Category: Book news

Scarpetta on Prime Video: Everything You Need to Know Before the March 11 Premiere

Nicole Kidman stars in Scarpetta. Photo: Amazon Prime Video.

From Page to Screen: Why We Can’t Get Enough of Forensic Noir

Crime and forensic novels continue to dominate best-seller lists because they offer the perfect cocktail of suspense, mystery, and intellectual challenge. Stories by icons like Agatha Christie and Patricia Cornwell invite us to step into the role of the detective, meticulously analyzing clues and motives alongside the characters. The detailed exploration of forensic science adds a layer of grit and realism, revealing how microscopic evidence can uncover massive, hidden truths.

While these novels delve into the darker side of human nature, they almost always offer the catharsis of justice served. For many of us, the real thrill lies in that race against the clock: can we piece together the mystery before the final revelation?

The Long-Awaited Arrival: Scarpetta on Prime Video

As a lifelong fan of these novels, I am counting down the days for the new series on Amazon Prime Video. Having devoured the Patricia Cornwell Scarpetta novels for years, seeing this world come to life is a dream come true. (Amazon Prime Video, 2026)

Developed by Liz Sarnoff and produced by powerhouse duo Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, Scarpetta is set to be the television event of the season.

Mark Your Calendars: Scarpetta premieres on Amazon Prime Video on March 11, 2026.

Meet the Cast

The series boasts an incredible A-list ensemble to bring these beloved characters to life:

ActorRoleCharacter Description
Nicole KidmanKay ScarpettaThe brilliant forensic pathologist.
Jamie Lee CurtisDorothy ScarpettaKay’s complicated older sister.
Ariana DeBoseLucy FarinelliKay’s tech-savvy niece.
Bobby CannavalePete MarinoThe rugged former detective.
Simon BakerBenton WesleyThe calculated FBI profiler.

Who is Kay Scarpetta?

Kay Scarpetta is more than just a medical examiner; she is a trailblazer. Inspired by the real-life former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner, Marcella Farinelli Fierro, MD, Scarpetta uses cutting-edge forensic technology to speak for the dead. (Patricia Cornwell, 2026)

Throughout the book series, Scarpetta—a woman of Italian descent—navigates intense investigations across the American South, from the humid streets of Florida and Virginia to the historic corridors of Charleston, South Carolina.

About the Author: Patricia Cornwell

Patricia Cornwell didn’t just write crime fiction; she revolutionized it. While working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, she sold her first novel, Postmortem.

It was the world’s first “bona fide” forensic thriller, paving the way for the explosion of forensic-focused entertainment we see today in film, TV, and literature.

A Legacy of Excellence

Cornwell’s impact on the genre is staggering:

  • Award-Winning Debut: Postmortem was the first book ever to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, plus the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure, in a single year.
  • Global Reach: Her books have sold over 120 million copies in 36 languages across 120 countries.
  • Literary Honors: She has received the Sherlock Award, the Gold Dagger Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Beyond the Morgue

While Kay, Lucy, and Marino are her most famous creations, Cornwell’s curiosity knows no bounds. Her diverse bibliography includes:

  • True Crime: A definitive account of Jack the Ripper’s identity.
  • Lifestyle: Two cookbooks (Food to Die For and Scarpetta’s Winter Table).
  • Other Fiction: Series featuring Boston detective Win Garano and reporter Andy Brazil.

Here is a curated “Essential Scarpetta” reading list to get you into the right mindset for the show:

1. Postmortem (The Origin)

You can’t skip the book that started it all. This is where we meet Kay in Richmond, Virginia, hunting a serial killer known as “Mr. Nobody.” It establishes her grit, her friction with Pete Marino, and the high-tech (for the time) forensic methods that changed crime fiction forever.

2. Body of Evidence (The Introduction of Benton Wesley)

If you’re excited to see Simon Baker as the FBI profiler, this is a must-read. It deepens the relationship between Kay and Benton and introduces the recurring theme of Kay’s past coming back to haunt her.

3. The Body Farm (The Science)

This novel takes Kay to the actual University of Tennessee Anthropological Research Facility. It’s peak forensic procedural and features a young Lucy (played by Ariana DeBose in the show) starting to show her tech genius.

