Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Karen White’s The Lady on the Esplanade, which releases on November 4th 2025.

Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau’s missing sister, they are confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.

Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been the site of a woman’s murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town Cooper Ravenel—who happens to have caused Nola’s first heartbreak.

That’s the least of Nola’s worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous as he tries to hide his dark secrets.  And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau’s mother have returned to let them know there is still unfinished business before she can rest.  Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it’s up to Nola to convince Beau to help before it’s too late. . . .

“Nola? You still there?”

“Right. Sorry. The car sounds old. And expensive. You know I can’t afford—”

“It’s free! You just need to transfer the title and get it insured, and it’s all yours. Grandmama got it from Ida Peacock when her husband, Dew, passed on. He loved that car more than anything else—including Ida, according to her and just about everybody in town—and he wanted to be buried in it. Ida didn’t want to go to the expense for ‘that damn car’—those are her words, not my grandmama’s, who doesn’t cuss— and she didn’t want it sitting in her garage and acting like a slap in the face every time she saw it, so she just gave it to Grandmama to offset the funeral costs. But Grandmama said she’s too old to be driving a red car and offered it to me.”

“Then you take it,” I said distractedly as my gaze traveled over the interior of the armoire, taking in a small, mirrored door with yet another empty keyhole. The mirror was head height, making me think it had been meant for knotting a tie or combing hair. The door was shut fast with no knob, making me guess that the absent key doubled as the knob, and when I tried to insert the flat head of the screwdriver it was clear that this particular door was locked.

Squatting, I reached into the back recesses of the armoire in search of a key, but instead of finding one, my fingers touched cool, hard glass. I recalled the sound of something falling when I pried open the door, and when I drew out my hand I found myself holding an old bottle of perfume. The dark brown, viscous contents were half‑gone, and when I pulled off the brass cap the spray nozzle was clogged and sticky. I lifted the bottle to my nose, the lingering scent vaguely familiar.

“I can’t accept a new car, Nola. Bubba would never forgive me. It would be like having an affair, and I’m not a cheater.”

I closed my eyes, trying to place the scent, only partially listening to Jolene. “You’re not married, so that wouldn’t count as cheating.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that. And are you even listening? I’m offering you a free car—and not just a free car but a really cool vintage Mustang in mint condition. All you need to do is drive down with me to Mississippi to collect it, and it’s all yours!”

The sound of small running feet rumbled in the adjacent room. My head jerked up, smacking the bottom of the top shelf of the armoire, making the hangers shimmy. “Cooper?” I called, even though I knew it couldn’t have been him running in the next room. I’d heard the sound of bare feet against wooden floors. Bare, small feet that didn’t belong to Cooper. I’d heard them before—the first time I’d been to the house with Beau.

“Nola?” Jolene’s worried voice called through the phone. “Is everything all right?”

“Hang on a sec.” I tiptoed to the door, then peered out into the adjacent room. As I turned to go back into the bedroom, I stepped on something. Lifting my foot, I spotted a stubby brass key—an old‑ fashioned kind usually found with antique furniture. Like an armoire.

“Thank you,” I said to the emptiness.

“You’re welcome,” Jolene replied. “I’m thinking the best time would be Thanksgiving. You can bring your laptop and work in the car on the way down”

I tuned her voice out to concentrate on jabbing the key into the keyhole inside the armoire. The lock turned without any resistance. Gently pulling on the key, I opened the door and looked inside, blinking twice to register what it was I was seeing. A pair of lifeless blue eyes in a pale round face met my gaze. The object the eyes were connected to fell forward, somersaulting off the shelf upon which it had been resting, then hit my foot with a soft thud. It rolled forward, coming to rest at my feet, the sightless eyes staring up at me in silent supplication.

Excerpted from THE LADY ON ESPLANADE by Karen White, published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2025

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘The Lady on the Esplanade’ by Karen White appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

As we approach the halfway mark of 2024, it’s time to start looking ahead to the phenomenal new books that will be hitting shelves over the rest of the year!

We’ve put together a small sample of anticipated releases that you should keep an eye out for with new books from the likes of Rainbow Rowell, Stephen Graham Jones, Casey McQuiston, Ransom Riggs, Jodi Picoult, Sally Rooney, Richard Osman, Sabaa Tahir, Courtney Gould, Darby Kane, and so many more, plus even some debuts you should definitely have on your radar!

Read on to discover just a few of our picks and keep an eye out for when we round up further upcoming releases for the YA, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, Romance, Fiction, and Middle Grade genres.

Let us know in the comments below if you’re looking forward to any of them or if you have other recommendations!

JULY 2024

The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Get ready for a new series that brings readers deeper into the lush, romantic, and puzzle-filled world of the #1 bestselling Inheritance Games series (over 3 million copies sold!), set a year after we last saw Avery and the Hawthornes.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and Attachments comes Slow Dance—a bright, beaming power ballad of a novel about a love so true it refuses to be forgotten.

It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant

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A fast-paced, completely delightful new mystery about what happens when parents get a little too involved in their kids’ schools, from NAACP Image Award nominee Elise Bryant.

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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A young woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a legendary heroine — but the real drama is behind the scenes in this sumptuous historical epic from the author of Mexican Gothic.

The Haters by Robyn Harding

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The bestselling author of The Party and The Drowning Woman returns with a twisted tale of fame, obsession, and the dark recesses of social media.

The Blackbird Oracle by Deborah Harkness

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Diana Bishop journeys to the darkest places within herself—and her family history—in the highly anticipated fifth novel of the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling All Souls series.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

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A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew.

The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez

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Two broken hearts decide that the best way to get over their first loves is with a no-strings-attached relationship in this spicy and charming debut romance.

Our Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith

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A teen girl’s attempt to make amends with her former friend group takes a sinister turn during a weekend getaway at an ancestral Irish estate in this atmospheric, literary horror from the author of Those We Drown.

The Night Ends With Fire by K. X. Song

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Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb

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Offered a dream job in Hollywood with a famous director and his actress wife, an insecure woman becomes their personal assistant where their secrets and lies place her in the crosshairs of a murder investigation.

I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones

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From New York Times bestselling horror writer Stephen Graham Jones comes a classic slasher story with a twist—perfect for fans of Riley Sager and Grady Hendrix.

AUGUST 2024

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

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In #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston’s latest romantic comedy, two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they’re over each other—except they’re definitely not.

You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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When cracks start forming in an influencer’s curated life, she finds out that jealousy is just as viral as a video in this riveting suspense novel by bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson

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From the bestselling author of the Truly Devious books, Maureen Johnson, comes a new stand-alone YA about a teen who uncovers a mystery while working as a tour guide on an island and must solve it before history repeats itself.

