Category: book releases

‘Looking for Tank Man’ is Ha Jin’s Powerful Reckoning with Memory and Protest

‘Looking for Tank Man’ by Ha Jin. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin

From Ha Jin, the acclaimed author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist Waiting, comes a riveting and timely new novel Looking for Tank Man. In this powerful story of protest and suppression, Ha Jin explores the enduring impact of truth, memory, and moral courage. Available for pre-order, it has a release date of October 21. (Other Press, 2025)

About the Book

When the Chinese premier visits Harvard, international student Pei Lulu encounters a lone protester whose act of defiance will upend her understanding of the People’s Republic—and of herself.

For the first time, Lulu learns of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and the government’s violent response. Her search for answers takes her deep into her family’s past, uncovering surprising stories of resistance, and into the heart of a university course built around firsthand accounts of that fateful time.

At once a compelling coming-of-age story and a tribute to the courage of activists, Looking for Tank Man keeps the tragedy of Tiananmen alive in the public memory and serves as a stark warning about the perils of authoritarian power.

About the Author

Ha Jin grew up in mainland China and served five years in the People’s Liberation Army before pursuing a degree in English at Harbin University. He has become one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary fiction.

His novel Waiting won the National Book Award for Fiction, the PEN/Faulkner Award, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Ha Jin is currently the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor in English and Creative Writing at Boston University and a fellow of both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

His works have been translated into over thirty languages. His most recent novel, The Woman Back from Moscow, was published by Other Press in 2023.

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Rediscovering Respect: How One Small Virtue Can Change Everything

‘Respect’ is Robert L. Dilenschneider’s forthcoming new book. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Respect – How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time

By Robert L. Dilenschneider
Release Date: October 28 — Available now for pre-order

🕊️ Why Respect Still Matters

In a world where online outrage spreads faster than kindness and conversations often turn into confrontations, the idea of respect can feel almost old-fashioned. Yet, what if rediscovering this simple value could be the key to improving how we live, work, and connect?

That’s the premise behind Robert L. Dilenschneider’s new book, Respect: How to Change the World One Interaction at a Time. A veteran public relations expert and thoughtful observer of human behavior, Dilenschneider explores how showing respect in our tone, actions, and choices can reshape not just our relationships, but the culture around us.

📘 What’s Inside

Chapter 1: A Call for Respectfulness
Chapter 2: Is Respectfulness Truly Possible in the Age of Retribution?
Chapter 3: What’s In It For Me?
Chapter 4: Start with Self-Respect
Chapter 5: The Top Five Qualities of Respectfulness
Chapter 6: Respectfulness at Work
Chapter 7: Respectfulness in Family and Personal Relationships
Chapter 8: Respectfulness in Civic Institutions
Chapter 9: Transforming Society

🌟 Highlights

  • Chapter 3: Offers tips on what to do when disrespect turns into bullying, and explores how respectfulness can lead to improved relationships, stronger professional connections, and a less stressful daily life.
  • Chapter 5: Explains that respect is more than politeness or manners, it’s about recognizing people as individuals with their own unique identities.

💬 Why It Matters

The tone throughout the book is conversational and grounded, yet deeply reflective. Dilenschneider urges readers to see respect not as a surface-level courtesy but as a transformative social force. Each chapter ends with a “Think About It” section inviting readers to pause, reflect, and apply the ideas to their own lives.

By combining practical wisdom and moral clarity, the book moves beyond abstract principles to offer real-world ways to practice respect daily. Whether in the office, at home, or within our communities, Dilenschneider shows how small gestures of empathy can ripple outward to build trust, cooperation, and understanding.

Ultimately, Respect is an essential guide for anyone seeking to improve communication, leadership, and human connection. In an age of division and incivility, this book serves as both a call to action and a blueprint for a more compassionate world.

Perfect for managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this book reminds us:

“Far from outdated, respectfulness is a vital part of the foundation of a well-functioning society and a fulfilling life. We would do well to cultivate it, and this book will show you how—and why.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

👤 About the Author

Robert L. Dilenschneider founded The Dilenschneider Group in 1991 after serving as President and CEO of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He has counseled major corporations, trade associations, and educational institutions, helping clients navigate complex communications challenges.

