The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain
Published by: Berkley Books
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Paperback, 272 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this sparkling new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm's List.
When Arabella Grant's wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She'd made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart's content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.
Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie's great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she'll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can't tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book.
Bella agrees to the scheme for her cousin's sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she's the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met "Lord Right," worries what will happen when she reveals that he's actually fallen for...the wrong lady."
All the Regency romance swoon you could hope for!
Murder in Season by Mary Winters
Published by: Severn House
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Hardcover, 240 Pages
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The official patter:
"Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.
"A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?"
Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill's edge...until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton's unforgiving Season.
However Madge's Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr. Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton's gossip mill - and the police - are looking to pin the murder on her.
Adding to the ton's troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society's houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.
Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey."
Ah, but a jewel thief is so much classier than a lowly murderer. Yes, in my mind there's even class systems in the underworld.
Schemes and Scandals by Kelley Armstrong
Published by: Subterranean Press
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Hardcover, 176 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"It's Mallory Atkinson's first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn't a thing in Victorian Scotland. It's all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis - the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.
Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens - the meeting of a lifetime - but in return she wants their help. She's being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.
Mallory isn't sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray's help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.
Note this is not a full-length novel. It's a novella set after Disturbing the Dead."
Hogmanay and Dickens!?! That's the kind of holiday season I approve of. Heartily.
The Secret of the Three Fates by Jess Armstrong
Published by: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Hardcover, 336 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"Following the atmospheric and award-winning Gothic historical mystery debut, The Curse of Penryth Hall, USA Today bestselling author Jess Armstrong's heroine, Ruby Vaughn, returns in The Secret of the Three Fates, where the Scottish Hills hold ghosts of the past that threaten Ruby's present.
American heiress Ruby Vaughn still hasn't entirely forgiven her octogenarian employer and housemate Mr. Owen for bringing the occult into their lives during her recent trip to Cornwall. He claims their journey to Manhurst Castle in the Scottish Borders is simply to appraise and acquire illuminated manuscripts for their rare books shop, however when Ruby discovers there are no manuscripts and receives news of a séance to be held that very night, she begins to grow suspicious about the true reason why they have come.
The Great War left grieving families willing to sacrifice anything for the chance to say goodbye to a lost loved one. Mr. Owen is no exception. He is desperate to speak to his son, but he doesn't want to face the spirits alone. When the séance - hosted by a trio of mediums billing themselves as The Three Fates - goes awry, Mr. Owen's secrets begin to unravel, threatening to reveal a history that he has been running from for half his life.
Something Ruby knows all too well how to do.
When Ruby finds one of the Three Fates murdered the night of the séance, she and Mr. Owen quickly become the prime suspects. To clear their names, Ruby enlists the help of Ruan Kivell, the folk healer Pellar who helped her weeks before in Cornwall. As their investigation progresses Ruby and Ruan realize someone is determined to prevent them from uncovering the truth about what happened to the dead medium."
I am seriously considering doing a theme month where every book features mediums. I am such a sucker for spiritualism.
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen
Published by: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Paperback, 320 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"True magic is found among the bluebells and brambles.
Harriet Hunt is completely alone. Her father disappeared months ago, leaving her to wander the halls of Sunnyside house, dwelling on a past she'd rather keep buried. She doesn't often venture beyond her front gate, instead relishing the feel of dirt under her fingernails and of soft moss beneath her feet. Consequently, she's been deemed a little too peculiar for popular Victorian society. This solitary life suits her fine, though - because, outside, magic awaits.
Harriet's garden is special. It's a wild place full of twisting ivy, vibrant plums, and a quiet power that buzzes like bees. Caring for this place, and keeping it from running rampant through the streets of her London suburb, is Harriet's purpose.
But a woman alone in the world is vulnerable. Soon, a sinister plot involving her father's disappearance begins to take shape, with Harriet herself at its center. Everything she holds dear - from the thorny roses she tends to her very freedom itself - is at stake. To save herself, Harriet will have to unearth her past, discover the secrets of her garden, and finally embrace the wild magic inside of her."