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer

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White Lotus meets Kevin Wilson in this whip-smart social satire about a man who finds himself trapped on an island resort after the sun literally explodes, and suddenly must choose whether to save himself from the chaos, or help fellow guests make it off the island alive…

Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer

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A tender, laugh-out-loud debut romance about a woman who ends up in over her head after a little white lie . . .

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

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When a young woman is found dead on her college campus, her sister doesn’t believe it was an accident—and her search for answers leads her closer to home than she ever would have imagined in this thrilling debut novel from an exciting new talent.

The Girl With No Reflection by Keshe Chow

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A young woman chosen as the crown prince’s bride must travel to the royal palace to meet her new husband—but her world is shaken when she discovers the dark truth the royal family has been hiding for centuries—in this lush fantasy debut perfect for fans of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night and Violet Made of Thorns.

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ava Reid comes a reimagining of Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s most famous villainess, giving her a voice, a past, and a power that transforms the story men have written for her.

A Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire by Sarah Hawley

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Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleanora Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

The Volcano Daughters by Gina María Balibrera

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A saucy, searingly original debut about two sisters raised in the shadow of El Salvador’s brutal dictator, El Gran Pendejo, and their flight from genocide, which takes them from Hollywood to Paris to cannery row, each followed by a chorus of furies, the ghosts of their murdered friends, who aren’t yet done telling their stories.

Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs

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Visionary storyteller Ransom Riggs weaves the familiar with the peculiar in a stunning loss, triumph, friendship and magic, reminding readers everywhere that true heroes are made, not born—and that when you’re never the chosen one, sometimes you have to choose yourself. 

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

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From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name.

SEPTEMBER 2024

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

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A sharp-tongued folklorist must pair up with her academic rival to solve their mentor’s murder in this lush and enthralling sapphic fantasy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

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For two grieving brothers and the people they love, this is a new interlude―a period of desire, despair, and possibility; a chance to find out how much one life might hold inside itself without breaking.

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

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A student will find that the hardest lessons sometimes come from outside the classroom in this stunning dark academia novel from the acclaimed author of The Year of the Witching and House of Hunger.

Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore

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With a blend of humour, magic, and love, Rachel Moore crafts another stand-alone adventure rom-com full of double- and triple-crosses, hilarious shenanigans, and frustration-fuelled banter, where the best treasure is true love.

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

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Combining the heart and humour of The Thursday Murder Club with a puzzling international mystery, welcome to the blockbusting new series from the biggest new fiction author of the decade, Richard Osman.

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel

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A Hitchcock fanatic with an agenda invites old friends for a weekend stay at his secluded themed hotel in this fiendishly clever, suspenseful new novel from the international bestselling author of Darling Rose Gold.

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

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The Cruel Prince meets Ninth House in this dangerously romantic dark academia fantasy, where a lost heiress must infiltrate an arcane society and live with the vampire she suspects killed her family and kidnapped her sister.

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

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A candid and captivating memoir from award-winning and beloved actress Kelly Bishop, spanning her six decades in show business from Broadway to Hollywood with A Chorus Line, Dirty Dancing, Gilmore Girls, and much more.

The Lovers by Rebekah Faubion

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A second chance at love is in the cards for two women working a stylish California wedding in this charming debut romance.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.

The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

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Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.

How to Hide in Plain Sight by Emma Noyes

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The unbreakable bonds of family and love are explored in this brilliant and tender story from the author of Guy’s Girl.

OCTOBER 2024

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni

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Two sisters. A lost imperial treasure. The world’s greatest puzzle master has twenty-four hours to solve the most dangerous mystery of his life . . . or die trying.

This Cursed House by Del Sandeen

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In this Southern gothic horror debut, a young Black woman abandons her life in 1960s Chicago for a position with a mysterious family in New Orleans, only to discover the dark truth. They’re under a curse, and they think she can break it.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

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Red, White & Royal Blue meets The Nightmare Before Christmas in a sexy, quirky rom-com where the golden-hearted Prince of Christmas falls for the totally off-limits Prince of Halloween.

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

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Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives—and their hearts. Literally.

Swordcrossed by Freya Marske

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The cozy, low stakes of Legends & Lattes meets the scorching bodyguard fantasy of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash in this enemies-to-lovers romance where, yes, the swords do cross.

Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco

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Two rivals torn apart by a dark memory reunite on a deadly hunt—and in an irresistibly twisted fairy tale—in the next steamy standalone fantasy romance from New York Times bestselling sensation Kerri Maniscalco.

Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

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As alluring as it is unsettling, award-winning author CG Drews’ debut YA psychological horror will leave readers breathless and hesitant to venture deeper into the woods.

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

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From the bestselling author of Hidden Pictures comes a breathtaking work of suspense about a father trying to save his daughter from a life-altering decision that will put everything he loves on the line.

Fledgling: The Keeper’s Records of Revolution by S. K. Ali

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The first book in a gripping duology from acclaimed author S.K. Ali introduces a fractured world on the brink of either enlightenment or war.

A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney

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A warm, spellbinding tale about a witch and the secrets her coven has been keeping from her, with echoes of the classic Hades and Persephone story, in the tradition of Practical Magic and Witch of Wild Things.

I’ll Be Waiting by Kelley Armstrong

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From New York Times Bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a spellbinding new tale of supernatural horror involving a haunted-house, seances, lost loved ones, and a sinister spirit out for blood…

The Book of Witching by CJ Cooke

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A mother must fight for her daughter’s life in this fierce and haunting tale of witchcraft and revenge from the author of A Haunting in the Arctic.

NOVEMBER 2024

The Author’s Guide To Murder by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White

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Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote in this witty locked room mystery and literary satire by New York Times bestselling team of novelists: Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White.

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

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Where the Library Hides is Isabel Ibañez’s stunning conclusion to the story that started in What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other!

Games Untold By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Romance, luxury, and secrets abound in this thrilling new collection that takes readers deeper into the world of the #1 bestselling Inheritance Games series.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

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From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year, a hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch

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In this one-of-a-kind mystery with heart and humour, a hilariously grumpy pony must save the only human he’s ever loved after discovering she stands accused of a murder he knows she didn’t commit.

The Estate by Sarah Jost

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For fans of The Cloisters and The Cartographers comes a gripping speculative suspense that follows one woman with the ability to enter the dimension of art, who finds herself trapped in a French estate as the pawn in a rich man’s game…

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

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Two very indoor people rough it on a remote island after getting swept up in an archaeologist’s hunt for a famed jewel in this dazzling new adventure rom-com by Kerry Rea, author of Lucy on the Wild Side.

I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea

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Jamison Shea’s sharp and unflinching voice will bring readers to terrifying new heights in this vicious sequel to the “relentlessly gory and almost euphoric in its embrace of the horrific” (NPR) I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me.

