THE CURSED WITCH by R.L. Perez

I am a big fan of R.L.’s world building, her characters’ banter, the sweet romances, and the way she writes strong women who are truly finding their place in the world. I loved Brielle and really thought this story was fun and unique! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

THE STORY TELLERS by Mark Rubinstein

As a member of the mystery and thriller world, I really enjoyed these extended interviews with the luminaries in the field. There’s a TL;DR, too, for upcoming writers - discipline, and series.

NINE COACHES WAITING by Mary Stewart

My friend Barbara Peters at Poisoned Pen mentioned this story in a conversation we had, and I was hooked at the setting of French Chateau.

THE CELLIST by Daniel Silva

I am going to wrap my month with this book, and I can’t wait. Silva is a must buy for me, a true master of craft and story.

THE STRANGER IN THE MIRROR by Liv Constantine

True story: I went to Thrillerfest on crutches, and one half of Liv Constantine (the adorable Lynne) approached with great sympathy, got me tea, and complimented my shoes. I was already a fan, but now I am a DEVOTEE – and I can’t WAIT for this new story.

PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry

Really, I’ll read anything Emily Henry writes, and have been saving this one for my vacation. Sure enough—it’s perfect. I keep setting it down because I don’t want it to end. Funny, romantic, with depth of heart and soul. Can’t recommend more.

THE PLOT by Jean Hanff Korelitz

I’ve seen so many good reviews of this book, and I started it yesterday. So far, I am utterly entranced—beautiful writing, collegiate setting, a sense of menace. Plagiarism is a hefty theme this year (see below…)

KILL ALL YOUR DARLINGS by David Bell

I’m a longtime fan of David’s work, and I’m so excited that I get to do an in conversation with him virtually at Poisoned Pen during his release festivities. Another plagiarism story, this is David’s best book to date. So fun watching him get better and better!  

SIX WEEKS TO LIVE by Catherine McKenzie

Every time I open the covers on a Catherine McKenzie novel, I know I'm in for a ride. SIX WEEKS TO LIVE proves my theory right yet again. With its impeccable plotting and ticking clock, it is the best kind of domestic suspense—a story both heartbreaking and visceral, surprising yet inevitable. Jennifer and her triplets will shock you from start to finish.

ARIADNE by Jennifer Saint

The story of Ariadne is one of my favorite mythological tales—so much so it spawned what I think is one of the best poems I ever wrote, which made its way into my novel THE IMMORTALS—so when I saw this book by Jennifer Saint, I snapped it up immediately. Will it stand up to Madeline Miller’s CIRCE? I'm desperate to dive in and see.

THE OTHER BLACK GIRL by Zakiya Dalila Harris

I talked to Zakiya for A Word on Words and it was one of the most incredible interviews I’ve done. This book is a sly, smart, satire with an important message. I had to read the end a few times to believe what I was seeing, and couldn’t WAIT to talk to friends about the story, as well as Zakiya herself. Well worth your time. 

THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME by Laura Dave

I tend to shy away from buzzy books during their release, but the concept of this one sold me – and it was really, really good. A solid amateur sleuth story with a fun setting, always my favorite, and nice family dynamics and secrets.  

THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain

An absolute stunner—I went into this story somewhat blind, and it took me a moment to get my bearings, but once I did, I couldn't stop reading. Blythe's journey to motherhood, the sense of dread that permeates the pages, the exquisite storytelling and descriptive prose, kept me hooked. Second person narratives rarely work for me, but THE PUSH was perfect. It's already cemented a spot on my Best of 2021 list.

THE NEXT WIFE by Kaira Rouda

How many congratulations can I give out to my friend Kaira Rouda on the release of this glorious new book? It was an Amazon First pick for April, and come on, just the cover is enough to entice. Super book from a super author!

