Lawrence Wright is best known for his nonfiction, e.g., The Looming Tower — an extraordinary deep dive into the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His new novel is a searing mind-blower. The author actually imagined his nightmare plot before Covid-19 swept the globe, and his dark, visionary tale will not be easily forgotten. In fact, there are two scenes in particular that are so horrific I had to shut my eyes and take a deep breath. If you think things are bad now, here’s what could happen if we don’t bring the virus under control. CLICK TO ORDER
SQUEEZE ME is one of Carl Hiaasen’s best satirical novels — a funny, twisty, Palm Beach cocktail spiked with snakes. The outgoing (or so we hope) President and First Lady play prominent roles, but it’s the tough-as-nails heroine, Angie Armstrong, who steals the show in this delicious post-election day tonic. CLICK TO ORDER
Hat’s off to Ben Schott for this witty sequel to Jeeves and the King of Clubs, which begins with these ominous words: “Is it safe?”…. So you know you’re off to a good start in this worthy Wodehousian comic romp. Just to have Wooster and Jeeves back is cause enough for celebration, while lots of our favorite characters are along for the ride in Jeeves and the Leap of Faith: Gussie Fink-Nottle, Spode, Madeline Bassett, not to mention Bertie’s dreaded aunt (you know the one I mean). You couldn’t ask for anything more — except, of course, a sequel! CLICK TO ORDER
Antoine Laurain‘s THE READERS’ ROOM begins with a hilarious dissection of the contemporary French publishing scene (which mirrors our own), but soon turns into a deepening and suspenseful text. A series of actual unsolved murders haunt the pages of a manuscript destined to become a bestseller. Unfortunately for the publisher, the author cannot be traced. Cheers to Gallic Press for bringing this deft translation to English readers. Now I’ve got to track down Laurain’s other novels. CLICK TO ORDER
Murder by Milk Bottle is the latest Constable Twitten Mystery by Lynne Truss (author of the classic grammer guide, Eats, Shoots and Leaves). The odd title is fitting for this quirky series set in Brighton in the 1950s. To be specific, 1957 — not a good year for milkmen as bodies are piling up with one thing in common: death by milk bottle. The intrepid (albeit misunderstood) Constable Twitten is saddled with trying to catch the killer(s). Lucky for him the inimitable Mrs. Groynes — the crooked Brighton Police charwoman — is around to help. A delightful seaside escape during lockdown. CLICK TO ORDER
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