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Here Comes the 4th of July!
While I spend a lot of time writing online and doing virtual events, I do love getting out to meet readers, which is what I got to do on Wednesday night at the Avalon Free Public Library. I am trying to remember how many summers I have been doing this program. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, as well as some new ones. The weather was great there, unlike the first year when it was absolutely pouring. I joke that that was my christening into Avalon.
My husband came with me, and he played golf with my friend Beverley’s husband while we got to catch up pre-show. She also helped with a newsletter signup leave behind for the event, which brought back memories of our days at Mademoiselle magazine where we worked in the promotion and merchandising departments together. Beverley took the photo above.
It was so hot last weekend that I literally stood in the pool and read.
I started with Liz Moore’s THE GOD OF THE WOODS, which releases on Tuesday and is terrific. I loved her previous book, LONG BRIGHT RIVER, and I look forward to talking to her about this one. It’s set at a summer camp, and one of the campers is missing right at the start. But it’s not just ANY camper; it’s the daughter of the owner of the camp. And what makes it even more challenging is that her brother went missing when he was a child. What is happening in the woods, and what secrets is this family harboring? It is twisty and definitely will keep you guessing as Liz pivots readers in a couple of directions.
Then I picked up BAD TOURISTS by Caro Carver, which releases on July 9th and is set in the Maldives. The location sounds idyllic as three friends head there for a getaway. One of them is newly divorced, and she is footing the bill for the trip. So at the start, it is spas, snorkeling and typical island activities. But since this is a thriller, of course things get dark. Really dark. I enjoyed the book, which also had a lot of twists.
Both THE GOD OF THE WOODS and BAD TOURISTS will be Bookreporter.com Bets On selections.
For this weekend, SANDWICH by Catherine Newman and HUSBAND & LOVERS by Beatriz Williams are on deck. I should say on the deck, literally.
We are welcoming someone new to the team. This week, we brought on Francesca Smith, who has been interning with us since December, as our Contest Coordinator. Her tasks will include overseeing our contests and picking winners. If any of you are missing books from recent giveaways, please shoot me a note at [email protected] so I can track them down for you, as we will not be using our TBRNCoordinator mailbox going forward.
Big News: We now have over 5,000 subscribers on our YouTube channel, TheBookReportNetwork. Follow us if you are not doing so already!
On Tuesday evening, we hosted June’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event with William Kent Krueger as our special guest. He joined us to discuss his New York Times bestseller and Edgar Award finalist, THE RIVER WE REMEMBER, a Bets On pick that is now available in paperback.
Kent has been our guest on more than one occasion, and though we have been meeting virtually, each time it feels like we all are together. We had people from 37 states and Canada in attendance. We love our reach and our ability to deliver programs like this to you. Some readers joined us to ask questions, which covered a myriad of topics. Kent also gave us a preview of his new Cork O’Connor mystery, SPIRIT CROSSING, which releases on August 20th, and talked about his audio original novella, THE LEVEE, which came out last year.
As always when Kent joins us, the conversation was warm and engaging. A few of the readers who talked to Kent on camera had met him at past events. And they shared some stories about those experiences, which showed once again how he connects with readers. Click here to watch the program or here to listen to the podcast.
As promised, our “Bookaccino Live” Summer Preview evening program from last Thursday is now available on our YouTube channel. I talked about 55 books that are now available or soon to be released this summer that we wanted to get on you radar. Click here to watch the event and here to see a list of the titles that I presented. We look forward to seeing you in September for our Fall Preview evening program!
This is your last Weekly Update newsletter reminder to sign up for our July “Bookaccino Live” book preview afternoon event, which will take place on Wednesday, July 10th at 2pm ET.
The focus will be on titles releasing between July 9th and August 6th, in addition to a few from September, that we would like to tell you about. Click here to register. Those attending the live event 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.
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK is July’s “Read with Jenna” Today Show Book Club pick and will be a Bets On selection. A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story and a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker’s latest novel is about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.
Jenna says that the book is about “two best friends --- both misfits --- Patch and Saint. They live in a small town and the small town is such a part of the story. Something happens to them when they are young, which catapults a whole life of friendship and chasing each other.”