4. From Potter’s Field (The Ultimate Villain)

Every great detective needs a Moriarty. For Scarpetta, that means Temple Gault. This book is a chilling, snowy cat-and-mouse game in New York City that shows just how high the stakes can get for Kay’s family.

5. Point of Origin (The Fire)

This is a pivotal emotional turning point for the “Core Four” (Kay, Marino, Lucy, and Benton). It involves a series of high-stakes arsons and a massive twist that changes the trajectory of the series for years.

Pro-Tip for the TV Series

Since Jamie Lee Curtis is playing Dorothy (Kay’s sister), you might want to pay extra attention to their sibling rivalry in the earlier books. Dorothy is often the “flighty” contrast to Kay’s “grounded” professionalism, it’s going to be fascinating to see that chemistry on screen.

Book Review: ‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ by Andrew Varga | A Jump in Time Book 4

‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ is the thrilling continuation of Andrew Varga’s time travel series. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: Time Travel Meets Thermopylae: ‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ Is Here

⚔️ Rewriting History: A Review of ‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ by Andrew Varga

In the high-stakes world of Andrew Varga’s A Jump in Time series, the past isn’t just a memory, it’s a battlefield. The fourth installment, The Spartan Sacrifice, takes the series to a fever pitch, blending the grit of ancient warfare with the mind-bending ethics of time travel.

The Stakes: A Vision of Global Domination

Victor Stahl’s bid for power is no longer a shadow play; it’s an accelerating threat. As a congressman with presidential aspirations, Stahl isn’t just looking to win an election, he’s looking to “fix” humanity by erasing most of it. With his own team of time travelers, he is systematically manipulating history to pave the way for his dark utopia.

The Mission: 480 BCE

Fearing they are running out of time, 17-year-old Dan Renfrew and his partner Sam jump back to ancient Greece. They land on the eve of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. While their primary goal is to thwart Victor, they are quickly pulled into the brutal reality of King Leonidas’s stand against the Persian Empire.

Why This Installment Stands Out

Varga vividly recreates the tension of Sparta, immersing readers in the harsh realities of the vastly outnumbered warriors.

  • Historical Immersion: The detail enriches the narrative without stalling the momentum, making the ancient world feel immediate and dangerous.
  • Character Growth: Dan’s evolution is a highlight. His courage is now tempered by the heavy responsibility of his powers and the unintended consequences of his actions.
  • Visceral Narrative: Writing in the first person, Varga puts us directly in Dan’s head. From the opening nightmare of vengeful horsemen to the “anxious vibe” of a lecture hall, the prose is sharp and evocative.

“As soon as I swung open the door to the lecture hall where the medieval club met, I could sense something was wrong – an anxious vibe hung over the room like a dark gray storm cloud.”

At a Glance: The Spartan Sacrifice

CategoryDetails
SeriesA Jump in Time (Book 4)
GenreYA Science Fiction / Historical Drama
SettingAncient Greece (480 BCE)
ThemesPower, Ethics of Time Travel, Heroism
Best For Fans OfQuantum Leap, historical thrillers, and fast-paced YA

Final Verdict

Suspenseful and thought-provoking, The Spartan Sacrifice skillfully balances action with ethical complexity. It explores a chillingly timely theme: Whoever controls the past writes the future. When a catastrophic accident disrupts the timeline, the moral weight of altering history becomes more frightening than any villain’s scheme.

“As long as Victor controlled the past, he could write the future, and our little group was just a speck of dust he could whisk off the page.”

Rating: Highly Recommended for readers who love high-stakes adventures and the “what if” of historical events.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the ‘A Jump in Time’ Series

If you’re new to the series, it follows Dan Renfrew, a normal teenager who discovers he is descended from a line of “time jumpers.” These secret heroes resolve glitches in the time stream to ensure history stays on its proper course.

From 1066 England to the gates of Sparta, Dan must battle malevolent jumpers whose lust for power threatens the entire future of the world. It’s a modern-day Quantum Leap that asks: How much would you sacrifice to save the world?