The Empty Place by Olivia A Cole

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A powerful and imaginative story about a girl fighting to find her way back home from a mind-bending land of the lost.

The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson

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From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Mary E. Pearson comes a thrilling romantic fantasy full of dangerous fae, dark secrets, and addictive romance

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

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New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Songbird and the Heart of Stone, where A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Dante’s Inferno, in an epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods.

An Insignificant Case by Phillip Margolin

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A new standalone legal thriller from the international bestselling author of GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

DECEMBER 2024

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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An enchanting novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane

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Darby Kane, author of the #1 international bestseller Pretty Little Wife, returns with another twisty domestic thriller about a wife wondering who tried to kill her husband twice before finally succeeding… because that was supposed to be her job. 

Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

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Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow, a blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction.

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould

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Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted when a group of troubled teens in a wilderness therapy program find themselves stranded in a forest full of monsters eager to take their place.

Alter Ego by Alex Segura

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Alex Segura, LA Times Book Prize–winning author of Secret Identity, returns with a clever and escapist mystery set in the world of comic books. In the present day, a comics legend is given the chance to revive a beloved but forgotten character. But at what price?>

A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

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Two hearts circle each other in the eye of the storm in this highly-anticipated follow-up to The Hurricane Wars—prepare for more enemies-to-lovers romance, magical adventures, and political schemes in this Southeast Asian-inspired world.

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

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It’s the gig of a lifetime for this ghostwriter, except there’s a the client, a closeted A-list actor finally ready to come out in his memoir, is an actual ghost.

The Shutouts by Gabrielle Korn

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A brilliant queer dystopian novel from the author of Yours for the Taking, following a cast of characters on the margins of a strange and exclusive new society.

The Close-up by Pip Drysdale

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A struggling author discovers the dark side of fame when a stalker begins reenacting violent events from her thriller in this electrifying and twisty new novel.

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

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A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together–against their better judgment—to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible romantic fantasy.

The Party by Natasha Preston

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Set against the backdrop of a sprawling English estate, Natasha Preston’s latest thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the party’s over…

The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen

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A young woman channels the magic of the lush, fantastical plants that adorn her crumbling estate in The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt, a darkly enchanting novel for fans of The Magician’s Daughter and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries. ​

What books are you looking forward to releasing in the second half of 2024? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Get Your Hands On These Anticipated July To December 2024 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Karen White’s The House on Prytania, which is out now!

Nola Trenholm may not be psychic herself, but she’s spent enough time around people who are to know when ghosts are present, and there are definitely a few lingering spirits in her recently purchased Creole cottage in New Orleans. Something, or someone, is keeping them tethered to this world. And not all of them are benign.

But with the sudden return of Sunny Ryan, Beau Ryan’s long-lost sister, Nola has plenty to distract her from her ghostly housemates. Especially when the tempting–yet firmly unavailable–Beau, wanting to mete out justice to those he blames for Sunny’s kidnapping, asks Nola for a favor that threatens to derail her hard-won recovery and send her hurtling backward. He asks her to welcome Michael Hebert back into her life, even though Michael is the reason for Nola’s bruised heart. Beau is convinced that Michael’s powerful family was behind Sunny’s disappearance and that Michael is the key to getting information the police won’t be able to ignore–if Nola is willing to risk everything for which she’s worked so hard.

Torn between helping Beau and protecting herself, Nola doesn’t realize until it’s almost too late why the ghosts are haunting her house–a startling revelation that will throw her and Beau together to fight a common enemy. Assuming Nola can get Beau to listen to what the spirits are trying to tell him, because ignoring them could prove to be a fatal mistake…

I stood under an awning near the corner of Canal and Royal in a misty drizzle, watching my young friend Trevor riding my bike toward me. For a small fee, the twelve‑year‑old entrepreneur guarded my bike each night so I didn’t have to ride it all the way uptown after a long day. In the mornings I worked at my office on Poydras as an architectural historian for a civil engineering firm, then in the afternoon shifted to the renovations at my new house, leaving just enough energy to bike to the streetcar stop and hand over my bicycle to Trevor.

He had sold me the bike, the basket, and several other essential items—including a Super Soaker to deter the more aggressive flying cockroaches—for what were clearly inflated prices for used items. Trevor insisted I was paying a convenience fee for having him source the products and hand deliver them, and I couldn’t say that he was wrong.

“Hi, Miss Nola. Sorry I’m late. Meemaw forgot to make my lunch last night, so I tried to make it myself. ’Cept we didn’t have no bread, and it made me late for school. I didn’t have time to get your bike out of my hiding place before school, so I had to get it after.”

“So you didn’t have anything for lunch?”

“No, ma’am. But my best friend, Gary, always has somethin’ for me. His mama likes me and says I’m too skinny, so she packs extra.”

After digging into my back pocket and pulling out a five, I handed it to him. “Use this to buy a hot lunch the next time that happens, all right? For emergency purposes, and only for food, and get an extra dessert for Gary. Do not use it to buy anything you plan to resell, all right?” “Yes, ma’am,” he said, eagerly taking the bill and shoving it into his pocket. As with every interaction with Trevor, I chose to trust him. His charm and smile always overcame any second thoughts. “I’ve got something for you from Miss Jolene.” I slid off my backpack before pulling out an oddly shaped yet beautifully wrapped gift complete with an extravagant bow.

He reached for it, but I held it back before carefully placing it on the ground. “All you have to do is peel off that small strip of tape at the top and it will unwrap itself.”

With cheeks puffed out with anticipation, Trevor carefully removed the tape. The paper fell away like a flower blooming, leaving a decoupaged clay pot at the center. I was pretty sure Jolene had both spun the pot and decorated it herself, but I hadn’t asked because I didn’t want to hate her. Trevor lifted the pot and studied it, not quite sure what to say.

“It’s for your home computer fund,” I explained. “I figured all the money you earn from working at the antiques store and from your side business can be put in here. Christopher said he’d be happy to keep it locked up at the shop to keep it safe.”

Trevor nodded to show that he’d heard me, but his eyes were fixated on the pot. “Why’s it got a rainbow?”

“Because at the end of every rainbow is a pot of gold. Jolene loves rainbows because of the song “Over the Rainbow” in her favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz.”

He squinted at me with his dark brown eyes, not understanding.

“You know—Dorothy and the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion?” “Huh?”

I blinked a couple of times, wondering if he might be kidding, because, to my knowledge, I’d never met anyone who wasn’t familiar with the movie or the books. I squatted down to get a better look in his face. He was small for his age, and I got down to his level only when it was for something important.

“Trevor, do you mean to say you’ve never seen The Wizard of Oz or read the books?”

He shook his head. “No, ma’am.”