In her review, Norah Piehl calls ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK a “suspenseful, powerfully affecting novel that’s part crime fiction, part coming-of-age tale, and part heartbreaking love story, as easy to immerse yourself in as it is difficult to define.” She goes on to say, “[The novel] only becomes more absorbing as it proceeds. Nearly every piece of this complicated, epic story falls into place in surprising, satisfying ways.”
I agree with everything that Norah says; it’s a very special book. Don’t miss my Bets On commentary in the July 12th newsletter. And I hope to interview Chris in July.
Word of Mouth Contest Reminder
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK is one of our current Word of Mouth prizes; the other is the aforementioned THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore, which is July’s #1 Indie Next pick. Submit your comments about the books you’ve read, and you’ll be in the running to win both these novels. Be sure to do so by Friday, July 12th at noon ET.
Another future Bets On title is THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali, a heartfelt novel of friendship, betrayal and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran, which releases on Tuesday. It’s a sweeping exploration of how profoundly we are shaped by those we meet when we are young, and the way love and courage transforms our lives.
Sarah Rachel Egelman has our review and says, “More than a tale of friendship or a coming-of-age story, it’s a beautifully crafted and subtle exploration of love, family, friendship, ambition, betrayal and redemption in a socio-political powder keg. It also addresses the various ways in which loyalty can shape one’s relationship to a nation --- both a homeland and an adopted home. This finely written novel emphasizes the human experience in the face of turmoil.”
I look forward to interviewing Marjan about THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN on Monday. We will feature the interview in our July 12th newsletter, followed by my Bets On commentary on July 19th. Plus, we will be giving away the book in a Summer Reading contest that will be going live on Tuesday, July 23rd at noon ET.
We’re happy to share with you our review of Lisa Wingate’s new book, SHELTERWOOD, which released earlier this month and is a Bets On selection. This sweeping novel is inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.
According to our reviewer Amy Gwiazdowski, “I love when novelists allow their audience to see characters from different eras and perspectives. In SHELTERWOOD, Wingate takes readers on an emotional ride through time…. It’s not always an easy book to read --- many parts are sad and disturbing --- but Wingate does a heartfelt job of telling both Ollie and Val’s stories and showing how change finds us all in the end, especially when we fight to make that change real.”
If you missed my “Bookreporter Talks To” interview with Lisa, be sure to watch the video or listen to the podcast. And my Bets On commentary is here. William Kent Krueger gave SHELTERWOOD a rave on Tuesday night; readers of his books will enjoy it.
Other books we’re reviewing this week include:
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LIES AND WEDDINGS: A forbidden affair erupts volcanically amid a decadent tropical wedding in this outrageous comedy of manners from Kevin Kwan, the internationally bestselling author of the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy.
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THE PARIS WIDOW: A dream vacation turns deadly when secrets from the past catch up to a married couple in Paris in Kimberly Belle’s new edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday at 9pm ET for Killer Author Club, a half-hour show that Kimberly hosts with Heather Gudenkauf and Kaira Rouda. The next episode will air this Tuesday, July 2nd and will feature Wanda M. Morris talking about her new thriller, WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND. Click here for their upcoming schedule.
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THE HOUSEMAID IS WATCHING: This third installment in Freida McFadden’s twisty, tension-packed and globally bestselling Housemaid series will have you up all night racing through the pages until the final explosive twist.
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BEAR: Julia Phillips, the celebrated, bestselling author of DISAPPEARING EARTH, has written a mesmerizing novel of two sisters whose lives are upended by an unexpected visitor. It's a tale of family, obsession and a mysterious creature in the woods.
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RED STAR FALLING: In the waning days of the Cold War, Luke Daniels embarks on a quest in search of the legendary library of Ivan the Terrible --- the unlikely key to ending a looming threat orbiting 200 miles above the earth --- in Steve Berry and Grant Blackwood's latest action-packed adventure.
Summer Reading Contest Update
In this week’s Summer Reading contest, we gave away HONEY by Isabel Banta, which we are reviewing this week. Our next giveaway will be up on Tuesday, July 9th at noon ET. The prize book will be MEET ME AT THE STARLIGHT by Rachel Hauck, a heartfelt tale of romance, perseverance and the enduring power of community set across three generations.
