‘Listen to Your Sister’ by Neena Viel. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. For fans of Jordan Peele’s films, Stranger Things, and The Other Black Girl, “Listen To Your Sister”is a laugh-out-loud, deeply terrifying, and big-hearted speculative horror novel from electrifying debut talent Neena Viel. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
“Listen To Your Sister” – Twenty-five year old Calla Williams is struggling since becoming guardian to her brother, Jamie. Calla is overwhelmed and tired of being the one who makes sacrifices to keep the family together. Jamie, full of good-natured sixteen-year-old recklessness, is usually off fighting for what matters to him or getting into mischief, often at the same time. Dre, their brother, promised he would help raise Jamie–but now the ink is dry on the paperwork and in classic middle-child fashion, he’s off doing his own thing. And through it all, The Nightmare never stops haunting Calla: recurring images of her brothers dying that she is powerless to stop.
When Jamie’s actions at a protest spiral out of control, the siblings must go on the run. Taking refuge in a remote cabin that looks like it belongs on a slasher movie poster rather than an AirBNB, the siblings now face a new threat where their lives–and reality–hang in the balance. Their sister always warned them about her nightmares. They really should have listened.
“A knockout debut.” -Ashley Winstead
“Incredibly original and seriously scary.” – Nick Medina
“A brilliant fever-dream of a novel that effortlessly dances between horror, literary, and family saga—sure to appeal to fans of Grady Hendrix, Tananarive Due, Mona Awad, and Stephen King.” – Maria Dong
‘Change of Heart’ is the exciting new medical thriller by Cristina LePort. Photo: Amazon
After Amy Winter, a promising young medical student is found dead, Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.
FBI Agent Jack Mulville and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom join forces with Miner to find Amy’s killer. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that her death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.
Review:
“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that unearths the dark world of organ trafficking, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding life-saving transplants. The story follows Det. Kirk Miner, FBI Agent Jack Mulville, and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom, as they investigate this unusual case and bring their own unique skills and motivations to the pursuit of justice. As they uncover a network of illegal organ trade, they are forced to navigate dangerous alliances and face tough choices about what is right and what is necessary for survival.
The narrative is full of suspense, where the stakes grow higher with every twist. With relatable characters that are well-developed, their personal stakes—whether it’s a search for redemption, vengeance, or justice—add emotional depth to the story. Special Agent Charlotte Bloom is naive but determined to make it as an FBI agent, even if it puts her life in danger. By exploring the lengths to which people will go for a lifesaving transplant, it is thought-provoking and disturbing. The plot twist at the end took me by surprise but it explains so much.
Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the descriptive language used to describe the damage done to Amy’s head by the bullet: “The bullet carrying Amy Winter’s name whooshed through her hair at a speed of fifteen hundred feet per second, burned a jagged hole into her smooth 24-year-old flesh, burst through the thin layer of her temporal muscle, and shattered the temporal bone.” The author’s medical knowledge gives it an authentic voice.
Overall, “Change of Heart” is a compelling and intense medical thriller that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of crime, morality, and the human condition. It explores the themes of power and corruption, family, and identity while tackling complex issues like the value of human life and the gray ethical areas in medical practices, making readers question the price of survival. I recommend it for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful thrillers by authors such as Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Palmer.
“A jagged, irregular line, like a drawing by a shaking hand. Her heart wouldn’t beat or squeeze any longer. Her heart muscle would just wiggle – flaccid, without power. She was going to die.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘A History of the Big House: A Novel’ is the new novel by Charif Majdalani. Photo: Other Press
Charif Majdalani was born in Lebanon in 1960 and is one of the most important figures in Lebanese literature today. After living in France for thirteen years, he returned to Lebanon in 1993 and now teaches French literature at the Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut. His novel “Moving the Palace” won the 2008 François Mauriac Prize from the Académie Française as well as the Prix Tropiques. His previous book “Beirut 2020: Diary of the Collapse” was published by Other Press in 2021. “A History of the Big House: A Novel,”his new novel, will be released on December 17, 2024. It is available for pre-order through Other Press. (Other Press, 2024)
From Charif Majdalani, one of the most important figures in Lebanese literature today, comes a sweeping family saga, “A History of the Big House: A Novel.”It chronicles the rise and fall of the Nassar clan, as they navigate the great events of the 20th century in Lebanon, from the Ottoman Empire to the French Mandate, following the various generations’ fight to keep and maintain their family house, and subsequent paths to exile.