“No flying monkeys or the Wicked Witch of the West?”

He narrowed his eyes again, but this time to clearly show that he doubted my sanity.

I stood. “Well, we’re going to fix that right up. Now that you have a library card, you can check out The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum. Just ask the librarian.”

“Can’t I just watch the movie?”

“Sure. But only after you read the first book—there are fourteen in the series. Everybody knows the book is always better than the movie. Besides, reading makes you smarter.”

“Huh,” he grunted, clearly not convinced.

“Guess what Jolene’s favorite book in the whole world is.”

His eyes brightened, and I knew I had him. Ever since he’d met Jolene and had become the recipient of her baked goodies, he’d been a devoted admirer. He wasn’t alone in that regard, since she seemed to have that effect on everyone. Everyone except Jaxson Landry.

“The Avengers!”

At my look, he burst out in his contagious laugh. “I’m just punkin’ you, Miss Nola.”

“Yeah, well, Jolene would be very impressed if you read the first book in the series. I bet—with your meemaw’s permission—we could have you over to our apartment to watch the movie after you read the book. Jolene makes the best popcorn.”

A frown appeared and he focused his gaze on the pavement at his feet. “Don’t know about that.”

“I hope you’re not thinking that the book will be too hard. Christopher or I would be happy to help if you get stuck.”

He looked up with an expression I couldn’t read, but it quickly faded before I could overthink it. He tucked the pot under his arm while I folded up the paper and placed it carefully inside. “I gotta go—Christopher’s waiting for me. I’m supposed to be at the shop now to sweep the back room.”

“Don’t let me keep you. He says he doesn’t know how he did it all without you.”

His small chest expanded like that of a robin preparing to sing. “My meemaw taught me how to clean right. Between you and me, Miss Nola, some of them corners at the shop hadn’t seen a broom or rag since Jesus was a baby.”

I hid my smile. “Well, then, you’d better hurry.” He didn’t budge. “You owe me a dollar.”

“A dollar? What for?”

“’Cause I brought you your bike in the rain. It’s an extra fee.” “I don’t remember ever paying that before.”

“It’s a new policy.” He grinned so big that I could see the pink of his gums. “You told me to look for ways to earn money so I can buy myself my own computer.”

I fished a dollar bill out of my pocket and handed it to him. “I’ve created a monster.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. His grin never dimmed as he said good‑bye and began jogging toward the Past Is Never Past, carefully cradling the pot against his chest.

Excerpted from THE HOUSE ON PRYTANIA STREET by Karen White, published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2023

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘The House on Prytania’ by Karen White appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

APRIL

Lies We Bury by Elle Marr

Marissa was born in captivity.  It’s been twenty years since she gained her freedom, but a new string of murders threatens to bring all of her secrets to the surface.

The Perfect Daughter by DJ Palmer

Grace has to visit her teenage daughter in the state psychiatric hospital where she is being held on a charge of murder.  Doctors have disagreed about a diagnosis of multiple personality disorder, but what dark and shocking secrets will be uncovered if she goes to trial?

The Truth About Unspeakable Things by Emily A Myers

After horrific trauma, Emma has finally opened her heart to love again.  She has kept so many secrets about the abuse she experienced, her past may destroy her before she gets her second chance at love and happiness.

Her Three Lives by Cate Holahan

After a violent home break-in, a family no longer knows whether they can trust anyone, even each other, as doubts, questions, and suspicions abound.  Gaslighting galore!

In The Company of Killers by Bryan Christy

A tightly wound debut thriller! Tom is an investigative reporter, but only as a cover – he’s also a CIA spy.  While he is on assignment in Kenya, his carefully crafted double life begins to fall apart, revealing truths that even Tom doesn’t know about.

MAY

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda

Does anyone really ever ‘have it all’?  There is no limit to what some women will do to try to have it all, or to keep it.  In the name of love, or revenge, there is no limit to what a woman might do.

Find You First by Linwood Barclay

The master of psychological suspense is back with a deadly race against time when the unconventional heirs of a dying tech millionaire begin to meet mysterious ends.

The Hunting Wives by May Cobb

An elite club that focuses equally on target practice and martinis leads to a life of dangerous behavior, obsession, seduction, and murder when Sophie, her husband, and young son settle down in a small Texas town.

The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter

After observing the wealthy and elite of New York City through her camera lens, Delta feels an uncontrollable desire to no longer be separated by the camera, and instead be part of their world.  Manipulation at its strongest is on full display here!

A Good Mother by Lara Bazelon

An exciting debut thriller with two young mothers in different positions in the same murder trial, where the decision about what defines a good mother has to be answered by the jury!

JUNE

The North Face of the Heart by Dolores Redondo (Translated by Michael Meigs)

A young but experienced female detective literally follows a murderer into the eye of a storm when she helps the FBI find a killer using natural disasters to hide his crimes and aid his escape.

Hairpin Bridge by Taylor Adams

The author of No Exit is back with a new thriller where a young woman refuses to accept the official police version of her sister’s death.  Lena is willing to fight for the truth, but instead may be fighting for her life.

The Fiancee by Kate White

What should have been a relaxing family vacation is turned on its head when a mysterious woman is involved.  An unexpected death further rocks the family, but was that only the beginning?

Hostage by Clare Mackintosh

The ultimate locked-room mystery, a claustrophobic thriller that takes place entirely on a twenty- hour flight from London to Sydney. A lot can happen in twenty hours.

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

Set in 1991, when help was not just as close as a cellphone call away, two people share a car ride when neither person knows enough about the person they are riding beside.

JULY

Choose Me by Tess Gerritsen and Gary Braver

When a young woman who is both beautiful and brilliant plunges from her apartment balcony, the detective in charge can feel in her gut that there is more to the story than meets the eye.  Discovering her sordid secrets provides more questions, rather than answers.

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

This best-selling author is back with a new thriller set in a prestigious private school.  Meddlesome parents, murder, Teacher of the Year, and overachieving students – what else could we ask for?

Her Last Breath by Hilary Davidson

When it is discovered that a woman predicted her own murder, her sister will absolutely not let the truth be brushed aside, despite being a pariah in her own family. Digging for the truth may come at too high of a cost, however.

Safe in my Arms by Sara Shepard

At an elite preschool, the principal is attacked and three moms who don’t think they fit in with the ultra-wealthy community work together to both find out who is trying to frame them as well as how to keep their real secrets hidden.

Silver Tears by Camilla Lackberg

Three generations of women have been hiding from one man, but secrets always eventually come out.  Betrayal and tears are sure to follow.

