently “disappeared.”

Julie Welch’s sister, Fay Lariviere, disappears from their hotel in Morocco. Although she leaves a note that she’ll be back in two days, Fay doesn’t return.

Julie’s anger shifts to worry --- and to fear when she discovers a stalker. Then, an attack meant for Julie kills another woman. Searching Fay’s luggage and quizzing the hotel staff, Julie discovers Fay’s destination --- a remote village in the Saharan desert. Convinced her sister is in danger and propelled by her own jeopardy, Julie rushes to warn Fay.

By the time she reaches the village, Julie finds that Fay has traveled deeper into the desert. With a villager as her guide, Julie follows, only to be stranded in the Sahara when the guide abandons her. Julie is eventually reunited with Fay --- in a prison cell --- and learns the reasons for Fay’s secrecy.

Although furious at Fay’s deception and weak from her desert ordeal, Julie knows they must work together. The sisters, ensnared in a web of dangerous lies and about to be permanently “disappeared,” pit their wits against soldiers and desert in a fight for their lives.

Editorial Content for Two Little Girls

Contributors

Reviewer (text)

Ray Palen

TWO LITTLE GIRLS, British author Laura Jarratt’s adult debut novel, is more than a thriller --- it’s a rolling nightmare that just seems to get worse and worse with each passing chapter until the tension becomes almost unbearable. Read More

Teaser

When Lizzie's car crashes with her two daughters inside, she faces a terrible choice. And when she recovers from her injuries, she must deal with the impact of that tragedy and the police investigation into it. As Lizzie and her family struggle to come to terms with the events of that night, things take an even darker turn. What exactly happened on that remote country road? Who is responsible? And can the family get through this together...or will the truth finally tear them apart?

Promo

When Lizzie's car crashes with her two daughters inside, she faces a terrible choice. And when she recovers from her injuries, she must deal with the impact of that tragedy and the police investigation into it. As Lizzie and her family struggle to come to terms with the events of that night, things take an even darker turn. What exactly happened on that remote country road? Who is responsible? And can the family get through this together...or will the truth finally tear them apart?

About the Book

She has to time to save one of her daughters. Only one. Can she choose?

When Lizzie's car crashes with her two daughters inside, she faces a terrible choice. And when she recovers from her injuries, she must deal with the impact of that tragedy and the police investigation into it. As Lizzie and her family struggle to come to terms with the events of that night, things take an even darker turn. What exactly happened on that remote country road? Who is responsible? And can the family get through this together...or will the truth finally tear them apart?

Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, TWO LITTLE GIRLS is a riveting page-turner that combines deep emotion with a mesmerizing plot, taking us deep inside the secret life of a family with plenty to hide and the unthinkable choice that one mother is forced to make.

Audiobook available, read by Ana Clements and Hannah Curtis

Editorial Content for The Unveiling of Polly Forrest

Reviewer (text)

Barbara Bamberger Scott

In this gripping mystery by acclaimed author Charlotte Whitney (THREADS: A Depression Era Tale), a young bride faces grief, terror and a life-threatening crisis in the process of finding herself as an artist and a strong woman. Read More

Teaser

During the throes of the Great Depression, Polly marries for money. After her husband, Sam, dies in a freak farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is financially set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam's murder. Secrets abound, and even Polly's family can't figure out the truth. Narrated by Polly; her self-righteous older sister, Sarah; and Sarah's well-meaning but flawed husband, Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest. Each narrator has a strong compelling voice. Polly's early letters to her mother both reveal and hide her naivete, her fears and her dreams. Sarah is both caring and critical. Wesley is dedicated to his calling and his parishioners, but his weaknesses are prominent.

Promo

During the throes of the Great Depression, Polly marries for money. After her husband, Sam, dies in a freak farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is financially set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam's murder. Secrets abound, and even Polly's family can't figure out the truth. Narrated by Polly; her self-righteous older sister, Sarah; and Sarah's well-meaning but flawed husband, Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest. Each narrator has a strong compelling voice. Polly's early letters to her mother both reveal and hide her naivete, her fears and her dreams. Sarah is both caring and critical. Wesley is dedicated to his calling and his parishioners, but his weaknesses are prominent.