Revisiting Two “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews
Out in paperback on Tuesday are THE CONNELLYS OF COUNTY DOWN by Tracey Lange and EVERGREEN: A Japantown Mystery by Naomi Hirahara. I talked to Tracey and Naomi when their books released in hardcover, so if you’d like to check out these interviews, you can watch the videos or listen to the podcasts using the links below.
Remember to Vote in Our Poll
Our poll continues to ask what you do about books when you go on vacation. Do you bring along physical books or audiobooks? Do you download e-books or audiobooks? Do you borrow books from the library? Click here to let us know by Friday, July 12th at noon ET.
News & Pop Culture
Reader Mail:
Gail (pictured above) wrote about winning a copy of the aforementioned THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN in our recent contest: “I am so excited to have won a copy of the book. I loved Marjan Kamali’s earlier book, THE STATIONERY SHOP, and can’t wait to read this one!”
Sheila also wrote about winning THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN: “Thank you so much! The book arrived today. I will send a picture and comments in a few days when I have finished reading it.” MANY others were excited about winning this prize and wrote to me as well!
Lisa wrote about winning a copy of BELONGING by Jill Fordyce in our Summer Reading contest: “Wow, what a nice surprise. I look forward to her book! I saw in my USPS-informed delivery that a package will arrive next week from California, and now I know what it is. A longtime dear friend, a retired teacher, told me about Bookreporter, and I look forward to your podcasts, reviews and upcoming release emails. Thank you for being so energetic and bubbly! Your interview with my favorite author, Lisa Scottoline, was energy city. I love the electricity you girls bring!”
Cindy wrote about winning SWAN SONG by Elin Hilderbrand in a recent Word of Mouth contest: “Wow! The timing of this win couldn’t have been better! We spend a week every summer with family at a Minnesota lake, and the books should arrive just in time to make the trip with us! Thank you so much! I’ve been a follower of Bookreporter for many years and share your reviews with my book group and friends. We’ve been through many knitting projects together, two eclipses, and many, many books through our virtual connection. I can’t wait to read SWAN SONG and can't help but wonder if it really is her last book. Thanks for making reading so much fun!”
PJ also wrote about winning this Word of Mouth prize: “Thank you so much, Carol. I'm really excited to read THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH and SWAN SONG.”
Peter wrote about winning one of our Father’s Day prize packages: “Thank you for the books. I received them yesterday. I look forward to reading them and will pass them on when I'm done.” I love this plan to share!
Jane wrote about our William Kent Krueger event: “Thank you so much for the wonderful presentation with William Kent Krueger. I am a big fan of all his books, and it was such a thrill to be able to hear him on Zoom!”
I did not have much time for streaming viewing this week as I did events three out of six days. I am caught up on Apple TV+'s “Presumed Innocent”, which is very well done.
I am so glad that I took a picture of the dahlias last week. We had a storm blow through on Wednesday night while we were in Avalon, and one plant was badly damaged. I had tied the other up and thought this one was sturdy, but clearly it was not. Lesson learned for next year about these!
On our drive back home from Avalon yesterday, Beverley and Don alerted us to something fun. We stopped at the Atlantic Blueberry Company and bought a crate of blueberries at their warehouse, where the blueberries were being packaged for shipping to markets. I confess to not knowing that Hammonton, New Jersey, is known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World” and that July is National Blueberry Month. Now I need to figure out what to make with these blueberries. Beverley’s line is: “Blueberry pie on the 4th of July!” We are headed to a pig roast/pool party tomorrow, so blueberry recipe #1 is coming up. I am thinking a blueberry/peach crumble since we still have some Georgia peaches here.
Also, we drove up the back roads on the way home instead of the Parkway and the Turnpike, and we were reminded again why New Jersey is known as the “Garden State.” I love moments like this. Beverley and Don had picked sour cherries the week before, and next year I want to join them for that.
We will not be updating Bookreporter next week so the team can enjoy the 4th of July holiday. I have lots of reading and relaxing planned for the week ahead. We have been moving at a really fast pace these last few weeks, so we are leaving you with a lot to enjoy while we are out. Wishing you all a Firecracker Fourth!
Read on, and have a great TWO weeks.
Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
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:
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK by Chris Whitaker
July’s “Read with Jenna” Today Show Book Club Pick
and an Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK by Chris Whitaker (Mystery/Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Edoardo Ballerini
1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges --- Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
- Click here to see why the book is July's "Read with Jenna" pick.
