THOUGHTS ON THIS 'n THAT

  In this chilling contemporary horror novel, WHAT GROWS IN THE DARK (MIRA/HarperCollins) by Jaq Evans a phony spiritualist returns to her hometown to assist in an investigation that eerily mirrors her sister’s death, forcing her to confront the secrets she’s been running from. Sixteen years ago, Brigit Weylan’s older sister, Emma, walked into the woods in their small hometown of Ellis Creek. She never walked out. People said she was troubled—in the months leading up to her death, she was convinced there was a monster in those trees. Marked by the tragedy, Brigit left town and never looked back. Now Brigit travels around the country investigating paranormal activity (and faking the results) with her cameraman, Ian. But when she receives a call from Ellis Creek, she’s thrust into the middle of a search for two missing teenagers. As Brigit and Ian are drawn further into the case, the parallels to Emma’s death become undeniable. And worse, Brigit can’t explain what’s happening to her:...

HELP WANTED (W.W.Norton) captures what it's like to work in a big box store, like a Target or Walmart. It probably won't be everyone's cup of tea, but give it a chance. HELP WANTED reminded me of Seinfeld in the way that it's about ordinary people doing ordinary things and providing laughs. There are plenty of characters working together in ridiculous situations to deliver comedy. Because HELP WANTED is about workers working long hours, and being treated unfairly by mean bosses, I'm sure many readers will relate.  The numerous diverse group of characters are well-developed, complex, and each has their own baggage and mishegas. Thank you BookBrowse for providing an early copy to review. HELP WANTED is one of  New York  Magazine's "23 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2024" • One of  VOGUE ’s Best Books of the Year So Far • One of  ELLE ’s Best (and Most Anticipated) Fiction Books of 2024 • One of  Lit Hub ’s Most Anticipated Books of 2024 • One of...

  In THE RUMOR GAME (macmillan) award- winning author Thomas Mullen takes readers to WWII, Boston where  a determined reporter and a reluctant FBI agent face off against fascist elements. June, 1943. Wartime tensions are running high, and an atmosphere of distrust and unease is dividing friends and neighbors. The two protagonists of Thomas Mullen's gripping historical thriller find themselves at the center of a dangerous tinderbox, trying to douse the sparks before flames engulf the city. Reporter Anne Lemire writes the Rumor Clinic, a newspaper column that disproves the many harmful rumors floating around town, some of them spread by Axis actors and others just gossip mixed with fear and ignorance. She's getting tired of chasing rumors about Rosie Riveters' safety on the job, or whether the Nazis have poisoned lobsters off the coast of Maine. She wants to write about something bigger. Special Agent Devon Mulvey, one of the few Catholics at the FBI, spends his weekdays prev...

THE LOST DRESSES of ITALY by M.A. McLaughlin is a delicious dual timeline of historical fiction, romance, mystery and fashion. Lost love secrets span over nearly half a century in Verona, Italy.  M.A. McLaughlin delivers an intriguing story that will immediately hook lovers of historical fiction. Verona, 1947.  Textile historian Marianne Baxter comes to post-war Italy with one thing on her mind: three pristine Victorian dresses, once owned by the famous poet Christina Rossetti. Hidden away in a trunk for nearly a century, they were recently discovered at the Fondazione Museo Menigatti and Marianne’s expertise is needed before they go on exhibit. Still grieving the loss of her husband, the trip is also a reason for Marianne to start over. But when she arrives, she discovers an unsupportive but handsome museum owner, a superstitious local community, and a mysterious letter with a scribbled warning hidden among the dresses. Verona, 1864.  Christina Rossetti returns to her fa...

  “Be quiet and listen: He is cheating on you. The name of your soulmate is Alistair George Arthur Lennox. You will be passed over for the promotion. The winning numbers are 5-8-12-24-39-43. And I’m very sorry to tell you this, but you will die next Sunday.”   When Lilah Goodluck saves the life of Good Witch Willow as they’re crossing a busy L.A. street, the last thing she expects is five unwanted predictions as a reward. Who gives someone the winning lotto numbers then tells them they’ve only got a week to live? And who believes in that nonsense anyway?   But when the first three predictions come true within twenty-four hours, Lilah’s disbelief turns to mild panic. She’s further horrified when she nearly runs a car off the road that belongs to Alistair Lennox, who just happens to be the illegitimate son of the British king.   While Alistair is intrigued by her preposterous story, Lilah is adamant about resisting the heat between her and the playboy prince. If she de...