At the end of the 19th century, a man is forced to flee his village after a quarrel. Starting over with nothing, the banished, audacious Wakim Nassar will create orange plantations on the outskirts of Beirut and become the head of a large clan, feared and respected. The great house he builds at their center will become a powerful symbol of the Nassars’ glory, admired from afar. The eponymous sits at the center of this grand novel, becoming its main character. Everyone and everything, from the Nassar family to the course of history, seems to evolve alongside this home. But this decadence is short-lived, battered by the First World War, illness, family tragedy, and the shifting regimes that control Lebanon. As circumstances compel Wakim’s descendants, one by one, to leave the house, it falls into ruin.
A rich saga, full of unforgettable characters and anchored in historical fact, perfect for fans of Hala Alyan’s atmospheric family stories, “A History of the Big House: A Novel” captures the unique experience of the Lebanese people through this family’s triumphs and struggles.
About the Translator: Ruth Diver holds a PhD in French and comparative literature from the University of Paris 8 and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. She won two 2018 French Voices Awards for her translations of Marx and the Doll by Maryam Madjidi, and Titus Did Not Love Berenice by Nathalie Azoulai. She also won Asymptote’s 2016 Close Approximations fiction prize for her translation of extracts of Maraudes by Sophie Pujas.
Advance Praise for ‘A History of the Big House‘:
“This is what happens when poets write history; Majdalani weaves facts and dreams, the lives of men and nations, real and imagined, the smell of orange trees, of strong, black coffee on a Levantine morning—you can almost taste it. I could see that big house; I recognized it. This book took me home.” —Yara Zgheib, author of No Land to Light On
‘Memorials’ is the new horror novel by Richard Chizmar. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Horror novels captivate readers by tapping into deep-seated fears and the unknown, offering a thrilling escape from reality. They engage the imagination, inviting readers to confront the darker aspects of human nature, often exploring themes of mortality, isolation, and the supernatural. The suspenseful plots, eerie atmospheres, and unexpected twists keep readers on edge, fostering a sense of catharsis through the release of tension. They provide a safe space for exploring fear, allowing readers to experience adrenaline-pumping emotions without real danger. This blend of psychological intrigue and visceral excitement is what makes horror fiction so irresistibly compelling.
I love horror novels and have been reading them since elementary school. There’s a new horror novel out by Richard Chizmar, “Memorials,” that has been getting rave reviews, especially from Stephen King.
“Scary and hard to put down. You might be advised not to read it at night.” —Stephen King
Richard Chizmar is the coauthor (with Stephen King) of the New York Times bestselling novella Gwendy’s Button Box and “Gwendy’s Final Task,” and the solo novella Gwendy’s Magic Feather. Recent books include the New York Times bestsellers “Becoming the Boogeyman” and “Chasing the Boogeyman,” “The Girl on the Porch,” “The Long Way Home,” his fourth short story collection, and Widow’s Point, a chilling tale about a haunted lighthouse co-written with his son Billy Chizmar, which was recently made into a feature film. His short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy awards, four International Horror Guild awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustees award. Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.
“Memorials” – 1983: Three students from a small college embark on a week-long road trip to film a documentary on roadside memorials for their American Studies class. The project starts out as a fun adventure with long stretches of empty road and nightly campfires where they begin to open up with one another.
But as they venture deeper into the Appalachian backwoods, the atmosphere begins to darken. They notice more and more of the memorials feature a strange, unsettling symbol hinting at a sinister secret. Paranoia sets in when it appears they are being followed. Their vehicle is tampered with overnight and some of the locals appear to be anything but welcoming. Before long, the students can’t help but wonder if these roadside deaths were really random accidents…or is something terrifying at work here?
‘Lost in Thought’ is Deborah Serra’s new book. Photo: Amazon
Literary fiction explores the complexities of the human experience, often prioritizing character development and thematic depth over plot-driven narratives. The themes are often identity, society, and morality, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives. Another noteworthy work of literary fiction coming out next month is “Lost in Thought” by Deborah Serra. It is available for pre-order on Amazon.