About the Book

Rural Michigan, 1934.

During the throes of the Great Depression, Polly marries for money. After her husband, Sam, dies in a freak farm accident, new bride Polly assumes she is financially set to pursue her dream of opening a hat-making business. Instead, she becomes the prime suspect in Sam's murder. Secrets abound, and even Polly's family can't figure out the truth.

Narrated by Polly; her self-righteous older sister, Sarah; and Sarah's well-meaning but flawed husband, Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest. Each narrator has a strong compelling voice. Polly's early letters to her mother both reveal and hide her naivete, her fears and her dreams. Sarah, the responsible but judgmental older sister, is both caring and critical. Wesley is dedicated to his calling and his parishioners, but his weaknesses are prominent.

The deep despair of the Depression in a rural community frames the backdrop of this compelling mystery with vivid descriptions of homemaking, farming and church activities. Animals play an important role in the narrative including Polly's dog, horses, chickens and cows. As Polly develops insight and courage to face her trials, sibling rivalry, family secrets and idiosyncratic characters are all revealed. The unveiling of these long-held secrets and the compelling mystery make for a thrilling read.

May 6, 2022

When you have been running Bookreporter for 25 years, you get a chance to see the growth of authors whose careers you have followed for a while. This week, we are reviewing the latest books from two of those authors: Mary Kay Andrews and Wade Rouse.

I still remember when Stuart Krichevsky, the agent for Mary Kay Andrews (or MKA, as we all have come to call her), slipped me a manuscript for a book called SAVANNAH BLUES that I just loved. It had a great voice and lured me in with its look at what MKA calls “house porn,” where we all covet reading how homes are restored and “fluffed up.” For years, MKA had written mysteries under her real name, Kathy Hogan Trocheck, but she wanted to try something new. This sparked a whole new trajectory to her career, and this week we are reviewing and celebrating her 30th book, THE HOMEWRECKERS, her 20th as MKA. And yes, there is “house porn” in it. Thirty books is a lot of plotting and a lot of writing to please readers. Our congratulations to her on this very special milestone!

Kim Michele Richardson, author of The Book Woman's Daughter

Bestselling historical fiction author Kim Michele Richardson is back with the perfect book club read following Honey Lovett, the daughter of the beloved Troublesome book woman, who must fight for her own independence with the help of the women who guide her and the books that set her free.

We wrap up this year’s Mother’s Day Author Blog series with Sarah McCoy, whose latest novel, MUSTIQUE ISLAND, releases on May 10th. It’s a sun-splashed romp with a rich divorcee and her two wayward daughters in 1970s Mustique, the world’s most exclusive private island, where Princess Margaret and Mick Jagger were regulars and scandals stayed hidden from the press. In our final Mother’s Day blog post of 2022, Sarah reflects on the Mother’s Day celebrations she enjoyed with her mom growing up and what made them so unique. As an adult, Sarah recognizes how important it is to honor everything that her mother has been --- a daughter, a sister, a girl with big dreams, a conscientious student, a best friend, a competitive athlete, a teacher…and, of course, a loving parent.

Helltown: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer on Cape Cod by Casey Sherman

In the winter of 1969, the bodies of four young women were discovered in a cemetery near the tip of Cape Cod. In a place once known as Helltown, the victims had been shot, stabbed, dismembered and mutilated. As investigators would soon learn, the perpetrator was a young, handsome serial killer named Tony Costa. A bizarre former taxidermist with a split personality and penchant for violence, Costa ultimately mobilized friends in the hippie community for support and retribution, and captivated literary icons and rivals Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer. Costa embarked on a daring cat-and-mouse game with investigators, who --- as the body count kept growing --- were desperate to put an end to the killing season on Cape Cod.

May 5, 2022

This Bookreporter.com Special Newsletter spotlights a book that we think is a great summer reading selection. Read more about it, and enter our Summer Reading Contest by Friday, May 6th at noon ET for a chance to win one of five copies of A FAMILY AFFAIR by Robyn Carr, which is now available. Please note that each contest is only open for 24 hours, so you will need to act quickly!