Author Brendan Slocumb incorporates some of his personal experiences as a classical musician and POC in this fictional novel of black history set against the classical symphonic industry. Protagonist Ray is an African American violinist who discovers his instrument is a rare Stradivarius that has been passed down to through his family. After it is …
This was fast-moving, intense, and delightfully dark and spooky. Longlisted for the National Book Award and for good reason! I picked it up because it’s rare for a thriller to make the list and I was curious– it didn’t disappoint. –Becky, Secret Garden Bookshop, Seattle, WA Pursue your curiosity at Secret Garden Bookshop and other …
Pedro Hoffmeister’s disaster thriller American Afterlife and Meredith Hambrock’s dark humored crime novel Other People’s Secrets were both released by Crooked Lane Books in recent months. The publishing house mates connected to talk about writing, process, and what’s next. PH: First, let’s each answer a few of the same rapid-fire questions. Then we’ll go deeper. …
This story takes “never meet your heroes” to a whole new level. I loved the use of tension in the book, and how the author played with supernatural elements while still keeping the story grounded in reality. Twisty, dark, and even fun! — Ann Branson, Beach Books, Seaside, OR Break out of any reading slump …
Here is Oliva Matthews’s Against the Currant, a Spice Island Bakery Mystery. It’s got a West Indian bakery, an earnest baker who has everything she’s ever wanted, and a disgruntled rival who seems likely end up in some sort of romantic entanglement—except he turns up dead before any smooching can happen. Well, that’s awkward. We …
Now this is a crowd-pleaser. A novel set in contemporary India featuring political corruption, intricate family dynamics, and crimes violent and clandestine, it’s highly literate yet built for speed—it might best be considered as a Godfather for the 21st century. It’s won praise from both Booker Prize-winners such as Marlon James and blockbuster thriller writers including …
Whoo-wee—what a wild ride! Are you in a reading slump? This book will give you a jolt! Creepy, funny, gory, disgusting—loved it! At times I found myself cringing while laughing out loud at the same time. Glad our book club stepped outside of our usual reading genre and took a chance on this one! –Annette, …
When FDR declared war in 1941, a plot was set in motion that could rock the world. Unknown to many, German agents were in the U.S. One of them – Martin Browning – had a mission to go to D.C. and assassinate FDR during the lighting of the national Christmas tree. And as it turns …
This dark academic fantasy will have you devouring page after page. Every ten years the Alexandrian Society, a secret society of elite magic users, offers a select few the chance to secure a spot within the society. Six talented and powerful individuals are chosen, but only five will have the honor of being inducted. Blake’s …
This was a fully immersive, young adult romance that takes readers on a cultural deep-dive….with DRAGONS where bulls (and bullfighting) would have been. You’ll taste and smell Hispalia. You’ll see the rich colors and hear music. With excellent character development, readers will finish the last page still itching for more Zarela and Alberto. Guaranteed. –Kathy, …