SOOLEY by John Grisham

This new book by Grisham is a delight. If you have even a peripheral interest in basketball, you will love it. Fans of the game, especially college hoops, will adore—you get their very own March Madness Cinderella story. And for those of you who simply want a crackling good read that will tug at your heartstrings, this is your book. Classic Grisham style with a very modern punch. Also, Doctors Without Borders plays a role in this book and they’re a wonderful organization for you to check out if you’d like to explore a little bit more about the humanitarian crisis in the South Sudan. Highly recommend this book!!! 

NO MORE WORDS by Kerry Lonsdale

Kerry is a favorite of mine and I was so thrilled to read an advance copy of her latest. It’s deep and unsettling and the beginning of a very cool series. Highly recommend you catch up with her earlier work to get ready for this fabulous July release. 

TELL NO LIES by Allison Brennan

I've been a fan of Allison Brennan's for years and years and years. She's been a mentor, a friend, and everything in between, but she's also a stellar writer who I have on auto buy. This new series featuring an FBI MRT - mobile response team - is classic procedural at its best. You will love Kara and Matt and the whole team, and the glorious desert setting comes to life page after page. Run to the store, friends, and grab this one now!!!

SURVIVING SAVANNAH by Patti Callahan 

An extraordinary dual-timeline historical, SURVIVING SAVANNAH explores the downing of the steamship Pulaski, the “Titanic of the South”, off the coast of North Carolina. With impeccable research and engaging prose, the story moves seamless from the horrors of the Pulaski to the modern-day historian, Everly Winthrop, who is struggling with losses of her own and consumed with a burning desire to solve the mystery of the Pulaski. Elegant writing, a poignant plot, and pitch-perfect storytelling make this a must read and wonderful book club addition.

A WORLD WITHOUT EMAIL by Cal Newport

I could not be more excited to jump into my favorite tech guru’s latest. I spend entirely too much time in my email and I know Cal’s forthright advice and deep thought planning will help me wrangle it into place. If you need me, you know where I’ll be...deep diving into this with my TimeBlock planner at hand.

A COURT OF SILVER FLAMES by Sarah J. Maas 

I reread the first three books in this series to prepare myself for this title, and boy, it has not disappointed. Returning to the Night Court and the amazing world Maas has created is like coming home. Spectacular!

BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED by Lisa Gardner

A magnificent standalone from Lisa Gardner. If you haven’t read her before, you can jump on the bandwagon here and trust me, you’ll be delighted. Frankie is a fascinating character, an unofficial PI, a woman with a burning desire to find the missing that the rest of the world have given up on, at all cost. Totally worth your time.

DO NO HARM by Christina McDonald

Christina McDonald has a real talent for bringing suburban domestic suspense to life, and showcases it to great effect in DO NO HARM. Tense, taut, and absolutely unmissable, you’ll find yourself wondering how far YOU would go to save your child’s life.

THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE by Marie Benedict

A fun, insightful look into the mysterious disappearance of Agatha Christie, I admit I did get the sense that our lady Agatha was looking for myriad ways to murder her husband. You’d do well to make sure you’ve read Christie’s first few novels to get the full effect of this glorious story of a writer finding herself and her art.

HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD by Robert Kolker

This was a tough but fascinating read about the Galvin family. Of their 12 children, six were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Kolker’s compassionate storytelling and scientific accuracy make this a must read.  

SWEET WATER by Cara Reinard

SWEET WATER is a remarkable tale of family loyalties and lies set in a fresh new world. Fans of DEFENDING JACOB––both the book and the television show––will relish this sinister story of the lengths two parents will go to in order to protect their child.

WHEN YOU SEE ME by Lisa Gardner

When I was writing HER DARK LIES, I was having an issue with POV. So I turned to one of the greatest masters of suspense to sort myself out. It took exactly two pages before I realized where my problems were coming from. If you haven't read ALL of Lisa Gardner’s books, you need to get on it, because this one brings together her finest series characters to chase a sinister killer from the past - and the present. Utterly superb!

THE AWAKENING by Nora Roberts

The first in the doyenne of fiction’s Dragon Chronicles trilogy is so much fun. Set mostly in Ireland and the alternate reality land of Talamh, it is a wonderful adult coming-of-age tale – with dragons! I’m halfway through and can’t get enough of it.