*Thank you to Michela Malafaia / Imbrifex Books for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

‘The AI-Ready Human:’ Paul Slater’s Roadmap to Future-Proofing Your Career

‘The AI-Ready Human’ is the new business developement book by Paul Slater. Photo: Barnes & Noble

New Book Spotlight: The AI-Ready Human

Your 90-Day Program to Stay Relevant as Technology Transforms Work

By Paul Slater

In a world of seismic technology change, AI is rewriting what it means to be “good” at your job. The professionals who thrive won’t just be the ones who know how to code; they will be the ones who sharpen the capabilities that make technology actually useful: judgment, adaptability, resilience, and clear thinking.

Part Book, Part 90-Day “Brain Workout”

The AI-Ready Human replaces traditional chapters with 90 concepts (days) that build on each other to make you AI-Ready.

Every daily concept includes:

  • Clear Explanation: No jargon, just the facts.
  • Career Impact: Why this specific concept matters for your professional future.
  • Practical Exercises: Tangible steps you can take to grow.
  • Reflection Prompts: Tools to help lock in behavior change and new habits.

Who Is This Book For?

The short answer: If you work, and you are human, it’s for you. However, it is particularly essential for:

  • Executives: Who must understand the impact of AI on employees and customers.
  • Working Professionals: Who are concerned about staying relevant as their industry transforms.
  • Managers: Who are tasked with leading their teams through unprecedented change.

The Research Behind the Program

This isn’t just theory. Paul Slater’s 90-day program is built on interviews with over 200 professionals who are sustainably effective with AI every day.

Slater draws on over 30 years at the intersection of advanced technology and personal development, including a decade at Microsoft leading global strategy and contributing to AI think tanks at Harvard, Duke, and Arizona State University.

About the Author: Paul Slater

Paul Slater helps professionals and organizations navigate the “human side” of AI transformation. As the host of the Humanity Working podcast and author of The AI-Ready Human, he focuses on what it actually takes to thrive as intelligent machines reshape our world.

Paul equips professionals to build the human capabilities AI can’t replace—judgment, adaptability, resilience, and meaningful connection.

A Proven Track Record

  • Microsoft Veteran: Spent nearly two decades leading global digital transformation and authoring over 20 books for senior technologists.
  • C-Suite Advisor: Has delivered briefings to Fortune 500 executives and national governments worldwide.
  • Entrepreneur: Co-founded BillionMinds (a Techstars company), creating programs to help employees thrive in the age of emerging tech.
  • Academic Contributor: Served on AI-focused think tanks at some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

‘Night Night Fawn’ is a Bold and Unfiltered Novel About Family and Reckoning

‘Night Night Fawn’ is the new novel by Jordy Rosenberg. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Night Night Fawn by Jordy Rosenberg

Overview

From the acclaimed author of Confessions of the Fox comes a novel that feels like an unauthorized memoir dictated in a fever dream. Set in a cluttered, rent-controlled Manhattan apartment, Barbara Rosenberg is terminally ill, high on opioids, and utterly unrepentant. Night Night Fawn will be released on Tuesday March 3, 2026 and available for pre-order. (Broadside PR, 2026)

As she writes the story of her life, she spares no one, least of all herself. Her narrative skips between memories of a smutty late husband, a career with a disreputable plastic surgeon, and her “glory days” of jazzercise, all while she grapples with unhinged thoughts on gender, Karl Marx, and Zionism.

At the heart of her delirium are two haunting disappointments:

  • An estranged trans son.
  • A long-lost best friend whose betrayal still lingers.

Review: A Reckoning in Real-Time

Written in a sharp first-person POV, Night Night Fawn forces readers to confront the jagged edges of intergenerational conflict. Barbara’s voice pivots effortlessly between gutter humor and piercing self-awareness. Rosenberg provides an unfiltered portrait of a mother who cannot love cleanly, apologize easily, or die quietly. Themes explored include identity, colonialism, sexuality, and gender.

The prose is vivid and descriptive, turning even the mundane into something cinematic:

“In my daughter’s bedroom the traffic along Second Avenue cast stripes of light through the blinds; they floated across the ceiling like empty frames of film reel ticking off after a show.”

The narrative structure is nonlinear, mirroring Barbara’s descent into illness. It’s a bold exploration of the stories we tell ourselves when time is running out. While the novel is provocative and often uncomfortable, it remains a fiercely intelligent reminder of our shared, messy humanity.