He is the author of numerous books, including Power and Influence, A Briefing for Leaders, On Power, The Critical 14 Years of Your Professional Life, and 50 Plus! Critical Career Decisions for the Rest of Your Life. His most recent work before Respect was Character and Respect.

💭 Let’s Talk

Do you think respect is becoming a lost art — or are we just redefining what it means?
How do you practice respect in your everyday interactions, especially in challenging situations?

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re keeping respect alive in your corner of the world.

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for my gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

‘Tequila’: Power, Passion, and Betrayal — Inside Tim Reuben’s Explosive Family Thriller

‘Tequila’ is Tim Reuben’s debut novel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight & Review: Tequila: A Story of Success, Love & Violence by Tim Reuben

Release Date: October 14
Available for Pre-Order Now

A Battle for Power, Love, and Survival

From the fiery heart of Mexico to the high-stakes boardrooms of Manhattan, an empire built on tequila becomes the battlefield for a blistering war of power, betrayal, and forbidden love in Tim Reuben’s explosive debut thriller, Tequila: A Story of Success, Love & Violence.

Spanning generations, Tequila follows the rise and near-ruin of the Ramirez family, founders of RAM, a multibillion-dollar luxury spirits powerhouse. When Maria Ramirez steps into the role of CEO, her greatest threats aren’t rival corporations, but her own brothers: Miguel, the corrupt sociopath, and Tomaso, the self-destructive heir spiraling out of control.

An Empire on the Brink

LA attorney Brian Youngman enters the Ramirez world when he’s hired for Tomaso’s divorce case. What he uncovers, cartel ties, financial crimes, and unimaginable violence, pulls him into a web of danger and desire. His growing love for Maria collides with his pursuit of justice, making him a reluctant hero in a battle where survival demands sacrifice.

The story begins in 1950 in the Jaliscan Highlands of Mexico, where Sotero Jimenez, a struggling agave farmer, fights to build his dream amid poverty and corruption. In the present day, chaos erupts when Tomaso’s wife, Nora, is abducted in Houston, a chilling event that sets the stage for the Ramirez family’s unraveling.

As the family grapples with betrayal, cartel violence, and devastating loss, the empire they built on agave and ambition teeters on the edge of collapse.

Review

Tim Reuben’s Tequila is a sweeping family saga that fuses corporate intrigue, legal drama, and raw emotional tension. The characters, especially Maria, are sharply drawn, and readers can feel the weight of her burden as she navigates both external enemies and the toxic loyalty of family.

Told through a non-linear narrative, the story moves between the Ramirez family’s humble origins and their modern-day descent into greed and betrayal. The pacing is relentless and filled with legal battles, family drama, and shocking twists.

At its core, Tequila explores the price of power, the fragility of loyalty, and the fine line between love and destruction. It’s a genre-bending debut that grips from start to finish; a compelling saga of justice, sacrifice, and ambition’s deadly cost.

Verdict: For fans of Succession, Narcos, or The Godfather, Tequila is a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Content & Trigger Warning

This novel includes scenes of sexual content, sexual violence, and sadism, primarily connected to Miguel, a sadistic character whose cruelty is central to the story’s darker turns. Reader discretion is advised.

About the Author

Tim Reuben is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School. A veteran trial lawyer, he founded his own litigation firm in Los Angeles and frequently publishes essays and articles on law and society. Tequila is his debut novel.

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

Mathieu Belezi’s ‘Attacking Earth and Sun’: The Human Cost of Empire

‘Attacking Earth and Sun’ will be released on October 28. Photo: Other Press

Book Spotlight: Attacking Earth and Sun by Mathieu Belezi

History rarely tells the full story of conquest. In Attacking Earth and Sun, award-winning French author Mathieu Belezi strips away the illusions of glory to reveal the human cost of empire. This searing English-language debut, translated by Lara Vergnaud, immerses readers in the brutal early days of 19th-century French colonization in Algeria. With chiseled, haunting prose, Belezi condenses years of research into a human account of ambition, violence, and survival.

Attacking Earth and Sun will be published by Other Press on October 28, 2025. It is available for pre-order.

“It is my duty to ask questions, especially questions people don’t want to ask,” Belezi told The New York Times in 2023.