Are you as excited as we are about all of these upcoming thrillers? Are some of your favourite authors back with something new? Which books are you most excited to pick up? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Thrillers We Are Eagerly Anticipating In The Next Few Months appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Aurelie is living with her American born mother at the Paris Ritz during World War I, but Aurelie is French nobility on her father’s side and feels out-of-place in her mother’s world of poets and academics. Through a little bit of trickery and more than a little bit of stubbornness, Aurelie finds herself back at her father’s ancestral estate, and on the wrong side of the front lines. As the Germans move in and begin requisitioning everything from the estate, Aurelie realises she has met one of the German officers before – at one of her mother’s debutante events. While they are on different sides of the war, they grow to see just how much they have in common. But this is wartime, and betrayal seems far more likely than a happy ending.

Daisy was raised by her free-spirited Grandmother in the Paris Ritz, but it is now 1942 and she is married to a French diplomat who is working for the German occupiers. Through her grandmother’s insistence, Daisy begins to help the resistance at great risk to her family and herself.  She and the skilled English forger that she begins working with develop deep feelings for each other, but when Daisy is forced to confront dark secrets from her family’s past, she is not left with many choices of what to do next.

Babs is a young widow in the 1960s’.  She married her childhood sweetheart, Kit, after he returned from World War II, where he spent time in a German camp. When he came home he had no desire to talk about those days and Babs, afraid of causing him more pain, does not ask for information. She even hides a letter that comes for him from a mysterious woman called “La Fleur.” But shortly after Kit’s death, Babs receives a letter from an American man named Drew whose father also fought in World War II and is now in extremely poor health. His father worked with the resistance and was supposed to meet La Fleur, but when she did not show, Drew’s father was branded a traitor. Drew wants Babs to help him uncover the secrets behind La Fleur and clear his father’s name. So they decide to meet in Paris. At the Ritz Hotel.

All three stories are beautifully told, and the book takes you back and forth between the stories so that they all unravel together. With this storytelling style, sometimes the reader is left wishing for more of one story or skipping ahead to get back to what is going on in one particular timeline, but NEVER in this book!  All three tales are so uniquely told and fascinating that I never even thought of skipping ahead to get back to one particular woman’s story.  I loved every minute of each woman’s adventure.

Just walking through a bookstore, I don’t think I would ever have picked this book up. I might even have rolled my eyes a little and thought, “ugh…another romance about war time.”  But I would have missed out on something incredible! It makes me sad to think I might have missed out on this beautifully written, heart breaking, touching, fulfilling, magnificent book. I am so excited to read more from Team W!

All The Ways We Said Goodbye is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up All The Ways We Said Goodbye? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The New York Times bestselling authors of The Glass Ocean and The Forgotten Room return with a glorious historical adventure that moves from the dark days of two World Wars to the turbulent years of the 1960’s, in which three women with bruised hearts find refuge at Paris’ legendary Ritz Hotel.

The heiress…
The Resistance fighter…
The widow…
Three women whose fates are joined by one splendid hotel.

France, 1914. As war breaks out, Aurelie becomes trapped on the wrong side of the front with her father, Comte Sigismund de Courcelles. When the Germans move into their family’s ancestral estate, using it as their headquarters, Aurelie discovers she knows the German Major’s aide de camp, Maximillian Von Sternberg.  She and the dashing young officer first met during Aurelie’s debutante days in Paris.  Despite their conflicting loyalties, Aurelie and Max’s friendship soon deepens into love, but betrayal will shatter them both, driving Aurelie back to Paris and the Ritz – the home of her estranged American heiress mother, with unexpected consequences.

France, 1942.  Raised by her indomitable, free-spirited American grandmother in the glamorous Hotel Ritz, Marguerite “Daisy” Villon remains in Paris with her daughter and husband, a Nazi collaborator, after France falls to Hitler.  At first reluctant to put herself and her family at risk to assist her grandmother’s Resistance efforts, Daisy agrees to act as a courier for a skilled English forger known only as Legrand, who creates identity papers for Resistance members and Jewish refugees.  But as Daisy is drawn even deeper into Legrand’s underground network, committing increasingly audacious acts of resistance for the sake of the country – and the man – she holds dear, she uncovers a devastating secret…one that will force her to commit the ultimate betrayal, and to confront at last the shocking circumstances of her own family history.

France, 1964.  For Barbara “Babs” Langford, her husband, Kit, was the love of her life.  Yet the marriage was haunted by a mysterious woman known only as La Fleur.  On Kit’s death, American lawyer Andrew “Drew” Bowdoin appears at her door.  Hired to find a Resistance fighter turned traitor known as “La Fleur,” the investigation has led to Kit Langford.  Curious to known more about the enigmatic La Fleur, Babs joins Drew in the search, a journey of discovery that takes them to Paris and the Ritz – and to unexpected places of the heart…

The post Review: All The Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us if you will be checking out any of these releases in the comments below!

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Already being hailed as “a Grapes of Wrath for our times” and “a new American classic,” Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.

The Other People by C.J. Tudor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A gripping thriller about a man’s quest for the daughter no one else believes is still alive, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man and The Hiding Place.

All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling authors of The Glass Ocean and The Forgotten Room return with a glorious historical adventure that moves from the dark days of two World Wars to the turbulent years of the 1960s, in which three women with bruised hearts find refuge at Paris’ legendary Ritz hotel.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Alternating its present-day mystery with the story of the sisters’ childhood and adolescence, Long Bright River is at once heart-pounding and heart-wrenching: a gripping suspense novel that is also a moving story of sisters, addiction, and the formidable ties that persist between place, family, and fate.

The Whispers of War by Julia Kelly
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of World War II looms over three friends who struggle to remain loyal as one of them is threatened with internment by the British government, from the author of the “sweeping, stirring” (Kristin Harmel, internationally bestselling author of The Room on Rue Amélie ) The Light Over London.

Followers by Megan Angelo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An electrifying story of two ambitious friends, the dark choices they make and the profound moment that changes the meaning of privacy forever.

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heart-swelling debut for fans of The Silver Linings Playbook and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. When We Were Vikings is an uplifting debut about an unlikely heroine whose journey will leave you wanting to embark on a quest of your own, because after all… We are all legends of our own making.

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The House of the Spirits comes an epic novel spanning decades and crossing continents, following two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a new place to call home.

The Majesties by Tiffany Tsao
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this riveting and disquieting thriller about the secrets and betrayals that accompany exorbitant wealth—imagine Crazy Rich Asians as written by Gillian Flynn—two sisters from a Chinese-Indonesian family grapple with the past after one of them poisons their entire family.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A striking and surprising debut novel from an exhilarating new voice, Such a Fun Age is a page-turning and big-hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both.

The Better Liar by Tanen Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An electric, twisted portrait of sisterhood and the ties that bind, The Better Liar is a stunning debut with a heart-stopping, twist-after-twist finale that will beg the question: How far would you go to get what’s yours?