Recommended for: Fans of family life fiction and unconventional memoirs who appreciate raw, “unfiltered” storytelling.

Key Quotes

“As I started down the ramp of sleep, I could feel my mind begin to unravel, like a piece of knitting being pulled out to correct a slipped stitch.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Jordy Rosenberg is the author of Confessions of the Fox, a New York Times Editors’ Choice selection and finalist for numerous prestigious awards, including the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and the Lambda Literary Award.

A recipient of support from the MacDowell and Lannan Foundations, Rosenberg currently serves as a professor in the Department of English and MFA Faculty at UMass-Amherst.

*Thank you to Broadspire PR/NetGalley for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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Stephen King to Write Introduction for Nat Cassidy’s New Horror Collection

‘I Know a Place’ is the new short story collection by Nat Cassidy. Photo: Shortwave Publishing.

The King of Horror Joins Forces with Nat Cassidy for New Collection

PORTLAND, OR – In a massive win for horror fans, Shortwave Publishing has announced that the legendary Stephen King will write the introduction to bestselling author Nat Cassidy’s upcoming short story collection, I Know A Place. (Shortwave Publishing, 2026)

King, who rarely lends his pen to contemporary introductions, has previously written forewords for literary staples such as Lord of the Flies and The Haunting of Hill House. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Cassidy, placing him among a select few living authors to receive such an endorsement from the “King of Horror.”

A Record-Breaking Release

The buzz surrounding I Know A Place is growing. Since its announcement, the collection has:

  • Peaked in the Top Ten Most Requested Books on NetGalley.
  • Remained the #1 Most Requested title in the Horror category.

This follows the massive success of Cassidy’s most recent novel, When The Wolf Comes Home, which was both a USA Today bestseller and a Goodreads Choice Award nominee.

About the Collection

I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours

There are locations in this world where the light doesn’t seem to reach. Where, no matter how illuminated the place might be, shadows creep in too strongly to fight back.

From a suspiciously empty gas station littered with googly eyes to a tech millionaire’s haunted kitchen, Cassidy takes readers on a travelogue through the macabre. The collection features:

  • “Rest Stop”: The Bram Stoker Award-nominated novella named one of Esquire’s Best Horror Books of 2024.
  • New Material: A number of original short stories, including several never-before-published pieces.

“I Know A Place is a travelogue down twisting side streets and through alleyways where the darkness has eyes… and teeth. Let’s hope you make it home in one piece.”

Meet the Author: Nat Cassidy

Nat Cassidy is a multi-talented force in the horror genre, writing for the page, stage, and screen.

  • The Novelist: Named one of the “writers shaping horror’s next golden age” by Esquire, NPR, Harper’s Bazaar, and the NY Public Library have featured his work.
  • The Playwright: A winner of multiple NY Innovative Theatre Awards, Cassidy has written everything from one-man shows about H.P. Lovecraft to commissions for the Washington National Opera.
  • The Actor: You may recognize him as a “Bad Guy of the Week” on shows like Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, and Quantico.

Mark Your Calendars

I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours officially drops on May 5.

Ready to secure your copy? The collection is available for pre-order now at Shortwave Publishing and wherever books are sold.

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Fear, Noise, and Propaganda: Reviewing ‘Piper at the Gates of Dusk’ by Patrick Ness

Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: New World Trilogy: Why Patrick Ness’ New Book is the Must-Read Sci-Fi of 2026

Book Review: Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness

In Piper at the Gates of Dusk, Patrick Ness returns to the beautiful and brutal landscape of New World, the setting first introduced in the Chaos Walking trilogy (The Knife of Never Letting Go). This continuation feels urgent and intimate, bridging the gap between a scarred past and an uncertain future. It will be released on April 7, 2026.

A New Generation in a Fragile Peace

Set twenty years after the original trilogy, the story follows Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max. Having grown up untouched by the violence that shaped their parents, the brothers now navigate a peace that feels increasingly thin.