This lyrical and unflinching novel does exactly that. Far from the “pioneer dream” sold by Western powers, Attacking Earth and Sun exposes the hell that was colonization through an unforgettable work of historical fiction. (Other Press, 2025)

The Story

In search of a better life, Séraphine and her family join 500 settlers on a perilous journey to France’s newly conquered Algerian territory. But the promise of prosperity quickly gives way to harsh reality: inadequate shelter, unrelenting weather, illness, and mounting tension with the indigenous population, whose anger and desperation simmer beneath the surface.

As the settlers slowly carve out a fragile community and a church in this foreign land, the French army ravages the Algerian countryside, leaving behind villages in ruin. Through the eyes of a weary soldier constantly reminded by his captain, “You’re no angels!” we witness the staggering cruelty used to crush resistance and the haunting moral decay it breeds.

With prose reminiscent of William Faulkner, Belezi transforms historical record into art. The result is a novel that is poetic and devastatingly real, a story that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, empire, and humanity.

About the Author

Mathieu Belezi is the author of more than a dozen novels. His career began with Le petit roi, which won the Marguerite-Audoux Prize in 1999. Attacking Earth and Sun earned both the Prix Livre Inter and the Le Monde Literary Prize. Having traveled widely and taught in Louisiana, Belezi now divides his time between France and Italy.

About the Translator

Lara Vergnaud is an acclaimed translator of prose, creative nonfiction, and scholarly works from French. She is the recipient of two PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants and a French Voices Grand Prize, and has been nominated for the National Translation Award. She currently lives in France.

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Dan Brown Returns: A New Thriller That Blends Science, Myth, and Mystery

‘The Secret of Secrets’ is the new Robert Langdon novel by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Enduring Appeal of Dan Brown

Dan Brown has captivated readers worldwide with his fast-paced thrillers that blend history, art, religion, and science into gripping mysteries. Best known for The Da Vinci Code, Brown’s novels often follow Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels ancient secrets hidden in modern settings. His works combine real-world landmarks, historical puzzles, and high-stakes suspense that keep readers turning pages late into the night.

Over the years, Brown’s books have sparked debate, inspired travel to iconic sites, and drawn in both casual and dedicated readers—proving his enduring talent for making history feel urgent and thrilling.

The Secret of Secrets: A New Robert Langdon Novel

The world’s most celebrated thriller writer and author of The Da Vinci Code returns with his most stunning novel yet—a propulsive, twisty, thought-provoking masterpiece that will entertain readers as only Dan Brown can do. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon—a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a relationship. Katherine is on the verge of publishing an explosive book that contains startling discoveries about the nature of human consciousness and threatens to disrupt centuries of established belief.

But a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, and Katherine suddenly disappears along with her manuscript. Langdon finds himself targeted by a powerful organization and hunted by a chilling assailant sprung from Prague’s most ancient mythology.

As the plot expands into London and New York, Langdon desperately searches for Katherine and for answers. In a thrilling race through the dual worlds of futuristic science and mystical lore, he uncovers a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

About the Author

Dan Brown is the author of eight #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and been the subject of intellectual debate and speculation.

He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.

Book Review: ‘Civil Living’ and the Power of Personal Transformation

‘Civil Living’ by Pete Wiley: why true civility begins within. Photo: Pete Wiley, used with permission.

Book Review: Civil Living by Pete Wiley

Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves

Synopsis

From global conflicts to political shouting matches, it’s easy to believe the world is becoming less civil. But real change begins at the individual level.

Drawing on timeless human values and grounded insight, Civil Living explores how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love form the foundation of civil behavior—not just in society, but within ourselves. Through thoughtful reflection and practical guidance, this book shows how personal transformation can ripple outward to foster healthier relationships, stronger communities, and a more compassionate world. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Civil Living is part of the Blocks of Life series, which includes:

  • Blocks of Life
  • Blocks of Life Volume 2: Know Yourself
  • Blocks of Life Volume 3: Embracing Change
  • Life Tides: Understanding Your Ebb and Flow (Blocks of Life)
  • Civil Living: Finding Civility in Society, in Our Interactions, and Within Ourselves

What’s Inside

  • Divisions – Finding A Way Back From The Brink
  • The State of Humanity – To Evolve Or Not To Evolve
  • How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World – And Why
  • Forces of Evil – Why Bad Things Happen
  • Getting Past the Ideal – To The Heart Of Who People Are
  • And More…

Highlights

  • How to Be Friendly in a Divisive World (And Why) – Wiley explains that we should strive to be friendly to people who are unfriendly to us—because that’s the only way we move forward. Plus, friendliness boosts inner peace, improves health, and simply feels good.