Click here to read our review.
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's Bets On commentary in the July 12th newsletter.
Featured Review:
THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali
An Upcoming Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
Releasing on July 2nd
THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Mozhan Navabi and Nikki Massoud
In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Luckily, on the first day of school, Ellie meets Homa, a kind, passionate girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, they play games, learn to cook in the stone kitchen of Homa’s warm home, wander through the colorful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and share their ambitions for becoming “lion women.” But their happiness is disrupted when Ellie and her mother are afforded the opportunity to return to their previous bourgeois life. Now a popular student at the best girls’ high school in Iran, Ellie’s memories of Homa begin to fade. Years later, however, her sudden reappearance in Ellie’s privileged world alters the course of both of their lives. Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to visit Marjan Kamali's website.
Click here to read our review.
THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN will be a Bookreporter.com Bets On pick.
Don't miss Carol's interview with Marjan Kamali in the July 12th newsletter, followed by her Bets On commentary in the July 19th newsletter.
Featured Review: SHELTERWOOD by Lisa Wingate
A Bookreporter.com Bets On Title
SHELTERWOOD by Lisa Wingate (Historical Fiction)
Audiobook available; read by Christine Lakin and Jenna Lamia, with Dan Bittner
Oklahoma, 1909. Eleven-year-old Olive Augusta Radley knows that her stepfather doesn’t have good intentions toward the two Choctaw girls boarded in their home as wards. When the older girl disappears, Ollie flees to the woods, taking six-year-old Nessa with her. Together they begin a perilous journey to the remote Winding Stair Mountains, the notorious territory of outlaws, treasure hunters and desperate men. Oklahoma, 1990. Law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Odell arrives at newly minted Horsethief Trail National Park seeking a quiet place to balance a career and single parenthood. But no sooner has Valerie reported for duty than she’s faced with local controversy over the park’s opening, a teenage hiker gone missing from one of the trails, and the long-hidden burial site of three children unearthed in a cave. 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 watch our "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Lisa Wingate.
- Click here to listen to a podcast of the interview.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: LIES AND WEDDINGS by Kevin Kwan
LIES AND WEDDINGS by Kevin Kwan (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Jing Lusi
Rufus Leung Gresham, future Earl of Greshambury and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel, has a problem: the legendary Gresham Trust has been depleted by decades of profligate spending, resulting in a gargantuan mountain of debt. The only solution is for Rufus to attend his sister’s wedding at a luxury eco-resort and seduce a woman with money. Should he marry Solène de Courcy, a French hotel heiress with honey blond tresses and a royal bloodline? Should he pursue Martha Dung, the tattooed venture capital genius who passes out billions like lollipops? Or should he follow his heart, betray his family, squander his legacy, and finally confess his love to the humble daughter of a doctor? When a volcanic eruption burns through the nuptials and a hot mic exposes a secret tryst, the Gresham family plans --- and their reputation --- go up in flames. Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara.
- 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 PARIS WIDOW by Kimberly Belle
THE PARIS WIDOW by Kimberly Belle (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Marni Penning and Patrick Zeller
When Stella met Adam, she thought she finally had found a nice, normal guy --- a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. But her secure world comes crashing down when Adam goes missing after an explosion in the city square. Unable to reach him, she panics. As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer of rare and stolen antiquities with a long roster of criminal clients. Reeling from this news, Stella is determined not to leave Paris until she has the full story. Was Adam a random victim or the target of the explosion? And why is someone following her through the streets of Paris? Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: THE HOUSEMAID IS WATCHING
by Freida McFadden
THE HOUSEMAID IS WATCHING by Freida McFadden (Psychological Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Lauryn Allman and Ina Marie Smith
I used to clean other people's houses. Now, I can't believe this home is actually mine. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve. Even though I'm wary of our new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it's our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it's like to be in her shoes. But her cold stare gives me chills. The Lowells' maid isn't the only strange thing on our street. I'm sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors. Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here? Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: BEAR by Julia Phillips
BEAR by Julia Phillips (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Sophie Amoss
Sam and Elena dream of another life. On the island off the coast of Washington where they were born and raised, they and their mother struggle to survive. Sam works on the ferry that delivers wealthy mainlanders to their vacation homes, while Elena bartends at the local golf club. But even together they can’t earn enough to get by, stirring their frustration about the limits that shape their existence. Then one night on the boat, Sam spots a bear swimming the dark waters of the channel. Where is it going? What does it want? When the bear turns up by their home, a terrified Sam is more convinced than ever that it’s time to leave the island. But Elena responds differently to the massive beast. Enchanted by its presence, she throws into doubt the desire to escape and puts their long-held dream in danger. Reviewed by Katherine B. Weissman.