Yes, have the garden kill all suitors! Though that might be a darker tale...
A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James
Published by: Avon Books
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Paperback, 368 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"A heartwarming and humorous romance in which an unlikely couple fall in love over Wordle.
Twenty-seven-year-old Emily doesn't have a lot going well in her life right now. She dreams of a creative career but works as a receptionist in an auto shop. She longs for big city life but lives in a small town on Prince Edward Island. She craves a close group of friends but is stuck with irritating, car-obsessed coworkers.
What Emily does have is a 300+ day streak on the New York Times Wordle. But one day, with only one guess left and no clue what the answer is, she's forced to turn to one of her irritating, car-obsessed coworkers, John, for help - and in doing so, realizes that he might not be so irritating after all.
As they make their way, word by word, toward a 365-day streak, Emily is drawn into a surprising romance that will take her outside of her comfort zone - and challenge everything she thought she knew about happiness, success, and love."
I love the cover design, I just wish somehow that they could have found a five letter word to use instead of "Letter..." Also I feel Emily's pain, I lost a 438 day streak because I forgot to play one day.
The Rivals by Jane Pek
Published by: Vintage
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Paperback, 416 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"A most anticipated book - A witty and thought-provoking mystery that reimagines the spy story to explore the nature of relationships in a digital age: the follow-up to Jane Pek's "thoroughly modern twist on classic detective fiction," The Verifiers (New York Times Book Review)
Claudia Lin - mystery novel superfan and, until recently, clichéd underemployed English major - has scored her dream job: co-running Veracity, a dating detective agency for chronically online New Yorkers who want to know if their prospective partners are telling the truth. Unfortunately, along the way, she and her colleagues - tech savant Squirrel, and the elegant and intimidating Becks - have uncovered a far-reaching AI conspiracy. And the corporate matchmakers may be resorting to murder to protect their secrets.
In the wake of a client's sudden death, Claudia convinces his ex, an industry insider, to turn on his employer and feed the verifiers information about what the powerful dating platforms are really up to. But even as Claudia starts to get a feel for this new genre - just call her Lin, Claudia Lin - she's distracted by the possibility of romance with both Becks and a very charming target. She also fears that her beloved older brother is unwittingly being drawn into the matchmakers' deadly web. And as Becks reminds Claudia: spy tropes dictate that someone you trust will betray you."
Eh, but only sloppy writing and sloppy living means you fall for tropes...
I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman
Published by: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Hardcover, 336 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"A suspenseful dark comedy about a struggling writer who wakes up to find his date from the night before dead - and must then decide how far he's willing to go to spin the misadventure into his next big book.
A few years ago, David Alvarez had it all: a six-figure book deal, a loving boyfriend, and an exciting writing career. His debut novel was a resounding success, which made the publication of his second book - a total flop - all the more devastating. Now, David is single, lonely, and desperately trying to come up with the next great idea for his third manuscript, one that will redeem him in the eyes of readers, reviewers, the entire publishing world...and maybe even his ex-boyfriend.
But good ideas are hard to come by, and the mounting pressure of a near-empty bank account isn't helping. When David connects with a sexy stranger on a dating app, he figures a wild night out in New York City may be just what he needs to find inspiration. Lucky for him, his date turns out to be handsome, confident, and wealthy, not to mention the perfect distraction from yet another evening staring at a blank screen.
After one of the best nights of his life, David wakes up hungover but giddy - only to find prince charming dead next to him in bed. Horrified, completely confused, and suddenly faced with the implausible-but-somehow-plausible idea that he may have actually killed his date, David calls the only person he can trust in a moment of crisis: his literary agent, Stacey.
Together, David and Stacey must untangle the events of the previous night, cover their tracks, and spin the entire misadventure into David's career-defining novel - if only they can figure out what to do with the body first."
But hear me out... His sales would have gone up if he was a suspect in a murder... So, he could have just called the cops...
The Party by Natasha Preston
Published by: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Paperback, 352 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"#1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Natasha Preston is back with another pulse-pounding, twisty read!