“Because friendliness is directly tied to inner peace and serenity, it is natural to work toward these with mindfulness practices, which also have a host of other benefits.”

  • The Fluidity of Friendship – The Evolving Nature of Our Connections – We all change over time, so we should remain open to growth in ourselves and others.

“Our friendships are like floating down a river: we experience twists and turns and encounter tumultuous areas, but ultimately, the ride is worth it.”

About The Author

Pete Wiley takes advantage of his varied interests and experiences to learn about people and how they behave, interact, and grow. He applies these insights to creating Blocks of Life books, poetry, videos, music, and a blog, and interacting with his audience. He lives in Maryland with his wife and son.

Review

In Civil Living, Pete Wiley offers a refreshing and timely reminder that true civility begins within. Instead of presenting rigid rules or superficial politeness, Wiley encourages readers to look inward and explore how self-knowledge, inner peace, open-mindedness, and self-love shape how we interact with the world. His central principle, that personal growth is inseparable from building a compassionate society, is inspiring and practical.

Wiley provides tangible steps to translate insights into daily action. Whether it’s cultivating healthier relationships, contributing to stronger communities, or simply practicing patience in small exchanges, the book illustrates how inner transformation leads to outward impact.

His writing style is relaxed and conversational, making complex ideas approachable without losing depth. With short, focused chapters, the book blends philosophy, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom into a helpful guide for improving civility.

In a world where division and incivility dominate headlines, Civil Living stands as a guide and a gentle call to action. By nurturing our inner selves, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate and connected society.

Recommended for readers of self-improvement, personal growth, and mental wellness.

“While we have seen gains in some areas, there have not been coinciding advances in critical aspects of human nature, such as wisdom and compassion. Without these, we are seriously at risk.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Pete Wiley for the gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all opinions expressed here are my own

Forgotten Places, Living Memory: A New Work by Raja Shehadeh

‘Forgotten’ by Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials

What do forgotten ruins, abandoned mosques, and erased memorials tell us about a people and their history? In his newest work, Raja Shehadeh, alongside Penny Johnson, takes readers on a journey through Palestine’s hidden past and contested memory.

Palestinian human-rights lawyer, activist, and acclaimed author Raja Shehadeh returns with a new work that is both poignant and necessary. Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials (co-authored with Penny Johnson) is a profound meditation on memory, loss, and the preservation of Palestinian heritage. The book releases on September 30 and is available now for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

Uncovering the Forgotten Corners of Palestine

In Forgotten, Shehadeh explores hidden or neglected memorials and places across historic Palestine—now Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. From ancient ruins to sacred sites like the Nabi ‘Ukkasha mosque and tomb, each chapter reveals what these places might tell us about the land and the people who live between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.

With Johnson by his side, Shehadeh poses urgent questions: What has been memorialized? What has been left abandoned or erased—and why?

Memory, Erasure, and Resistance

Whether standing on a cliff overlooking Lebanon or at the Dead Sea—the lowest land-based elevation on earth—the authors trace the fragile threads of memory in a fragmented landscape.

In elegiac, elegant prose, they confront the complexities of commemoration: Israel’s resistance to acknowledging the Nakba, and the evolving ways Palestinians remember—or are prevented from remembering—their own history.

Ultimately, Forgotten reminds us that remembering is not a passive act. It is resistance.

Recognition and Praise

  • Publishers Weekly: Longlisted in Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview Titles: History
  • The New Statesman: Book of the Day selection
  • The New Statesman: Named one of the Best Books of 2025 So Far

✨ Forgotten is more than history—it is an act of remembrance, defiance, and storytelling. If you’re interested in exploring how memory shapes identity and belonging, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

📚 Pre-order your copy today and join the conversation on what it means to remember—and resist.