- Click here to read more about the book.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
Click here to read our review.
Featured Review: RED STAR FALLING
by Steve Berry with Grant Blackwood
RED STAR FALLING: A Luke Daniels Thriller by Steve Berry with Grant Blackwood (Thriller/Adventure)
Audiobook available, read by Scott Brick
Luke Daniels receives a surprise visit from the head of a former CIA operation --- a failed attempt to assemble an espionage network within the Ukraine on the eve of the Russian invasion. It was during this mission that his friend, CIA case officer John Vince, was captured by Russian operatives and supposedly executed. But Luke is provided some shocking news. Vince is alive, in failing health, locked behind the walls of Russia’s brutal Solovetsky Island prison, and has a critical message he’ll give to no one but Luke. However, just as he manages to extract his friend from prison, Vince tragically dies, and his final words are rambling and incoherent. But they’re enough to plunge Luke into a hunt for something lost since the 15th century --- the legendary library of the first Tsar of All Russia, Ivan the Terrible. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
- Click here to read more about the book.
Click here to read our review.
Bookreporter.com's 20th Annual
Summer Reading Contests and Feature
Summer is here! At Bookreporter.com, this means it's time for us to share some great summer book picks with our Summer Reading Contests and Feature. We are hosting a series of 24-hour contests for these titles on select days through early August, so you will have to check the site each day to see the featured prize book and enter to win. We also are sending a special newsletter to announce the day's title, which you can sign up for here.
Our next contest will be up on Tuesday, July 9th at noon ET. The prize book will be MEET ME AT THE STARLIGHT by Rachel Hauck, a heartfelt tale of romance, perseverance and the enduring power of community set across three generations.
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
We currently are featuring the following guides on ReadingGroupGuides.com:
Please note that these titles, for which we already had the guides when they appeared in hardcover, are now available in paperback:
Click here to visit ReadingGroupGuides.com.
FAREWELL, AMETHYSTINE: An Easy Rawlins Mystery by Walter Mosley (Mystery)
Audiobook available, read by Michael Boatman
January 1970. Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, LA’s premier Black detective, has a loving family, a beautiful home and a thriving investigation agency at 50 years old. All is right with the world…and then Amethystine Stoller, his own personal Helen of Troy, arrives. Her ex-husband is missing, which is a simple enough case. But even as Easy takes his first step in the investigation, he trips. He falls into the memory of things past --- little things, like loss, love, a world war, and a hunger that has eaten at him since he was a Black boy on his own on the streets of Fifth Ward, Houston, Texas. The missing ex, a young white man named Curt Fields, is found dead. Easy’s only real friend in the LAPD, Melvin Suggs, has gone into hiding rather than allow his femme fatale wife to go to the gas chamber. And that’s only the beginning. Easy finds himself pressed into a reckoning. Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro.
INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE by Josh Malerman (Supernatural Thriller/Horror)
Audiobook available, read by Delanie Nicole Gill
To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day, “Can I go inside your heart?” When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay. Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger and bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel. But Other Mommy needs an answer. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
SOME MURDERS IN BERLIN by Karen Robards (Historical Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Nancy Peterson
September 1943: Berlin is the heart of darkness --- and the last place Dr. Elin Lund wishes to be. An expert in psychological profiling, she’s been summoned from Copenhagen to investigate the gruesome murders of eight young women. Even in the midst of unspeakable evil, these killings stand apart. And with her homeland now under Nazi occupation and a young son to protect, Elin can’t refuse such a request. Homicide Detective Kurt Schneider, head of the criminal police unit, is grudging in his welcome. The orders to find the killer come from the top, and to fail means death. The stakes are too high to risk any mistakes --- or to trust a stranger. Yet the pair, trapped in an uneasy partnership, each has expertise the other needs. And Schneider, like Elin, is clearly guarding secrets of his own. Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds.
