THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by V.E. Schwab

This book. This glorious, amazing book. I read the first chapter, set the book gentle in my lap, and tried to wrap my head around the perfection of it. Then I texted a friend who was also reading it and said I might as well quit writing. It's one of THOSE...Many congratulations to my friend V.E. Schwab on the triumph that is Addie LaRue. Brava, lady. 

WORLD OF WONDERS by Aimee Nezhukumatathil

What a wonderful, lyrical, fresh breath of air book! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this. I read it in one sitting, curled in my office chair, a sleeping kitten on my hip, soaking myself in Aimee’s glorious prose like I was sitting in a gentle spring rain shower. It was so refreshing to hear about parts of our world I wasn’t aware of, parts I knew of but didn’t know enough, and hints of the love and care we can have for one another if we spend more time being present in our world. Get this one. Trust me!

DRUMS OF AUTUMN (Outlander #4) by Diana Gabaldon

Another installment in the OUTLANDER series for me on audiobook. It’s so fun to experience my favorite books in audio. I discover something new about the story, the dialogue, the narration, every time and it makes me a better writer. 

REVIVING THE HAWTHORN SISTERS by Emily Carpenter

I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read by Emily Carpenter, and this one is no different. Lush, evocative, gorgeously written, and compulsively readable. I mean, what more could you ask?

THE LAKEHOUSE by Joe Clifford

THE LAKEHOUSE has everything I love in a crime novel--complex characters, small town dynamics, secrets simmering under the surface, and a fresh, unexpected conclusion. Clifford’s raw, edgy voice makes him the heir apparent to Chandler. An excellent must read.

THIS SECRET THING by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

A deeply satisfying story of secrets, scandal, and the repercussions of the decisions we make, THIS SECRET THING is brimming with menace and hope, and showcases Whalen’s talent for bringing her multi-layered characters to life. An impressive page-turner with heart and soul. 

LEGENDBORN by Tracy Deonn

What a magnificent book. I've spent the past week recommending LEGENDBORN to everyone I know. It's got everything: a complex new magical system, grounded in Arthurian legend; a sassy protagonist who is destined to become an iconic hero in her own right; important, thought-provoking themes; and a burgeoning love triangle that feels inevitable but right. Seriously, y'all, this book is a blast! Tracy Deonn is now on my always pre-order list.

VOYAGER (Outlander #3) by Diana Gabaldon

Seriously, what could be better than opening an audiobook and seeing it’s going to immerse you in a favorite world for 44 hours?!? Davina Porter does such a wonderful job with this narration. I am continually swept away (and keep finding excuses to listen, always the mark of an excellent book.)

THE ORDER by Daniel Silva

I’ve been a Silva fan forever and a day. I look forward to his books in the way of all rabid fans. He never, ever disappoints, and that is an incredible track record for an author. This new Gabriel Allon adventure is the perfect escape. I’ve been reading slowly because I don’t want to wait another year for more! Highly recommended.

DRAGONFLY IN AMBER (OUTLANDER #2) by Diana Gabaldon

Comfort food. With COVID and quarantine and Mars retrograde and the end of an epoch and my own personal life shifts, I need some comfort food. And I need some comfort reads. Diana Gabaldon is one of my go-to authors when I need to self-soothe. I’ve read the OUTLANDER series a number of times, but I’ve never listened to them. Oh my gosh, y’all. To experience my favorite characters in a totally new way has been a total balm on my soul. And of course, minion Jordan enjoys mama slowing down for a bit, too. 

CONFESSIONS ON THE 7:45 by Lisa Unger

I've been a fan of Lisa for years, because she just keeps getting better and better at her craft. Last year's awesome THE STRANGER INSIDE blew me away, and this new one, CONFESSIONS ON THE 7:45, didn't disappoint either. Fans of the long con will love this book, and those of you who think everything is okay at home will rethink every interaction you have. A wonderful, twisty, engaging read.

FAERY TALE by Signe Pike

Signe Pike is a tour de force writer exploring 6th century Scotland with her two brilliant books, THE LOST QUEEN and this week's release of the sequel, THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM. But I couldn't wait for the release, so I dug up a copy of her wonderful memoir, FAERY TALE. Heartfelt and wise, it's a journey of transformation, with the best backdrop in the world. I was swept away. I believe in fairies. Do you? Highly recommended.