“Lost in Thought” dares us to question our unconscious decisions and ask: Does your mind wander? Where does it go without you? (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)
Deborah Serra was a recipient of the Hawthornden Literary Fellowship and a semifinalist for the Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Award. She has been published in several literary magazines and is an editor with the ethics and short story magazine After Dinner Conversation. She has been nominated for the O. Henry Prize. Deborah has two previously published books, “Primal” (a thriller) and “2 Broads Abroad” (a humorous travel memoir). On assignment, she has written ten TV films and numerous episodes and spent two years on staff. She has worked for Showtime, CBS, NBC, Sony, Fox, and Lifetime. Her new book “Lost in Thought” will be out October 22, 2024.
“Lost in Thought”– Ilana has an enviable job as production manager at the Lyric Opera House, a committed relationship, a cozy Greenwich Village apartment, wonderful friends, and the satisfying feeling of accomplishment. But the questions growing insistent inside her are about to shift the trajectory of her life.
Are Ilana’s questions due to her scientist boyfriend’s research on how people make their decisions, or is she suffering suppressed grief from the death of her mother? Adopted as an infant, she becomes curious about who she would be if she’d grown up with her birth family. Is she truly who she thinks she is? Has she ever freely chosen anything at all?
When Ilana learns that her birth mom owns an Irish pub upstate, well, what could be the harm of stopping in for a drink? Entering the pub has surprising consequences. She’s knocked over in a brawl, and so what begins as curiosity about her origins, evolves into a traumatic shift in her world. After the dust settles, something new takes its place. Something unexpected. Something that looks a lot like freedom.
“Lost in Thought will take you on a fascinating journey between your heart and your mind, your conscious and your unconscious. You won’t stop thinking about what it means for you. What you do next with your own life is up to you…or is it?” —Lawrence Kasanoff, Film Producer True Lies, President, Threshold Entertainment, Production Manager, Platoon, Dirty Dancing
‘Godspeed, Cedar Key’ is the debut novel by Michael Presley Bobbitt. Photo: Amazon
Michael Presley Bobbitt is an off-Broadway playwright, novelist, and clam farmer living on a tiny island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. He always wanted to be a novelist, but first had to spend all those years in the theater to learn how to create memorable characters. Prose was always his first love and will be the windmill he tilts after for the rest of his life. “Godspeed, Cedar Key” is his debut novel; it isn’t just another end of the world book, it’s a despite the end of the world book. (Amazon, 2024)
“Godspeed, Cedar Key”– Cedar Key is an island off the western coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. On a chilly February morning, the horizon is covered in a piercing light, and in an instant the old world is gone forever. Fires burn on horizons around the planet but the heat eventually gives way to the creeping monotone of the skies. The gray sets in overhead and all around, determined to keep the sun away from the land and waters.
In the aftermath, 300 islanders must learn to survive, battling invaders from the mainland, disease and natural disasters, and the intensifying dread of hearing almost nothing from the wider world. Despite the loss of most technologies and modern comforts, the islanders persevere in the face of hardship and death– burying their loved ones in the morning and planting spring vegetables in the afternoon.
Review: The story begins as the town council is voting on taking down the Number Four Bridge that separates the island from the mainland. Hayes David is the current mayor who briefly left town but eventually returned, as most people often do, but “…was unable to escape for long the reach of its familial and environmental tendrils.” It then goes on to tell the backstory of the town’s various citizens, how they survived the town’s shifting priorities, and how they worked together to tackle the fallout from ‘the gray.’
This novel is an interesting blend of historical and literary fiction set against the backdrop of the charming town of Cedar Key, Florida. It has intrigue, small-town dynamics, and personal redemption with the main focus on character development and atmospheric storytelling. Bobbitt excels in creating a vivid small town setting that feels almost like a character on its own, with its coastal beauty and close-knit community adding layers to the narrative. The writing style is engaging, offering an emotional depth that keeps readers engaged. With language that is vivid and easy to understand, the plot unfolds at a steady pace: “For a moment, he missed her disapproval like an aimless former prisoner homesick for the familiar walls of his cell.”
Overall, “Godspeed, Cedar Key” is a compelling read that combines heartfelt personal journeys with historical facts. By exploring the themes of family, friendship, isolation, death, and resiliency, it emphasizes the need for humans to live in true community with one another. Despite the theme of a nuclear accident, it’s not a dystopian novel, but an excellent piece of literary fiction with rich prose and deeply developed characters. It is an homage to small towns, their citizens’ shared history, and the spirit of community and recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary literary fiction centered around small coastal towns.