Advance Praise for Forgotten:

“Shehadeh and Johnson, a married couple based in Ramallah, began the book as a way to explore the landscape during the pandemic. The resulting work, Forgotten, is a heartbreaking, hopeful look at how Palestinian culture endures in spite of the occupation and the Israeli government’s attempts to remove all traces of it from the land that they ‘share unequally.'” —THE IRISH TIMES

“In this journey through Palestine, married couple Shehadeh and Johnson explore the careless treatment and outright destruction of the region’s Muslim memorials and historical sites. One of the more complex realities they grapple with is not just Israel’s hand in erasing this history, but Palestine’s own role.” —THE NEW STATESMAN

‘Emotionally Invested’: A Fresh Take on Fearless Retirement Planning

‘Emotionally Invested’ by Mary Clements Evans. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: Emotionally Invested by Mary Clements Evans

Emotionally Invested: Outsmart Your Anxiety for Fearless Retirement Planning by Mary Clements Evans is not your typical money book—it’s a self-help guide disguised as financial advice. Evans, a Certified Financial Planner, explores how our emotions, habits, and personal histories shape the way we handle money. Whether you’re a chronic saver, a guilt-ridden spender, or someone who avoids money talk altogether, this book offers a judgment-free path toward financial clarity and confidence. (The Authority Company, 2025)

✨ 2025 Global Book Awards Bronze Medalist in Business & Money

A Different Approach to Money

Most financial advisors rely on the “rational man” theory: give people enough information, and they’ll make rational decisions. But humans aren’t purely rational—emotions play a huge role in our financial choices.

When Mary Clements Evans, CFP®, CDFA, ABFP®, opened her financial services firm in 2008, she set out to create a no-judgment zone where clients could feel safe discussing money. She helped people discover their Money Why—the underlying reasons behind financial behaviors—and it transformed their relationship with money.

After nearly two decades of what she calls “financial therapy,” Evans wrote this book to share her most powerful lessons from working with over 500 individuals and families.

What You’ll Learn

Instead of stock tips or investment strategies, Emotionally Invested dives into the emotional drivers of financial decisions. Evans shows how uncovering your own (and your partner’s) Money Why is the first step toward lasting financial happiness.

She also shares practical solutions for overcoming money anxiety, working with financial professionals, and building confidence about retirement. Above all, she reminds readers: it’s never too late to improve your financial future.

Key Takeaways

  • In the 1970s, retirement planning shifted from employers and unions to individuals—a change Evans calls the “Big Sin.” The “Big Lie” was that planning and saving would be easy.
  • People generally fall into two categories: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) or FORO (Fear of Running Out)—and each impacts financial choices differently.
  • Financial happiness means having enough to enjoy life today while still feeling secure about the future.
  • Couples should try scheduling a monthly money date night to make financial conversations easier.
  • Not all financial designations are created equal—some require rigorous training, while others are little more than paid credentials.
  • The best advisors aren’t just knowledgeable; they also have integrity, empathy, and strong people skills.

About the Author

Mary Clements Evans is the founder and president of Evans Wealth Strategies in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and a Raymond James registered principal. She is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and an Accredited Behavioral Financial Professional.

With a BA in accounting from Temple University, Evans spent 25 years in corporate finance with Exide Battery, Goodall Rubber, Kellogg’s, and Rodale Publishing before launching her firm in 2008. An international speaker, she has been named to Raymond James’ Chairman’s Council for six consecutive years.

Why You Should Read Emotionally Invested

If money conversations leave you anxious or overwhelmed, this book will help you approach finances with clarity and confidence. It’s not about formulas and charts—it’s about creating a healthy, fearless relationship with money that supports the life you want now and in retirement.

📖 Ready to take control of your financial future?

  • Grab your copy of Emotionally Invested wherever books are sold.
  • Share this post with a friend, partner, or family member who could benefit from a fresh, compassionate approach to money.
  • Start your own “money date night” this month and put Evans’ advice into action.

Exploring Identity and Forbidden Love in ‘Hunted in the Shadows’

‘Hunted in the Shadows’ by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related post: Urban Fantasy Spotlight: ‘Hunted in the Shadows’ Casts a Spell on Readers

Book Review: Hunted in the Shadows by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley

Hunted in the Shadows is the bewitching sequel to Shot in the Dark, an urban romantasy that blends forbidden love, identity, and found family with a rich, dangerous world.

Synopsis

Sylvia has been traveling with Jon and Cliff, a pair of hunters, for only two months. Their latest pursuit brings them to an abandoned Blockbuster in Arkansas, where a vampire coven nearly costs them their lives. Determined to continue their journey to Aelthorin, Sylvia seeks a powerful gemstone that could allow her and Jon to be together.

