Tag: Literature

‘Two Truths and a Lie’: The Mind-Bending New Science Fiction Novel by Cory O’Brien

‘Two Truths and a Lie’ will be out on March 4, 2025. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Science fiction books captivate readers by offering thrilling escapes into worlds of limitless possibilities. They ignite imaginations with futuristic technologies, interstellar voyages, and encounters with alien civilizations.Beyond mere escapism, sci-fi often serves as a mirror to our own society, exploring complex themes like technological advancement, social justice, and the human condition. Readers are drawn to the genre’s ability to pose “what if” questions, prompting reflection on our present and potential futures. From dystopian warnings to utopian dreams, science fiction offers a unique lens through which to examine humanity’s place in the cosmos. Its enduring appeal lies in its power to both entertain and provoke thought.

Coming out next month is the new cyber punk science fiction novel by beloved internet humorist Cory O’Brien.

Cory O’Brien is the author of “Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes” and “George Washington Is Cash Money.” He has written for numerous award-winning video games, including Monster Prom and Holovista, and designed multiple tabletop games, including Inhuman Conditions and Hand to Hand Wombat. His new novel “Two Truths and a Lie” introduces an unforgettable investigator to the drowned streets of L.A. in a hugely imaginative and heartfelt blend of noir and cyberpunk. It will be released on March 4, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

“Two Truths and a Lie” – In a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, aging combat-drone veteran Orr Vue now lives a simple and small life, trading snippets of what’s become the most valuable currency: information. So when the cops show up at his door looking for data on a murder he’s not even aware has happened, things get interesting for the first time in 25 years.

At first, Orr is happy to exchange whatever he knows about the demise of InfoDrip’s top exec to buy booze and pay rent on his memory storage, but that plan goes to hell when Orr’s old boyfriend, Auggie Wolf, shows up as the number one suspect. Forced to stretch his atrophied spy skills and take his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees, Orr finds himself in the crosshairs of the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Barely avoiding getting killed with every clue he collects, Orr realizes he’s uncovered not just a murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. Ahh, the things we do for love…

But in a world where memories can be bought and sold, how can you truly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of? Fast paced, funny, and shockingly romantic, “Two Truths and a Lie” is Raymond Chandler reinvented for the 22nd century.

EARLY GLOWING REVIEWS

“O’Brien’s (George Washington Is Cash Money) fiction debut is a highly intriguing vision of the near future that examines the role of memory in a functional aspect, which also underscores the utility of forgetting: Funes the Memorious by Jorge Luis Borges meets Total Recall by Philip K. Dick, with a wry narration that balances the grim reality.”- Library Journal’s December Debut of the Month Pick & Starred Review

“A stunning achievement, Two Truths and a Lie is many things at once: a hilarious satire, a gripping thriller, a meditation on memory and identity, and a love story that will have you wiping tears from your eyes, all set in a carnivalesque future where the darkest dreams of capitalism have come true. Like other great comic novelists—Thomas Pynchon, Rachel Yoder, Charles Yu—Cory O’Brien balances humor and pathos to marvelous effect, a literary magician who can do almost anything on the page.” – Scott Guild, author of ‘Plastic’

CORY O’BRIEN AUTHOR TOUR

Tuesday, March 4 – 7p.m. PT:
Mysterious Galaxy | San Diego, CA
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore | 3555 Rosecrans St | Suite 107 | San Diego, CA 92110

Wednesday, March 5 – 4p.m. ET:
WORD | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person Stock Signing
Address: WORD | 126 Franklin St | Brooklyn, NY 11222

Wednesday, March 5 – 7p.m. ET:
POWERHOUSE Arena | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person In Conversation with Mattie Lubchansky, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: POWERHOUSE Arena | 28 Adams St | Brooklyn, NY 11201

Thursday, March 6 – 6:30p.m. ET:
Literati Bookstore | Ann Arbor, MI
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Literati Bookstore | 124 E Washington St | Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Friday, March 7 – 6:30p.m. CT:
The Book Cellar | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: The Book Cellar | 4736 N Lincoln Ave | Chicago, IL 60625