“Since that awful morning in early February, the islanders had faced one disheartening setback after another. It would be something short of the truth to say they had met every challenge with honor and courage. Certainly, their resolve was worthy of praise, but in the crucible of those hard five months, there had been less heroism than self-preservation.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The movie adaptation of ‘It Ends With Us’ will be released on August 9, 2024. Photo: Amazon
In movie news today: If you’re a fan of the worldwide bestseller “It Ends With Us,” the long awaited movie adaptation hits theaters next month.
Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty four novels and novellas. Hoover’s novels fall into the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thriller. In 2015, her novel “Confess” won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. That was followed up in 2016 with her latest title, “It Ends With Us,” also winning the Choice Award for Best Romance; it has been adapted into a feature movie and will be released on August 9, 2024. It stars Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar. (Amazon/Colleen Hoover, 2024)
“It Ends With Us”– Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. When she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
Celebrate your love for “It Ends with Us” with the all new official journal.
For the millions of Colleen Hoover fans, this officially licensed journal gives you a space to write and reflect on your favorite quotes, characters, and scenes of the novel and its soon-to-be-released movie adaptation.
This journal is the perfect place to keep all your thoughts and feelings as you watch the movie. Featuring art inspired by the movie, this journal includes 192 pages of high-quality ruled paper, printed end sheets, an elastic closure, a ribbon placeholder, and plenty of space to record your musings.
Perfect for fans of the novel—and its soon-to-release movie adaption—this journal is sure to be a treasured keepsake.
The movie adaptation of ‘The Watchers’ is in theaters now. Photo: Amazon
Book to movie adaptations bring beloved characters and intricate plots to life, yet often spark debates among fans about the faithfulness to the source material. Directors face the challenge of condensing rich narratives into a cinematic format, risking either losing nuance or gaining new perspectives. Successful adaptations capture the essence of the book while leveraging the unique power of film to enhance emotion and spectacle. These adaptations continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The most current one is “The Watchers” by A.M. Shine; the movie adaptation, produced by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, is currently out in movie theaters nationwide.
A.M. Shine writes in the Gothic horror tradition. Born in Galway, Ireland, he received his Master’s Degree in History there before sharpening his quill and pursuing all things literary and macabre. His stories have won the Word Hut and Bookers Corner prizes and he is a member of the Irish Writers Centre. His debut novel, “The Watchers,” has received critical acclaim. It is a horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland. (Amazon, 2024)
“The Watchers” – You can’t see them. But they can see you.
This forest isn’t charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina’s is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn’t reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers, and why are they keeping the humans imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?
‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ has been adapted into a Peacock original series. Photo: Amazon
Historical fiction transports readers to bygone eras, blending fact with imaginative narrative. They resurrect ancient civilizations and wartime landscapes with meticulous research and vivid storytelling. Through the eyes of fictional characters, readers explore crucial events, from epic battles to intimate moments of daily life, offering insights into the human condition across time. These stories often combine real historical figures with invented protagonists, creating a rich tapestry of emotion, intrigue, and adventure. These books not only entertain but also educate, inviting readers to ponder the echoes of the past in our present and future. One such historical novel is The New York Times and International bestseller “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris.
Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now living in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling.’ The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay – which ranked high in international competitions – before reshaping it into her debut novel, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz.” It is a tale of hope and courage based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov—an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity. It has now been adapted into a Peacock original series (6 episodes) and will be available for streaming starting May 2, 2024. (Amazon, 2024)
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” – In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.
Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.
One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.
A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.
‘You Like It Darker’ will be out May 21, 2024. Photo: Amazon
It is no secret that I love horror novels, especially from Stephen King. His were the first books I enjoyed in elementary school (yes, elementary school) but surprisingly, have yet to give me nightmares. I look forward to every one of his releases and my home library is filled with most of his books, especially the short story collections. I even have “The Bachman Books;” if you’re a Constant Reader, you get it. So today, I’m pleased to share that the Master of Horror has a new book coming out next month: “You Like It Darker.” Enough said.
Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes the short story collection “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” “The Outsider,” “Sleeping Beauties,” (cowritten with his son Owen King) and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes.” His epic works “The Dark Tower,” “It,” “Pet Sematary,” “Doctor Sleep,” and “Firestarter” are the basis for major motion pictures, with “It” now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His new book “You Like It Darker: Stories” will be released on May 21 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. It is an exciting new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER. (Amazon, 2024)
“You Like It Darker” – “You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that dig into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in “You Like It Darker,” readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.
“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.
King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.
SA Examiner 