With their supply of silver dwindling, the trio stops at a hunters’ outpost—only to uncover a sinister new order. Monsters are imprisoned, executed, and sold to a mysterious client, and Sylvia finds herself in greater danger than ever. When they stumble into Veloria, the hidden fairy village, Sylvia’s loyalty and courage are tested as destiny collides with sacrifice.

Review

This sequel elevates the story first introduced in Shot in the Dark. The stakes are higher, the world more vivid, and the characters more complex. At its core, Hunted in the Shadows explores identity—what it means to claim, protect, and share it in the face of danger.

Forbidden love simmers beneath every page, amplified by the menace surrounding Sylvia and Jon. Found family remains central: the bonds forged in darkness serve both as anchor and weapon.

The dual POV between Sylvia and Jon gives the narrative emotional depth, balancing high-stakes action with quiet moments of introspection. Sylvia shines as a relatable heroine, torn between her exiled past and the freedom she longs to claim, while Jon and Cliff complicate her choices in compelling ways.

Final Thoughts

With steady pacing, lush prose, and immersive worldbuilding, Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley deliver a paranormal fantasy that is thrilling, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Hunted in the Shadows is a story of survival, identity, and the courage to choose love against all odds. “She’d been eyeing Cliff and I like fresh water in a wasteland since we walked inside…”  

Verdict: A must-read for fans of romantasy, character-driven fantasy, and stories where danger and desire intertwine.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“I’d been broken for so long. There was no way to explain how badly I wanted to feel whole again – even if grasping at something intangible was the only way to do it.” – Jon

📚 Ready to Read?

If you enjoy urban fantasy worlds filled with tension, romance, and unforgettable characters, be sure to grab a copy of Hunted in the Shadows. And if you haven’t yet started the series, begin with Shot in the Dark to experience the full journey from the start.

✨ Loved this review? Subscribe to my blog for more book reviews, recommendations, and bookish musings delivered straight to your inbox!

The Allure of Cozy Mysteries: Spotlight on ‘The Thursday Murder Club’

‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman is now a Netflix movie. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Charm of Cozy Mysteries

Cozy mystery books offer readers a delightful escape into charming worlds filled with intrigue but softened by warmth and comfort. Unlike darker crime novels, cozies balance suspense with lighthearted settings—small towns, bookshops, bakeries, or quaint villages—where everyday life continues even amid mystery.

Their appeal lies in clever puzzles, quirky characters, and the absence of graphic violence, allowing readers to enjoy the thrill of solving a crime without the heaviness. Often featuring amateur sleuths, cozy mysteries invite readers to feel part of the investigation. They’re the perfect blend of relaxation and mental challenge, making them irresistible comfort reads.

Spotlight: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

One of the most popular cozy mysteries in recent years is The Thursday Murder Club, the first installment in Richard Osman’s bestselling series.

Here’s the setup:

  • Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves
  • A female cop tackling her first big case
  • A brutal murder
  • And a retirement village with secrets to spare

In a peaceful retirement community, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes. Together, they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club.

When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph beside the body, the group suddenly finds themselves facing their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, the unorthodox but brilliant gang must race to catch the killer—before it’s too late.

From Page to Screen

The Thursday Murder Club is now a Netflix film, directed by Chris Columbus with a screenplay by Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote. The star-studded cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.

The story follows four irrepressible retirees who spend their days solving cold cases for fun, only to stumble into a real whodunit. With its blend of humor, heart, and suspense, the adaptation brings the cozy mystery spirit to life on screen.

About the Author

Richard Osman is an author, producer, and television presenter. The Thursday Murder Club was his debut novel, and it quickly became a New York Times bestseller.

Beyond writing, Osman is well known for his work on TV shows including Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games. As creative director of Endemol UK, he has worked on popular programs such as Deal or No Deal and 8 Out of 10 Cats. He is also a regular face on panel shows like Have I Got News for You, Would I Lie to You, and Taskmaster.

✨ Cozy mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club prove that crime-solving can be clever, funny, and comforting all at once. If you’re looking for a mystery that keeps you guessing while wrapping you in charm, this series is the perfect place to start.