How Quickly She Disappears by Raymond Fleischmann
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Dry meets Silence of the Lambs in this intoxicating tale of literary suspense set in the relentless Alaskan landscape about madness and obsession, loneliness and grief, and the ferocious bonds of family …

Which release are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post January 2020 Fiction Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments if you’ll be picking up any of these releases!

JANUARY

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Already being hailed as “a Grapes of Wrath for our times” and “a new American classic,” Jeanine Cummins’s American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.

Followers by Megan Angelo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An electrifying story of two ambitious friends, the dark choices they make and the profound moment that changes the meaning of privacy forever.

All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling authors of The Glass Ocean and The Forgotten Room return with a glorious historical adventure that moves from the dark days of two World Wars to the turbulent years of the 1960s, in which three women with bruised hearts find refuge at Paris’ legendary Ritz hotel.

The Majesties by Tiffany Tsao
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this riveting and disquieting thriller about the secrets and betrayals that accompany exorbitant wealth—imagine Crazy Rich Asians as written by Gillian Flynn—two sisters from a Chinese-Indonesian family grapple with the past after one of them poisons their entire family.

The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Other Girl and Justice for Sara comes a thrilling psychological drama about a woman who believes she escaped a brutal murder years ago—but does anyone else believe her?

A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The House of the Spirits comes an epic novel spanning decades and crossing continents, following two young people as they flee the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a new place to call home.

The Other People by C.J. Tudor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A gripping thriller about a man’s quest for the daughter no one else believes is still alive, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man and The Hiding Place.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Alternating its present-day mystery with the story of the sisters’ childhood and adolescence, Long Bright River is at once heart-pounding and heart-wrenching: a gripping suspense novel that is also a moving story of sisters, addiction, and the formidable ties that persist between place, family, and fate.

FEBRUARY

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author of Station Eleven, an exhilarating novel set at the glittering intersection of two seemingly disparate events-a massive Ponzi scheme collapse and the mysterious disappearance of a woman from a ship at sea.

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

After a storm has killed off all the island’s men, two women in a 1600s Norwegian coastal village struggle to survive against both natural forces and the men who have been sent to rid the community of alleged witchcraft.

The King at the Edge of the World by Arthur Phillips
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“One of the best writers in America” (The Washington Post) delivers a mesmerising new novel in which Queen Elizabeth’s spymasters recruit an unlikely agent for an impossible mission: the only Muslim in England.

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A powerful, emotional debut novel told in the unforgettable voice of a young Nigerian woman who is trapped in a life of servitude but determined to get an education so that she can escape and choose her own future.

Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of Where’d You Go, Bernadette and Small Admissions, a wry and cleverly observed debut novel about the privileged bubble that is Liston Heights High–the micro-managing parents, the overworked teachers, and the students caught in the middle–and the fallout for each of them when the bubble finally bursts.

Death in the Family by Tessa Wegert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A storm-struck island. A blood-soaked bed. A missing man. Senior Investigator Shana Merchant believes it all adds up to a killer in their midst—and that murder is a family affair.

The Love Story of the Century by Märta Tikkanen and Stina Katchadourian
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

As much a story of resilience as it is suffering, The Love Story of the Century is a bittersweet account of the complexities of addiction, the power of creativity, and the redemption of love.

The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The story of a vibrant but dysfunctional family trapped together on a ten-day Mediterranean cruise–a riveting, irresistible novel from bestselling author Amanda Eyre Ward

MARCH

The Sea of Lost Girls: A Novel by Carol Goodman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the tradition of Daphne du Maurier, Shari Lapena, and Michelle Richmond comes a new thriller from the bestselling author of The Lake of Dead Languages—a twisty, harrowing story set at a prestigious prep school in which one woman’s carefully hidden past might destroy her future.

The Herd by Andrea Bartz
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When an exclusive New York women’s workspace is rocked by the mysterious disappearance of its enigmatic founder, two sisters must uncover the haunting truth before they lose their friendships, their careers–maybe even their lives.

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The #1 Bestselling authors of The Wife Between Us and An Anonymous Girl deliver a thriller about a circle of friends with deadly intentions–where trust is their weapon and revenge is their trigger….

The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Midwives and The Flight Attendant comes a twisting story of love and deceit: an American man vanishes on a rural road in Vietnam, and his girlfriend, an emergency room doctor trained to ask questions, follows a path that leads her home to the very hospital where they met.

The Sunday Potluck Club by Melissa Storm
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

New friends can be found in unexpected places. For Bridget and Amy, that place was the cancer ward of an Anchorage hospital. Now, as each struggles to overcome loss, they lean on each other for support—sharing suppers, laughter and tears.

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A mother and daughter with a shared talent for healing–and for the conjuring of curses–are at the heart of this dazzling first novel.

The Deep by Alma Katsu
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Brilliantly combining fact and fiction, the historical and the horrific, The Deep reveals a chilling truth in an unputdownable narrative full of unnerving moments and with a growing, inexorable sense of foreboding.

The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A spellbinding story of a mother with nothing left to lose who sets out on an all-consuming quest for justice after her daughter is murdered on the town playground.

APRIL

The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With The Year of the Locust, Hayes has penned a breathtaking story about cutting-edge science, a government conspiracy, and one man’s desperate attempt to unravel it all. (Note: According to some retailers, this title has been pushed back yet again to June 2020. The UK version is currently set to September 2020, but after years of previous release dates and delays, this could still change).

If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A riveting debut novel set in contemporary Seoul, Korea, about four young women making their way in a world defined by impossibly high standards of beauty, secret room salons catering to wealthy men, strict social hierarchies, and K-pop fan mania.

A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New Husband is a riveting thriller about the lies we tell ourselves from D. J. Palmer, the author of Saving Meghan.

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias meet Dracula in this Southern-flavoured supernatural thriller set in the ’90s about a women’s book club that must protect its suburban community from a mysterious and handsome stranger who turns out to be a blood-sucking fiend.

The Ancestor by Danielle Trussoni
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of the Angelology series comes a bewitching gothic novel of suspense that plunges readers into a world of dark family secrets, the mysteries of human genetics, and the burden of family inheritance.

Something She’s Not Telling Us by Darcey Bell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Simple Favor comes an electrifying domestic thriller of how one woman’s life is turned upside down when her brother brings his new girlfriend to visit—and no one is telling the truth about who they really are.

Three Hours in Paris by Cara Black
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In June of 1940, when Paris fell to the Nazis, Hitler spent a total of three hours in the City of Light—abruptly leaving, never to return. To this day, no one knows why. The New York Times bestselling author of the Aimée Leduc investigations reimagines history in her masterful, pulse-pounding spy thriller, Three Hours in Paris.