THE FIRST TO LIE by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Intricate, complex, and devilishly clever, THE FIRST TO LIE is like reading a burning stick of dynamite. Once the fuse is lit you will not be able to look away until the explosive end. Hank is the modern queen of the cat and mouse tale, and this is another brilliant work from a master storyteller that will keep you guessing right to the last page.

BECOMING DUCHESS GOLDBLATT by Duchess Goldblatt

While I was finishing my revision, I decided I wouldn't allow myself to read in order to stay completely focused on the story. Yeah, that wasn't a great plan. I languished without a book. So I amended it to I wasn't allowed to read fiction. And maybe that was just an excuse to buy BECOMING DUCHESS GOLDBLATT. Duchess's book surprised me on many levels. It was sad. It was joyous. It was funny as hell. I was moved, and I am willing to bet you will be, too. Thank you to Blake Leyers for introducing me to Duchess's Twitter feed way back when. What a culmination. What a beginning.

DEADLOCK by Catherine Coulter

Since we're all enjoying puzzles during the pandemic, might I suggest a literary version by one of the greatest thriller writers out there??? Deadlock is Catherine's best yet.

NEVER ASK ME by Jeff Abbott

Jeff has been one of my favorite writers since I discovered his amazing thriller PANIC years ago. From the stunning opening to the last page, you always know you’re in the hands of a master storyteller, and NEVER ASK ME is no exception.

THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE by Erik Larson

A remarkable, exceptional book. I haven’t read a lot of history books since college because they’re often so dry, but even the title of this screamed new and different to me. And I was rewarded. Erik Larson has a true talent for narrative nonfiction. He brings Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister to life by bringing us inside the family and aides who knew Churchill best, and by letting us experience the fear and resilience of the British during the Blitz. I loved this one. 

BEACH READ by Emily Henry

I've been doing a lot of deep, important reading lately, and I wanted to lighten things up. BEACH READ was the most perfect book for this. I couldn't stop reading, and I had to keep putting it down because I didn't want it to end. Emily Henry has a wicked sense of humor and knows exactly which rom-com tropes to touch upon and which ones to fling out the window to allow for a deeply satisfying story. Plus - writers writing about writers writing is my FAVORITE theme. A perfect summer read. 

WHITE OUT by Danielle Girard

WHITE OUT is a superb thriller—intense, intricate, and so intriguing. Detective Kylie Milliard is a badass, and Girard is a one heck of a storyteller. The start of a fabulous new series.

PRETTY THINGS by Janelle Brown

This book, friends, this book. I will be raving about it all year, I’m sure; it’s already made it onto my best of 2020 list. A con artist gets in over her head when she tries to pull a fast one on a wealthy Instagram influencer – but it’s so much more: a perfectly paced gothic mystery, a searing social commentary, a case study in how to write rich, deep characters. This one’s a winner. I can’t wait to see it on the screen, it’s one of Nicole Kidman’s next projects.

THE HERD by Andrea Bartz

What a ride! THE HERD is sharp, smart, and utterly bingeable read. I had zero idea where the mystery was going, and loved sitting back and letting the story unfold, and unfold, and unfold. Complex characters, a dark secrets, topical setting - what's not to like?

THIS IS HOW I LIED by Heather Gudenkauf

Utterly chilling, THE IS HOW I LIED is a deep, twisting mystery from a writer hitting her stride. You won't see it coming, and you won't be able to turn away. Heather is such a multi-faceted author, always taking chances and elevating her craft. I admit I was deeply disturbed by certain aspects of this book, (hence... utterly chilling) but I loved the structure and the deviousness of the characters. A great read.

THE GLASS HOTEL by Emily St. John Mandel

Quarantine is an interesting reading time. I either want to read something so light and fluffy I can’t help but feel good, or, I want to read darkly human, philosophically compelling works that resonate deeply and make me think about how life can be better lived or more impactfully. THE GLASS HOTEL falls into the latter category. A brilliantly structured book, it's a bit quieter than STATION ELEVEN, but it's beautifully written, wonderfully realized, and a thoughtful work of art. And I got to interview Emily for A WORD ON WORDS, which was incredible! A favorite author for me.

AFTERLIFE by Julia Alvarez

A beautiful story of grief, and sisterhood, and doing the right thing even when it makes you sad or uncomfortable, and how loss shapes us all. Julia was also a guest of A WORD ON WORDS and it was a joy getting to know her.