FINDING MR. WRITE by Kelley Armstrong (Romantic Comedy)
Audiobook available; read by Natalie Naudus, Will Peters, Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins
Daphne McFadden already knows that as a female author, the cards are stacked against her. Now she knows just how much. Because her sudden whim to pose as an “outdoorsy hunk of masculinity” male author for her new book just resulted in the unthinkable: a bidding war, a huge book deal and the kind of fame every author dreams of. Now she’s in big trouble. Because she needs to convince the world that Zane Remington actually exists. But how? By hiring an actor, of course. Only Chris Stanton is not an actor. He’s used to balancing the books, not pretending he wrote one. Still, he’s mostly certain he can pose as some overly macho bro-author. But as the hype circus gets more out of control, it’s just a matter of time before someone discovers their little write lie. Reviewed by Pamela Kramer.
HONEY by Isabel Banta (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Brittany Pressley
It is 1997, and Amber Young has received a life-changing call. It’s a chance thousands of girls would die for: the opportunity to join girl group Cloud9 in Los Angeles and escape her small town. She quickly finds herself in the orbits of fellow rising stars Gwen Morris, a driven singer-dancer, and Wes Kingston, a member of the biggest boy band in the world, ETA. As Amber embarks on her solo career and her fame intensifies, her rich interior life is frequently reduced. Surrounded by people who claim to love her but only wish to exploit her, and driven by a desire for recognition and success, for love and sex, for agency and connection, Amber comes of age at a time when the kaleidoscope of public opinion can distort everything and one mistake can shatter a career. Reviewed by Megan Elliott.
- Click here to read an excerpt.
- Click here for the discussion guide on ReadingGroupGuides.com.
WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE: An Oral History of D-Day by Garrett M. Graff (Oral History)
Audiobook available; read by Edoardo Ballerini and Garrett M. Graff, with a full cast
D-Day is one of history’s greatest and most unbelievable military and human triumphs. Though the full campaign lasted just over a month, the surprise landing of over 150,000 Allied troops on the morning of June 6, 1944, is understood to be the moment that turned the tide for the Allied forces and ultimately led to the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II. Now, bestselling author and historian Garrett M. Graff explores the full impact of this world-changing event --- from the secret creation of landing plans by top government and military officials and organization of troops, to the moment the boat doors opened to reveal the beach where men fought for their lives and the future of the free world. Reviewed by Lorraine W. Shanley.
LULA DEAN'S LITTLE LIBRARY OF BANNED BOOKS by Kirsten Miller
(Fiction/Humor)
Audiobook available, read by January LaVoy
Beverly Underwood and her arch enemy, Lula Dean, live in the tiny town of Troy, Georgia. Beverly is on the school board, and Lula has become a local celebrity by embarking on a mission to rid the public libraries of all inappropriate books --- none of which she’s actually read. To replace the “pornographic” books she’s challenged at the local public library, Lula starts her own lending library in front of her home. What she doesn’t know is that a local troublemaker has stolen her wholesome books, removed their dust jackets and restocked her library with banned books. One by one, neighbors who borrow books from Lula Dean’s library find their lives changed in unexpected ways. Finally, one of Lula’s enemies discovers the library and decides to turn the tables on her, just as Lula and Beverly are running against each other to replace the town’s disgraced mayor. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.
THE SECOND COMING by Garth Risk Hallberg (Fiction)
Audiobook available, read by Ari Fliakos and Gail Shalan
Spring, 2011. When 13-year-old Jolie Aspern goes down onto the subway tracks to retrieve her dropped phone --- and nearly gets hit by a train --- the last thing she wants is sympathy from her estranged dad, Ethan. A recovering addict and felon, Ethan has long struggled to see beyond himself. But when news of Jolie’s accident reaches him, Ethan comes to fear she’s in more serious trouble than anyone realizes. And believing he’s the only one who can save her, he decides to return home. So begins the journey of Jolie and Ethan. It will stretch from Manhattan in the midst of the Great Recession to a remote beach on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where their lives really began. In time, it will push Jolie out past her depth with a mysterious stranger, and Ethan in over his head with his first love --- Jolie’s mom. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.