The novel opens with a heart-pounding sequence: a figure the boys call a “god” emerges from the woods, leveling trees in its path. Ness’ prose captures the sheer scale of the terror:

“Like a mountain coming at you, like the whole landscape peeling up into the sky, as if someone’s grabbed the far corners of it like a blanket and pulled it into the air, and all you can do is watch your death come at you, because there’s nowhere to stand, nowhere to run–.”

While they survive the encounter, Ben is left injured, forcing Max to leave his side to find help, setting the emotional and narrative stakes early.

The Evolution of “Noise”

For those new to this world, Noise is the telepathic broadcast of thoughts. When settlers first arrived, men’s thoughts became public, while women’s remained private. While a “cure” was eventually developed, it came with side effects. For Ben, it affected his vocal cords; unable to speak, he relies on a communication device and sign language.

Now, a new threat is emerging:

  • Nightmares: Young people are experiencing terrors believed to be brought on by Noise.
  • Paranoia: As suspicion falls on indigenous people and rumors of an ominous object in the sky swirl, the adults’ fragile truce threatens to unravel.

The Weight of Legacy

The story is told through dual first-person perspectives, offering a poignant look at what it means to inherit a hero’s history. Ben carries Viola’s analytical strength and navigates the world through logic and sign language while Max inherits Todd’s impulsive bravery and is driven by action and the need to protect this brother.

Ness’ vivid language propels the action:

“The scream comes again, louder this time, like a siren blaring right in your face but filled with terror and pain.”

Themes: Fear as a Weapon

When children begin to vanish, the “uneasy truce” of New World collapses. Ness uses Noise as a brilliant and painful metaphor for the modern mental health crisis and the corrosive power of internalized fear.

In this new saga, Noise becomes a targeted psychological weapon used to create chaos and spread propaganda. It is a haunting examination of how quickly communities turn on one another when fear is weaponized.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a gripping and atmospheric science fiction novel. It explores whether the stories we tell ourselves are meant to protect us or if they are the very things keeping us in the dark. Epic and deeply personal, it stands confidently on its own while honoring the emotional legacy of the original trilogy.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

  • Thought-provoking discussions on xenophobia and disinformation.
  • Imaginative world-building and sci-fi landscapes.
  • Nuanced explorations of gender identity and family legacy.

“They want the comforting lie, the one that lets them sleep at night. They want to know who their enemy is, because they’re never, ever going to believe it’s themselves.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Sara DiSalvo for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Stethoscopes to Suspense: A Spotlight on Shantanu Rai’s Debut Novel

‘A Dangerous Diagnosis’ is the new thriller novel by Shantanu Rai. Photo: Barnes & Noble

New Book Spotlight: A Dangerous Diagnosis

Get ready for a gripping addition to your thriller shelf! This Tuesday, February 24, marks the release of A Dangerous Diagnosis, the timely debut medical thriller by practicing physician Shantanu Rai. (Sharkpoint Studio, 2026)

Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes medical dramas or legal thrillers with a heart, this is one release you won’t want to miss. It is currently available for pre-order.

The Story: Luxury Medicine Meets a Deadly Conspiracy

Brilliant diagnostician Dr. Sanjay Patel has come a long way from his dreams of serving the needy. These days, he treats the global elite, traveling by private jet and receiving payments in cash-stuffed designer totes.

But his high-flying life is grounded when his estranged mentor, Dr. Tom Carpenter, collapses from a fatal stroke. His final act? A cryptic message scribbled on a prescription pad: “Page Dr. Sanjay.”

The mystery pulls Sanjay back to Boston’s Mount Beacon Hospital, the very place that nearly destroyed his career. There, he must face his past in more ways than one, reuniting with cancer researcher Emma Carpenter-Flores, Tom’s daughter and the woman Sanjay left behind a decade ago.

Together, they uncover a trail of disturbing cases that put them directly in the crosshairs of a powerful medical-industrial complex. In a race against time, Sanjay and Emma must risk their lives to expose a truth that could shatter the foundations of modern medicine.

Perfect for fans of: Robin Cook, The Lincoln Lawyer, House, and HBO’s The Pitt.

Core Themes

A Dangerous Diagnosis dives deep into the complexities of the modern healthcare world, exploring:

  • Moral Injury: The psychological toll on providers within a broken system.
  • Ethics vs. Profit: The tension between patient care and corporate greed.
  • Redemption: A second chance at a lost legacy and a lost love.
  • Systemic Injustice: Uncovering the hidden flaws within the healthcare machine.