Sunday, March 9 – 4p.m. CT:
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | 3182 N Elston Ave | Chicago, IL 60618

Wednesday, March 12 – Time TK:
Union League Club of Chicago | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Union League Club of Chicago | 65 W. Jackson Blvd. | Chicago, IL 60604

Saturday, March 15 – 1p.m. CT:
Highland Park Public Library Author Fest X Secret World Books | Highland Park, IL
In-Person Author Fest Event Participation
Address: Highland Park Public Library | 494 Laurel Avenue | Highland Park, IL 60035

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The Power of Reflection: My Review of ‘Lost in Thought’ by Deborah Serra

‘Lost in Thought’ is the inspiring new novel by Deborah Serra. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Deborah Serra is a recipient of the Hawthornden Literary Fellowship, a semifinalist for the Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Award, and nominated for the O. Henry Prize. She has been published in literary magazines and is an editor with the ethics and short story magazine, After Dinner Conversation. Serra is the author of the thriller, “Primal,” and the humorous travel memoir, “2 Broads Abroad.” Her latest book is “Lost in Thought,” a novel about unconscious decision making and the illusion of free will.

“Lost in Thought” – Ilana works at Lyric Opera House and is in a committed relationship with Adam, a neuroscientist, for the last 3 years. They live in a cozy Greenwich Village apartment where they often share meals with friends as they engage in stimulating conversations. She’s adopted, and the questions inside of her are growing insistent including who would she be if she’d grown up in her birth home? Is she truly who she thinks she is? Has she ever freely chosen anything at all? Are these questions in part due to Adam’s research on how people make their decisions. It could also be suppressed grief from the death of her adoptive mother. Her inner dialogue is affecting her daily life: “Her thoughts were loud and they drowned out her words.”

When Ilana learns that her birth mother Fiona Shannon owns a pub in Albany, she figures what harm could there be in casually dropping by for a drink? To see, just to see. What begins as curiosity about her choices evolves into a traumatic shift in her world. She loses control of her life and then chaos breaks out.

Review:
The story begins as Ilana is taking the elevator to her office in the 12th floor. A germaphobe by nature, it intensified by Covid and it shows in every part of her life. She’s the production manager at the opera house and the job requires a sense of authority. To everyone around her, she seems calm and confident, but it’s only a front. She was raised to act confident regardless of her situation, and in her line of work, emotions are a sign of defeat and she refuses to show any weaknesses.

Her adoptive mother died of Covid months ago after being on a ventilator for months. She wasn’t allowed to visit her in person and she helplessly watched her die through her iPad. This experience still haunts her and is slowly chipping away at her confidence and total belief system. She desperately wants to know more about her birth family, if she has any of their traits, physical or otherwise. Her best friend and ex-boyfriend William tries to convince her that her personality is the sum of her experiences, which sets forth the nature vs nurture debate. That impulsive trip to see Fiona and her husband Shea O’Holleran will change her life in ways she never saw coming.

This combination of women’s literature and literary fiction is a compelling exploration of the subconscious mind and how unconscious processes shape our decisions, often without our awareness. The novel invites readers into the life of Ilana, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after realizing that much of what she believed to be her free will was, in fact, influenced by external forces and internal biases. Serra cleverly examines the illusion of choice, presenting a narrative that challenges the notion that we are fully in control of our actions.

The writing is introspective and open, combining scientific concepts with philosophical musings in a way that’s thought-provoking yet not overly dense. The novel’s pacing keeps readers engaged, blending character-driven drama with intellectual inquiry. As Ilana confronts the complexities of the human mind, the book raises important questions about responsibility, autonomy, and the nature of free will. With highly descriptive language, the action flows easily through the pages: “The industrial breezes from cars and buses and subway vents blew hot into her face, grabbed her silk skirt, and whipped the loose strands of her hair.”