MAY

Malorie by Josh Malerman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the thrilling sequel to Bird Box, the inspiration for the record-breaking Netflix film that starred Sandra Bullock and “absolutely riveted” Stephen King, New York Times bestselling author Josh Malerman brings unseen horrors to life.

The Paris Hours by Alex George
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Told over the course of a single day in 1927, The Paris Hours takes four ordinary people whose stories, told together, are as extraordinary as the glorious city they inhabit.

If It Bleeds by Stephen King
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author, legendary storyteller, and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary collection of four new and compelling novellas—Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and the title story If It Bleeds—each pulling you into intriguing and frightening places.

All Adults Here by Emma Straub
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In All Adults Here, Emma Straub’s unique alchemy of wisdom, humor, and insight come together in a deeply satisfying story about adult siblings, aging parents, high school boyfriends, middle school mean girls, the lifelong effects of birth order, and all the other things that follow us into adulthood, whether we like them to or not.

The Queen’s Secret: A Novel of England’s World War II Queen by Karen Harper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

If you love Jennifer Robson or The Crown you will love New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper’s novel about Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Peter Straub’s Ghost Story meets Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies in this American Indian horror story of revenge on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“Fans of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will adore The Jane Austen Society… A charming and memorable debut, which reminds us of the universal language of literature and the power of books to unite and heal.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

Don’t Make A Sound by T.R. Ragan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Her own past could be a reporter’s biggest story in this twisting thriller about murder and family secrets by the New York Times bestselling author T.R. Ragan.

JUNE

The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Michele Campbell, the bestselling author of It’s Always the Husband comes a new blockbuster thriller in The Wife Who Knew Too Much.

Safecracker by Ryan Wick
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this wicked debut, safecracker Michael Maven must pull off the most dangerous theft of his long career―or his friends and family will be killed.

The Half Sister by Sandie Jones
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Hello Sunshine Book Club pick The Other Woman, comes a compelling new domestic suspense novel about a family who is forever changed when a stranger arrives at their door.

The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the irresistible new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All We Ever Wanted, a woman is falling hard for a man she’s just met when he disappears without a trace on 9/11.

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In 1935 three women are forever changed when one of the most powerful hurricanes in history barrels toward the Florida Keys in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s captivating new novel.

The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last House Guest—a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick—comes a riveting new novel of psychological suspense about a young woman plagued by night terrors after a childhood trauma who wakes one evening to find a corpse at her feet.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From The New York Times -bestselling author of The Mothers , a stunning new novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white.

Self Care by Leigh Stein
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The female cofounders of a wellness start-up struggle to find balance between being good people and doing good business, while trying to stay BFFs.

What 2020 fiction releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Fiction Book Releases To Check Out In 2020 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Picking up right where The Guests on South Battery left off, Melanie Trenholm and the ghosts she communicates with in her historic home are involved in a new mystery related to the excavation of the old cistern in her garden. While she had hoped this would be finished before preparations began for Christmas, it’s still ongoing, and there still seem to be ghosts guarding…something. The cistern might instead be hiding secrets that are not of the paranormal variety, but instead a treasure that is very, very real.

As always, White’s characters are superbly written, though not always entirely likeable. Many readers (like myself) have begun to get a bit frustrated with Melanie and her seeming inability to mature or grow (it seems like several of her problems wouldn’t even be “problems” if she could grow up just a bit), but the various relationships between characters are always enjoyable.

White’s atmospheric writing is also top-notch. Whether describing something real-world and banal, or something truly super-natural, White has a talent for letting the reader see, hear, and feel so much of the world that Melanie lives in. Even when finding one’s self frustrated with one character or another, White’s writing can always pull the reader in, and time after time capture them into the world of the house on Tradd Street.

While the actual mystery in this novel starts out perhaps a bit convoluted, it is handled deftly and in the end wraps up in a satisfying way, while also providing hints at a future mystery. It provided a nice balance with Melanie and Jack and their personal lives.

My only genuine criticism of The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street, and perhaps with the series overall, is that Melanie and Jack are now parents of toddlers, and it becomes frustrating as a reader to still see their relationship seem to hinge on the tiniest things. They need to grow as a couple (and as parents) and hopefully we will stop seeing their relationship as this delicate little thing that whose fragility is used to move the plot forward.

Between the buildup in this book for the next mystery, and the cliff-hanger ending that we are left with, book number 7 in this series should be a must-read!

The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.

Will you be picking up The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

The Christmas spirit is overtaking Tradd Street with a vengeance in this festive new novel in the New York Times bestselling series by Karen White.

Melanie Trenholm should be anticipating Christmas with nothing but joy–after all, it’s only the second Christmas she and her husband, Jack, will celebrate with their twin babies. But the ongoing excavation of the centuries-old cistern in the garden of her historic Tradd Street home has been a huge millstone, both financially and aesthetically. Local students are thrilled by the possibility of unearthing more Colonial-era artifacts at the cistern, but Melanie is concerned by the ghosts connected to the cistern that have suddenly invaded her life and her house–and at least one of them is definitely not filled with holiday cheer….

And these relics aren’t the only precious artifacts for which people are searching. A past adversary is convinced that there is a long-lost Revolutionary War treasure buried somewhere on the property that Melanie inherited–untold riches rumored to be brought over from France by the Marquis de Lafayette himself and intended to help the Colonial war effort. It’s a treasure literally fit for a king, and there have been whispers throughout history that many have already killed–and died–for it. And now someone will stop at nothing to possess it–even if it means destroying everything Melanie and Jack hold dear.

The post Review: The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up any!

Find Me (Call Me By Your Name #2) by André Aciman
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In this spellbinding exploration of the varieties of love, the author of the worldwide bestseller Call Me by Your Name revisits its complex and beguiling characters decades after their first meeting.

The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen
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A woman trying to outrun her past is drawn to a quiet coastal town in Maine–and to a string of unsolved murders–in this haunting tale of romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen.

How Fires End by Marco Rafala
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A dark secret born out of World War II lies at the heart of a Sicilian American family in this emotional and sweeping saga of guilt, revenge, and, ultimately, redemption.

The Remaking by Clay McLeod Chapman
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Inspired by a true story, this supernatural thriller for fans of horror and true crime follows a tale as it evolves every twenty years—with terrifying results.

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
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#1 New York Times bestselling author Sophie Kinsella returns with a festive new Shopaholic adventure filled with holiday cheer and unexpected gifts.

Olive, Again (Olive Kitteridge) by Elizabeth Strout
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#1 New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout continues the life of her beloved Olive Kitteridge, a character who has captured the imaginations of millions of readers.

Quantum by Patricia Cornwell
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International bestselling author Patricia Cornwell delivers pulse-pounding thrills in a series featuring a brilliant and unusual new heroine, cutting-edge cybertechnology, and stakes that are astronomically high.