Meet the Author: Shantanu Rai

Shantanu Rai is a physician and writer who uses fiction to illuminate the hidden struggles of the American healthcare system. Drawing from years of frontline patient care, Rai blends his medical expertise with a lifelong love for Bollywood films and classic whodunits.

When he isn’t at the hospital or at his desk, you can find him hiking, enjoying a family movie night, or refueling with a strong cup of chai. A Dangerous Diagnosis is his first novel.

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‘The Accident’: A Gripping Tale of Secrets, Lies, and a Small-Town Tragedy

‘The Accident’ is the new YA thriller by Lori Miller Kase. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: The Accident by Lori Miller Kase

The Accident is a tense, emotionally charged YA novel that explores how one terrible moment can fracture families, friendships, and a teenager’s sense of right and wrong.

Overview

Hannah has a secret: She thinks she knows who’s behind the hit-and-run accident that killed a popular high school football player in her small Connecticut town. But could it really be her brother, Rob? Or worse, his best friend Zach, the first boy to show her any romantic attention? (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

As the police investigation unfolds and Hannah falls hard for Zach, she vows to protect them both. Consumed with guilt, she finds herself lying to her parents and her friends alike.

The Breaking Point

Tensions mount as Hannah discovers she and Rob aren’t the only ones in the family with a secret. As her friends turn against her and two different versions of the truth emerge, she is forced to decide where her loyalties lie: With her brother? Or with her boyfriend?

The Accident is a story about choices and consequences, secrets and lies, and what happens when you follow your heart instead of your conscience.

Review: A Deep Dive into Moral Complexity

Set in a small Connecticut town, Kase captures the claustrophobic pressure of secrets where everyone watches and rumors spread faster than facts. Hannah’s guilt feels palpable as she convinces herself that loyalty is the same as love.

What Makes This a Must-Read:

  • Vivid Imagery: The narrative is written in the first person with poetic language. Kase writes: “A bright yellow or red leaf clings stubbornly to a limb here and there, but most of the foliage now litters the grass and the walkways like giant pieces of confetti.”
  • Fast-Paced Plot: Short chapters keep the action flowing seamlessly, making it a “one-sitting” kind of read.
  • Relatable Themes: By exploring family, identity, and betrayal, the book avoids easy answers. It forces readers to sit with uncomfortable questions about self-deception and the cost of protecting the people we love.

The Bottom Line: The Accident is a suspenseful family drama and a sharp reminder that choices, once made, never come without consequences. Fans of YA coming-of-age fiction will find Hannah’s journey of self-reflection deeply relatable.

“I stand outside The Music Shoppe and stare after the boy and his babysitter long after they disappear from view. Then I walk home and cry. For the boy, for Tyler, for all their family has lost.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

About the Author

Lori Miller Kase is an award-winning journalist, short story writer, essayist, and young adult author. Her work has appeared in prestigious publications including The Atlantic, Vogue, Literary Mama, Brain, Child, and Discover.

With a background as a reporter-trainee at The New York Times and a health editor at Vogue, Lori has covered everything from neuroscience to clean beauty. However, as a lifelong lover of books, her true passion lies in writing for children and young adults.

*Thank you to Meryl Moss Media for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

New World Trilogy: Why Patrick Ness’ New Book is the Must-Read Sci-Fi of 2026

The king of dystopian YA books is back with ‘Piper at the Gates of Dusk.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Return to the Noise: Patrick Ness Reinvents the Chaos Walking Universe

Patrick Ness is making a thrilling return to the world of Chaos Walking with his highly anticipated new YA novel, Piper at the Gates of Dusk. (Candlewick Press, 2026)

As the first installment in the extraordinary New World trilogy, this is a timely work of science fiction that dissects the interplay of fear, power, and propaganda. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original series or a newcomer to Ness’s visceral storytelling, this book is set to be a definitive literary event of the year.

Mark Your Calendars: The release date is Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and it is available for pre-order now.

Book Overview: A New Generation, A New Threat

It has been twenty years since the monstrous war that nearly tore New World apart. For Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max, life on the family farm has been defined by peace and the typical dreams of school and adventure, until the nightmares began.