DEVIL’S KITCHEN by Candice Fox (Thriller)
Audiobook available, read by Kirsten Potter
The firefighting crew of Engine 99 has spent years rushing fearlessly into the hot zone of major fires across New York City. This tight-knit, four-person unit has faced danger head-on, saving countless lives and stopping raging fires before they can cause major destruction. They've also stolen millions from banks, jewelry stores and art galleries. Under the cover of saving the city, these men have used their knowledge and specialist equipment to become the most successful heist crew on the East Coast. Andy Nearland, the newest member of Engine 99, is good at keeping secrets. She's been brought on to help with their biggest job ever --- hitting New York's largest private storage facility, an expensive treasure trove for the rich and famous. She's also an undercover operative, charged with bringing the crew to justice. Reviewed by Ray Palen.
PLAYING FROM THE ROUGH: A Personal Journey through America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Jimmie James (Sports/Memoir)
Audiobook available, read by Jimmie James
Jimmie James spent his entire life defying the odds. He was born invisible. His birth certificate, long since filed away in some clerk’s office in East Texas, recorded facts about him that were deemed most relevant in the late 1950s: “colored” and “illegitimate.” His great-great-grandmother was enslaved, and his early life was confined by the privation and segregation of the late Jim Crow-era South. Four decades later, he embarked on his journey to play the 100 greatest golf courses in the United States. In a single year. From the first tee at Augusta National, the distance between the world he grew up in and the world of extreme privilege to which he’d now managed to gain access was impossible to ignore. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.
Noteworthy Books Releasing on July 2nd and 9th
Below are some notable titles releasing on July 2nd and 9th 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 July 1st, see our “On Sale This Week” newsletter here. You will find a list of additional hardcovers and paperbacks available the week of July 8th in the July 2nd “On Sale This Week” newsletter.
July 2nd
BOSS LADY by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans (Fiction)
In this funny and inspiring novel from the authors of THE BETTER HALF, a mess of a heroine is desperate to resolve her past so she can finally rediscover who she was always meant to be.
BREAKING THE DARK: A Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel by Lisa Jewell (Thriller)
In her most imaginative novel yet, #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell launches the Marvel Crime series of thriller books for adults with an original story starring private detective Jessica Jones.
THE CLIFFS by J. Courtney Sullivan (Fiction)
From the New York Times bestselling author of FRIENDS AND STRANGERS comes a novel of family, secrets, ghosts and homecoming set on the seaside cliffs of Maine.
DOG DAY AFTERNOON: An Andy Carpenter Mystery by David Rosenfelt (Mystery)
Paterson, New Jersey’s favorite reluctant lawyer, Andy Carpenter, returns in DOG DAY AFTERNOON, the next mystery in this fan-favorite series from nationally bestselling author David Rosenfelt.
THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore (Literary Thriller/Mystery)
When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide in Liz Moore’s latest novel, which invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances.
THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN by Marjan Kamali (Historical Fiction)
From the nationally bestselling author of THE STATIONERY SHOP comes a heartfelt, epic new novel of friendship, betrayal and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran.
MEET ME AT THE STARLIGHT by Rachel Hauck (Historical Romance)
MEET ME AT THE STARLIGHT is a heartfelt tale of romance, perseverance and the enduring power of community set across three generations.
THE MOONLIGHT MARKET by Joanne Harris (Urban Fantasy/Romance)
From New York Times bestselling author Joanne Harris comes a richly imagined and captivating novel of two colliding worlds.
July 9th
BAD TOURISTS by Caro Carver (Psychological Thriller)
Three tight-knit friends embark on an extravagant divorce trip to the Maldives where they can unwind and celebrate a new chapter in midlife --- until they realize the resort of their dreams is harboring a killer.
THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn (Historical Fiction)
The New York Times bestselling author of THE DIAMOND EYE and THE ROSE CODE returns with a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C., boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.
CONFESSIONS OF THE DEAD by James Patterson and J. D. Barker (Psychological Thriller)
A small New England town is hit with a wave of crimes after the arrival of a mysterious stranger who brings more questions than answers.