One Night Gone by Tara Laskowski
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One sultry summer, Maureen Haddaway arrives in the wealthy town of Opal Beach to start her life anew. But Maureen’s new life just might be too good to be true, and before the summer is up, she vanishes. Decades later, when Allison Simpson is offered the opportunity to house-sit in Opal Beach during the off-season. But when she becomes drawn into the mysterious disappearance of a girl thirty years before, Allison realizes the gorgeous homes of Opal Beach hide dark secrets. And the truth of that long-ago summer is not even the most shocking part of all…

The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
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A young widow restores a dilapidated mansion with the assistance of a charming, eccentric genius, only to find the house is full of dangerous secrets in this effervescent Gilded Age debut novel.

Cilka’s Journey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz #2) by Heather Morris
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From the author of the multi-million copy bestseller, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, comes the new novel based on an incredible true story of love and resilience.

The House of Brides by Jane Cockram
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Jane Cockram makes her thrilling debut with this page-turning tale of psychological suspense in which a young woman whose life is in tatters flees to the safety of a family estate in England, but instead of comfort finds chilling secrets and lies.

The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White
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The Christmas spirit is overtaking Tradd Street with a vengeance in this festive new novel in the New York Times bestselling series by Karen White.

Will you be picking up any of these releases? Tell us in the comments below!

The post October 2019 Book Releases: Fiction appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

There’s also new releases from Lian Moriarty, Khaled Hosseini, and Paulo Coelho. Need a little history of fantasy? The Lost Queen follows Languoreth, the twin sister of the man who inspired the legendary character of Merlin, while The Silence of the Girls focuses on the timeless legend of The Iliad, as experienced by the captured women living in the Greek camp in the final weeks of the Trojan War.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below which ones you are most excited for!

Impostors by Scott Westerfeld
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Scott Westerfeld returns to the world of Uglies in this new series. Frey and Rafi are inseparable . . . but very few people have ever seen them together. This is because Frey is Rafi’s double, raised in the shadow’s of their rich father’s fortress. While Rafi has been taught to charm, Frey has been taught to kill. Frey only exists to protect her sister. There is no other part of her life. Frey has never been out in the world on her own – until her father sends her in Rafi’s place to act as collateral for a dangerous deal. Everyone thinks she’s her sister – but Col, the son of a rival leader, is starting to get close enough to tell the difference. As the stakes grow higher and higher, Frey must decide whether she can trust him – or anyone in her life.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
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The retreat at health and wellness resort Tranquillum House promises total transformation. Nine stressed city dwellers are keen to drop their literal and mental baggage, and absorb the meditative ambience while enjoying their hot stone massages. Watching over them is the resort’s director, a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. These nine perfect strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.

Vengeful by VE Schwab
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In the sequel to Vicious, Sydney once had Serena—beloved sister, betrayed enemy, powerful ally. But now she is alone, except for her thrice-dead dog, Dol, and then there’s Victor, who thinks Sydney doesn’t know about his most recent act of vengeance. Victor himself is under the radar these days—being buried and re-animated can strike concern even if one has superhuman powers. But despite his own worries, his anger remains. And Eli Ever still has yet to pay for the evil he has done.

Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini
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A short, powerful, illustrated book written by beloved novelist Khaled Hosseini in response to the current refugee crisis, Sea Prayer is composed in the form of a letter, from a father to his son, on the eve of their journey. Watching over his sleeping son, the father reflects on the dangerous sea-crossing that lies before them. It is also a vivid portrait of their life in Homs, Syria, before the war, and of that city’s swift transformation from a home into a deadly war zone.

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike
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Mists of Avalon meets Philippa Gregory in the first book of an exciting historical trilogy that reveals the untold story of Languoreth—a powerful and, until now, tragically forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legendary character of Merlin.

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
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From the Booker Prize-winning author of the Regeneration trilogy comes a monumental new masterpiece, set in the midst of literature’s most famous war. Pat Barker turns her attention to the timeless legend of The Iliad , as experienced by the captured women living in the Greek camp in the final weeks of the Trojan War.

Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco
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In this third instalment in the #1 bestselling Stalking Jack the Ripper series, a luxurious ocean liner becomes a floating prison of scandal, madness, and horror when passengers are murdered one by one…with nowhere to run from the killer. .

Dare You To Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch
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When her FBI agent father is framed for murder, Kylene is forced to move in with her grandfather, back to the small town that turned its back on her, and the boy who betrayed her. All Ky cares about is clearing her father’s name, but someone won’t let her forget the photo scandal that drove her away two years ago. As the threats gain momentum, Ky finds an unlikely ally in the rookie FBI agent sent to keep an eye on her. Determined to expose the town’s hidden skeletons, Ky unwittingly thrusts herself into a much bigger plot. They thought she’d forgive and forget. They’re about to learn they messed with the wrong girl.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White
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Elizabeth Lavenza is on the verge of being thrown into the streets . . . until she is brought to the home of Victor Frankenstein, an unsmiling, solitary boy who has everything–except a friend. Victor is her escape from misery. Elizabeth does everything she can to make herself indispensable–and it works. Soon she and Victor are inseparable. But her new life comes at a price. As the years pass, Elizabeth’s survival depends on managing Victor’s dangerous temper and entertaining his every whim, no matter how depraved. Behind her blue eyes and sweet smile lies the calculating heart of a girl determined to stay alive no matter the cost . . . as the world she knows is consumed by darkness.

In Her Bones by Kate Moretti
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Fifteen years ago, Lilith Wade was arrested for the brutal murder of six women. After a death row conviction, media frenzy, and the release of an unauthorized biography, her thirty-year-old daughter Edie Beckett is just trying to survive out of the spotlight. She’s a recovering alcoholic with a dead-end city job and an unhealthy codependent relationship with her brother. Edie also has a disturbing secret: a growing obsession with the families of Lilith’s victims. She’s desperate to see how they’ve managed—or failed—to move on. While her escalating fixation is a problem, she’s careful to keep her distance. That is, until she crosses a line and a man is found murdered…

Hippie by Paulo Coelho
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In Hippie, his most autobiographical novel to date, Paulo Coelho takes us back in time to re-live the dream of a generation that longed for peace and dared to challenge the established social order – authoritarian politics, conservative modes of behavior, excessive consumerism, and an unbalanced concentration of wealth and power.

The Glass Ocean by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
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From the New York Times bestselling authors of The Forgotten Room comes a captivating historical mystery, infused with romance, that links the lives of three women across a century—two deep in the past, one in the present—to the doomed passenger liner, RMS Lusitania.

Check out our other September book picks on our Goodreads list!

Any other releases you’re excited to read this month? Tell us in the comments below!

The post September Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.