A sudden sickness is sweeping through the youth of New World. It infects them with Noise, manifesting as their darkest, most self-destructive thoughts. As the planet’s uneasy truce begins to crumble, the mystery deepens:

  • The Spackle: Suspicion falls on the indigenous people of New World.
  • The Sky: A mysterious object looms overhead, watching the planet.
  • The Disappearances: One by one, the children of New World are vanishing.

Caught in a race for answers, Ben (armed with his mother’s logic) and Max (carrying his father’s courage) embark on separate quests. Their journeys will force them to question everything—their parents, their brotherhood, and their very right to exist on this planet.

About the Author: Patrick Ness

Patrick Ness is a titan of dystopian fiction. His original Chaos Walking trilogy has sold over three million copies worldwide, cementing his reputation for high-stakes, emotional storytelling.

Ness is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller A Monster Calls (inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd), which won both the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals and was adapted into a major motion picture. His diverse body of work includes:

  • More Than This
  • The Rest of Us Just Live Here
  • Burn
  • Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody

With two Carnegie Medals, an Olivier Award, and a Costa Children’s Book Award to his name, Ness continues to push the boundaries of YA literature from his homes in Los Angeles and London.

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Book Review: ‘Mattering’ by Jennifer Wallace and Why Feeling Valued Is Essential to Well-Being

‘Mattering’ by Jennifer Wallace explains the mental health crisis we’re living in. Photo: Penguin Random House

Related Post: What It Means to Matter and Why It’s Essential for a Meaningful Life

Book Review: Mattering by Jennifer Wallace

In Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, Jennifer Wallace delivers a profound and timely wake-up call. She argues that today’s mental health crisis isn’t simply the result of digital burnout or political strife, but a symptom of something deeper: what she calls an “erosion of mattering.”

Drawing on psychology, sociology, and real-world stories, Wallace makes a compelling case that mattering—knowing we are valued and that our contributions have meaning—is not a luxury. It is a basic human need, as essential as food or water. When that need goes unmet, the consequences ripple outward, fueling anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social fragmentation.

What’s Inside the Book

Wallace explores mattering through a series of thoughtful, accessible chapters, including:

  • Connect to Your Impact
  • The Good Kind of Weight
  • Mattering Too Much
  • Everyone Needs (to Be) a Cornerman
  • Tuning In
  • When the Rug Gets Pulled: Coping with Life’s Transitions
  • How We Spend Our Days: Mattering at Work
  • Be an Architect: Mattering Spaces

Key Highlights

Chapter 2: The Good Kind of Weight

This chapter focuses on using our strengths to meet the needs around us. Wallace emphasizes the importance of asking, rather than assuming, what others need. As she writes, “To add value, find a need in the world and apply your strengths.” Sometimes, mattering starts with the simple but courageous question: “What can I do to help?”

Chapter 3: Mattering Too Much

While feeling needed is essential, Wallace warns against imbalance. When we prioritize others at the expense of ourselves, the weight of responsibility can become crushing. “By treating yourself as a priority,” she notes, “you also create space for the relationships in your life to become more authentic.”

The Mattering Core

The focus is Wallace’s “mattering core,” a framework built on four essential pillars:

  • Recognition: Seeing and acknowledging your own impact
  • Reliance: Being needed by others—in healthy balance
  • Prioritization: Feeling like a priority to those who matter most
  • Investment: Being truly known and supported

Through stories of grieving individuals, exhausted caregivers, and everyday people quietly struggling, Wallace shows how the absence of mattering can dismantle one’s sense of self.

Final Thoughts

Warm, humane, and deeply practical, Mattering doesn’t just diagnose a societal ill, it offers a roadmap forward. Wallace shows how small, intentional acts of recognition and care can rebuild connection in families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Clear-eyed yet hopeful, Mattering challenges readers to rethink success, connection, and what it truly means to live well, together. It’s a must-read for anyone feeling lost in the shuffle of modern life.

“We live in a time marked by division across politics, race, gender, and class. But gaps don’t close through argument. They narrow from feeling heard or being seen.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Angela Baggetta Communications for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.