Are you invited?
In the heart of the English countryside, Bessie and her closest friends gather at a remote castle for a secret party destined to make this the best spring break ever. But when the first of them dies, the party takes a lethal turn.
As the body count continues to rise, Bessie and her friends must contend with a deadly storm and growing internal suspicion, all while trapped inside with a killer.
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 sprawling English Estate will hopefully distract me from obsessing over the fact that I've totally seen the stock imagery on the cover before...
Havoc by Christopher Bollen
Published by: Harper
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Hardcover, 256 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"In the vein of The Bad Seed comes a twisty, atmospheric psychological suspense about a meddlesome elderly guest at a decadent luxury hotel who believes she has left her problematic past behind, until she decides to interfere in the lives of a young mother and her eight-year-old son, and finally meets her wicked match.
The war between age and youth has never been so vicious.
Eighty-one-year-old widow Maggie Burkhardt came to the Royal Karnak to escape. But not in quite the same way as most other guests who are relaxing at this threadbare luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile. Maggie, a compulsive fixer of other people's lives, may have found herself in hot water at her last hotel in Switzerland and just might have needed to get out of there fast... But here at the Royal Karnak, under the hot Saharan sun, she has a comfortable suite, a loyal confidante in the hotel manager, Ahmed, and a handful of sympathetic friends, similar "long-termers" who understand her still-vivid grief for her late husband, Peter. Here, she is merely the sweet old lady in Room 309.
One morning, however, Maggie notices a new arrival at check-in: a mournful-looking young mother named Tess and her impish eight-year-old, Otto. Eager to help, Maggie invites them into her world. But it isn't long before Maggie realizes that in her longing to be a part of their family, she has let in an enemy much stronger than she bargained for. In scrawny, homely Otto, Maggie Burkhardt has finally met her match.
A propulsive, addictively-readable breakout from the critically acclaimed author of A Beautiful Crime and The Lost Americans, Havoc is brilliant, twisty psychological suspense that will get under your skin like the most unforgettable Hitchcock classics."
Evil kid in an Egyptian hotel with Hitchcock vibes? I NEED THIS RIGHT NOW!
Alter Ego by Alex Segura
Published by: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Hardcover, 320 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"Alex Segura, award-winning author of Secret Identity, returns with a clever and escapist standalone sequel 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?
Annie Bustamante is a cultural force like none other: an acclaimed filmmaker, an author, a comic book artist known for one of the all time best superhero comics in recent memory. But she's never been able to tackle her longtime favorite superhero, the Lethal Lynx. Only known to the most die-hard comics fans and long out of print, the rights were never available - until now.
But Annie is skeptical of who is making the offer: Bert Carlyle's father started Triumph Comics, and has long claimed ownership of the Lynx. When she starts getting anonymous messages urging her not to trust anyone, Annie's inner alarms go off. Even worse? Carlyle wants to pair her with a disgraced filmmaker for a desperate media play.
Annie, who has been called a genius, a sell-out, a visionary, a hack, and everything else under the sun, is sick of the money grab. For the first time since she started reading a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a kid, she feels a pure, creative spark. The chance to tell a story her way. She's not about to let that go. Even if it means uncovering the dark truth about the character she loves.
Sharply written, deftly plotted, and with a palpable affection for all kinds of storytelling, Alter Ego is a one-of-a-kind reading experience."
I mean, it's like a car crash, you can't turn away. Unexploited IP in comics? Let the trolls run wild!
Cult of the Lamb Volume 1: The First Verse by Alex Paknadel and Troy Little
Published by: Oni Press
Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024
Format: Paperback, 104 Pages
To Buy
The official patter:
"In partnership with Devolver Digital and Massive Monster, Oni Press proudly presents Cult of the Lamb: The First Verse - the hugely anticipated first official graphic novel exploration into the sprawling cosmology of the millions-selling, multiple BAFTA Award-nominated video game phenomenon that has Polygon begging players to "smash that worship button"!