CODE NAME HELENE by Ariel Lawhon

I had the great privilege of reading Code Name Hélène early, and I have to tell you, you are going to LOVE this book. Nancy Wake, Aussie expat turned spy in World War II, is one of the most engaging heroines I've ever come across. She is smart, she is sassy, she is bravery personified, and she is utterly brought to life by Ariel Lawhon's incredible writing and exhaustive research. That the White Mouse is a real person makes this story all the better. If you want to experience genuine courage in the face of true evil, and a compelling love story to boot, trust me, this is the book you want to read this week. I know you'll love it just as much as I did.

THE LOOK-ALIKE by Erica Spindler

A stellar mystery from one of my all-time favorite authors, THE LOOK-ALIKE is classic Spindler, murderous twists and turns and a hot romance. What's not to love! I've been reading Erica since well before I was first published. Her work influenced my writing tremendously. And as happens so often in our industry, our heroes become our dear friends. She's been a mentor, a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, and a co-author. I adore her and her work. You'll love her latest!

THE UNEXPECTED SPY by Tracy Walder

This one has really grabbed my attention!

ALL YOUR TWISTED SECRETS by Diana Urban

ALL YOUR TWISTED SECRETS is an absolute nail-biter. Diana Urban takes the locked room puzzle mystery and gives it a modern, scary, young adult twist. Young fans of Agatha Christie will be entranced.

THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett

On a group text this week, one of my friends asked for an audio recommendation. I had to throw in my fave audiobook of the year thus far - Tom Hanks reading THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett. Oh. My. I'm telling you - there is something about his frank narration - and it is frank - that just worked for me. I adore acting in an audiobook read, truly appreciate when the narrator can take on the characters with different voices and inflections (Julia Whelan is one of the best at this, BTW. I will listen to anything she reads.) But Hanks just goes straight at this, and I felt like I was being told a story by a friend sitting across from me at a restaurant table. Seriously brilliant stuff. Do you have a favorite audio book narrator?

BEHIND EVERY LIE by Christina McDonald

I absolutely loved this book. Following the great THE NIGHT OLIVIA FELL, Christina McDonald has crafted a wild story with all the great suspense elements—murder; intrigue; amnesia; deep, dark secrets—and a blistering pace to boot. I snarfed it down in two sittings, and find it highly recommendable. It’s hard to talk too much about the story without ruining it so y’all just trust me okay?

THE OTHER MRS. by Mary Kubica

I've been a big fan of Mary Kubica for ages, and I feel like The Other Mrs. is a leap forward for her, both in style and structure. This is a remarkable book, insidious and dark and elegantly plotted, with a wonderful ending that I just didn't see coming. This one's going to be brilliant on the screen.

THE THIRD TO DIE by Allison Brennan

Riveting, terrifying, and simply fantastic. Brennan ratchets up the tension to the breaking point with her new FBI MRT team chasing a devious killer. This is classic crime fiction at its best. With deep characterizations and a truly scary villain driving the twisted plot, this is the start of a brilliant new series from the queen of the thriller.

MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONE by Lori Gottlieb

I believe books find us at the exactly right time in our lives to benefit/enjoy them. This one is no exception. I’d been resistant to the idea of reading about a therapist going to therapy, but late one night when I couldn’t sleep, I downloaded a sample and tore through the opening pages, highlighting starting on page two. This is a smart, witty, touching memoir that reads more like a mystery novel, with excellent pacing and an intriguing cast of characters. Life-changing. 

DIGITAL MIMIMALISM by Cal Newport

Cal Newport is always on my best of list when he has a book out, mostly because I admire how he stares into the digital abyss and finds a path for us mere mortals to navigate. I appreciate the thought behind this book—how can we find ways to make the internet work for us, instead of sapping our energy and creating issues? A wonderful quick read and a solid life plan for those of us who struggle with digital addictions.

STRONG IS THE NEW BEAUTIFUL by Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn is one of my heroes, and I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into how she keeps her body running at world champion level. If you have been dieting, or exercising, and aren’t seeing results (or are starving to death) read this. It’s a wonderful, simple, straightforward way to look at our health, and how we nourish our bodies.

GIDEON THE NINTH by Tamsyn Muir

Every review you will see about this book starts the same way—I’ve never read anything quite so unique. This is the truth. I mean, you put together space, necromancy, wars and petty grievances, a kick ass heroine (Gideon) with a smart mouth and a longing to prove herself, pair her with a nemesis named Harrow who is the daughter of the Ninth House Leaders and as such in total control of her, and watch the bones fly. I’ve never read anything quite so original in my life. The cover itself gives you a clue about the journey—all those skeletons! Absolutely wonderful, and more to come in this series next year! I can’t wait.