A DEATH IN CORNWALL by Daniel Silva (Thriller/Adventure)
A DEATH IN CORNWALL is Daniel Silva at his best --- a dazzling tale of murder, power and insatiable greed featuring art restorer and legendary spy Gabriel Allon.
LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (Fiction)
This exhilarating novel is about one American family, the dark moment that shatters their suburban paradise, and the wild legacy of trauma and inheritance.
THE SUMMER PACT by Emily Giffin (Fiction)
In the wake of tragedy, a group of friends makes a pact that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon a life-changing adventure together.
Click here to see the latest "On Sale This Week" newsletter.
From left to right: Michael Robotham, David Nicholls, Lauren Kate
Upcoming Virtual Book and Author Events
Here are seven upcoming virtual book and author events that you may be interested in attending. Click on the links for more info and to register.
Monday, July 1st at 4pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Lauren Kate will talk about her new book, WHAT'S IN A KISS?, an enemies-to-lovers “what if” romance about a prom kiss that never was, and one woman’s magical chance to live what might have been.
Monday, July 1st at 7pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Michael Robotham will talk about his latest novel, STORM CHILD, which marks the return of Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac in a psychological thriller that finally unlocks the secrets of Evie’s past and reaffirms why Stephen King has proclaimed Robotham “an absolute master.”
Tuesday, July 2nd at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble Book Club: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome David Nicholls for a live virtual event to discuss YOU ARE HERE, June's B&N Book Club pick. David will be in conversation with Lexie Smyth, B&N's Fiction Category Manager, and Marie Cummings, B&N's Publisher Liaison.
Tuesday, July 2nd at 9pm ET: Killer Author Club: The Killer Author Club was established in 2022 by Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf and Kaira Rouda as a unique platform for suspense and mystery fans to hear from their favorite authors. In this episode, Wanda M. Morris will talk about her new thriller, WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND.
Tuesday, July 9th at 3pm ET: Barnes & Noble: Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Colin Walsh for a live virtual discussion of KALA as part of their Midday Mystery Virtual Event series. Colin will be in conversation with the bestselling author of THE SEVEN OR EIGHT DEATHS OF STELLA FORTUNA, Juliet Grames.
Wednesday, July 10th at 2pm ET: "Bookaccino Live" Book Preview: Carol Fitzgerald will present titles releasing between July 9th and August 6th, along with a few from September, that she would like to get on your radar. Included will be fiction; historical fiction; thrillers and mysteries; and memoirs, biographies and other nonfiction.
Thursday, July 11th at 2pm ET: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore: Donna Leon will talk about her latest novel, A REFINER'S FIRE. In this 33rd installment of her series, Commissario Guido Brunetti confronts a present-day Venetian menace and the ghosts of a heroism that never was.
"Bookreporter Talks To" Videos & Podcasts
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a video and podcast series that delivers a long-form, in-depth author interview every week. For years, Carol has moderated book festivals and author events around the country. But we know that readers often do not live where they can attend an author event. Our goal is to bring these author interviews to readers, wherever they may be. Watch on video, or listen as a podcast. (The podcasts include audio excerpts.)
Here is our latest interview:
Other authors we've interviewed this year include:
Upcoming interviews include:
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Marjan Kamali (THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN)
Click here for a complete list of our
"Bookreporter Talks To" videos and podcasts.
Our Latest Poll: Taking Books on Vacation
When you go on vacation, what do you do about books? Please check all that apply.
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I bring physical books (hardcovers or paperbacks) that I have bought.
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I bring physical books from the library.
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I bring e-books that I have bought and downloaded.
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I bring e-books that I have downloaded from the library.
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I bring physical audiobooks that I have bought.
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I bring physical audiobooks from the library.
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I bring audiobooks that I have bought and downloaded.
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I bring audiobooks that I have downloaded from the library.
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I buy physical books while I am on vacation.
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I buy physical audiobooks while I am on vacation.
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I buy and download e-books while I am on vacation.
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I download e-books from the library while I am on vacation.
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I buy and download audiobooks while I am on vacation.
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I download audiobooks from the library while I am on vacation.
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I do not read or listen to books when I go on vacation.
Click here to vote in the poll by Friday, July 12th at noon ET.
Word of Mouth Contest: Tell Us What
You're Reading --- 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 June 21st to July 12th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK by Chris Whitaker and THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore.
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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