In a land pervaded by cruelty and evil, the most innocent among us - young Lamb - was selected to become a noble sacrifice.... Their death would be the magical rite that would forever seal the darkest of the Old Gods out of our realm and usher in a new age of bounty.
So Lamb died...but then they made a deal of their own.
At the crossroads of eternity, Lamb was met by the imprisoned deity known as the One Who Waits, who revealed the falsehoods and distortions of the false prophets who rule the world and the Old Faith. And so, Lamb was given a choice: Enter oblivion as intended...or return to the land of living with unholy powers and deliver a new cult unto the Earth.
The Four Bishops of the Old Faith must fall. The disbelievers must be destroyed. And, as Lamb assembles their flock, a new master shall reign over all of creation. Praise be to the Cult of the Lamb!
From acclaimed writer Alex Paknadel (All Against All, Red Goblin) and Eisner Award-nominated artist Troy Little (Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons and Dragons, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) comes a deviously delightful, heretic-smashing excursion into the borderlands of the worldwide video game hit that IGN calls "adorably demonic."
Collects Cult of the Lamb (2024) #1-4."
Every week when I saw this comic in my email I thought, I really want to read that... And now I can!
When I first watched The Haunting of Hill House I realized that for the first time an adaptation got the source material. Not that it was actually a direct adaptation of Shirley Jackson's work. It was reinterpreted and remolded and what Mike Flanagan did was create a series that is in the spirit of the original and a loving tribute to it while being its own thing. It was the start of his Netflix empire, the Flanaverse. And the start of his "house" series. Because audiences adored The Haunting of Hill House and were demanding more. More of Mike Flanagan's unique take on classic literature. More spooky tales in amazing structures. They got their wish two years later with The Haunting of Bly Manor, an adaptation that actually made me no longer hate The Turn of the Screw. And that lead to speculation, what was next? He threw us for a loop when it turned out to be an original show followed by another adaptation without architecture but with amazing sets, but thankfully, he came to his senses and decided that after Shirley Jackson and Henry James he was bringing Edgar Allan Poe into the Flanaverse with The Fall of the House of Usher. And unlike The Haunting of Bly Manor he didn't even have to change the title! So he assembled his stable of actors, adding in Frank Langella, which turned out to be a massive mistake, and got to work. What I marvel at with this adaptation is how Mike Flanagan created a narrative that not only encompassed so many works by Poe but also was such a showcase for his actors with each of the six Usher children getting their own deadly tale. And yet, for all the Poe, this is something more, this is a story about greed, this is a story about the opioid crisis in America, this is a story that someone who doesn't know anything about Poe could watch and enjoy. Because while the "Poe" of it all is wonderful for the literary geeks out there hoping they'll do this or that, or in my case chanting for monkey carnage, this is more about a family falling apart because they made a deal with the devil. This show is, without doubt, based on the Sackler family. They owned Purdue Pharma and were a cornerstone if not the cornerstone of the opioid crisis we now face. There are so many films and television shows and documentaries on them, two, Painkiller and Pain Hustlers, also done by Netflix. Though Dopesick probably got the most attention and awards. These are all shows I avoided like the plague in "The Masque of the Red Death." I like escapism in my entertainment, not to wallow in human suffering. Even if I will admit it's very important shows like this are made. We need a record of what happened. But here, here we have the same evil told through a fantastical lens, and the fantasy aspects make the truth of what this family is doing all the more horrifying. But unlike lawsuits and the striping of a family's legacy, here we see them pay more viscerally for their crimes. The character of Verna, an anagram of Raven, has appeared to the Ushers because the time has come to pay the piper. And yes, that might just be "The Rains of Castamere" the piper is playing. Yet if you notice, for the "innocent" among the Ushers, she offers them a chance at redemption. Those who are not fully evil are given an out, a chance to not go there, and time and time again, they show that their greed, their villainy, is the true drive in their lives, and therefore they must die. This show is cathatic and wonderful and dark and perfectly encapsulates the human condition and as for Frank Langella? He couldn't have done what Bruce Greenwood does. Bruce Greenwood is Roderick Usher.