Overall, “Lost in Thought” is a stimulating read that challenges perceptions and invites reflection on the unseen forces that guide our choices. It explores the themes of family, identity, love, and friendship. By making abstract ideas concrete, it offers a relatable and human story while tackling deep philosophical themes. Readers are left questioning their own thought processes and the extent to which they truly have control over their lives. It is recommended for readers who enjoy intellectual literary fiction that features smart and relatable characters.

“Now, her mind was relentlessly chewing. It was thrilling but like a horror film. She asked herself why she was going down the dark basement stairs.”

*The author received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A Murder Mystery with a Supernatural Twist: Reviewing Marty Roppelt’s ‘Last Words’

‘Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery’ by Marty Roppelt. Photo: Amazon

“Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” is a murder mystery novel by Marty Roppelt. It follows Chicago police Detective Myles Hanson as he navigates a world of crime and unsettling revelations. After a nighttime raid on a drug lab ends in a deadly shootout that claims the life of an undercover detective, Myles transfers transfers out of the Organized Crime Unit.

On his first night in the Violet Crimes Unit, Maria Peski, a midwife with a normal quiet life is savagely murdered. Back at the station, while filling out the paperwork and listening to music on his headphones, he hears static and voice calling his name. From there, he begins to experience haunting visions and auditory hallucinations that include voices and static on the digital recorder that he uses to take notes.

When a second murder rocks the city with startling similarities, Myles is forced to accept what he fears most: some clues lie beyond the realm of the living. As the line between the supernatural and the real begins to blur, Myles realized that he is hearing the final words of the murder victims, fragments of their unfinished thoughts. Those voices give him clues to help him solve their murder. Together with his new partner Hank ‘The Tank’ Brewer, they race against time to catch the vicious killer before he strikes again.

Marty Roppelt’s new novella takes readers on an eerie journey into the world of the paranormal and crime-solving. As Hanson begins to have paranormal experiences, he must navigate the fine line between solving the crime and protecting his sanity.

Roppelt’s writing is atmospheric, creating a tense, thrilling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The blending of the supernatural with a traditional murder mystery provides an intriguing twist, adding an extra layer of suspense to the already gripping storyline. Myles Hanson is a well-crafted protagonist, balancing the skepticism of a seasoned detective with the growing realization that the paranormal forces at play are very real. The suspenseful plot twists keep the reader guessing until the end.

The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually, and Roppelt’s descriptive narrative of the killer’s viewpoint as he is getting rid of the evidence and then preparing to strike again is unsettling but gripping. The language while describing Myles’ hallucinations is vividly descriptive: “The woman – Maria Peski- stared back at him in the mirror. Dead eyes, frozen deep in their sockets, gazed through him.” The narrative is in the third person point of view that alternates between the characters and towards the end, it hints at an unreliable narrator when the police is interviewing a witness who crossed paths with the killer.

Overall, “Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” explores the themes of good vs evil, identity, and family. The unique premise of a haunted detective elevates this novel beyond the typical whodunit. Judging by the ending, this is only the beginning of Detective Myles Hanson’s paranormal experiences. It’s a captivating read for fans of both supernatural thrillers and crime mysteries by authors like James Patterson and John Sandford.

“Meandering through the growing crowd as carefully and slowly as he could, he positioned himself to within an arm’s length of his intended victim’s back. He stopped there. How easy it would be to simply stab her in the liver from here, and be done with her…”

Rating: 5 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.

Blood Ties and Haunting Secrets: The Chilling World of ‘Listen to Your Sister’

‘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

Mystery, Suspense, and Organ Trafficking: Exploring the Depths of Cristina LePort’s ‘Change of Heart’

‘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.

‘When I Hear Spirituals’: A Heartfelt Journey Through Music and History in Children’s Literature

New from Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd – “When I Hear Spirituals.” Photo: Amazon

Illustrated children’s books play a crucial role in early literacy development by combining visual and textual elements to engage young readers. The vibrant images capture attention, making stories more accessible and easier to understand, while the text introduces new vocabulary and concepts. These books stimulate imagination, foster emotional growth, and help children connect with the world around them. The visual storytelling also supports comprehension and retention. Illustrated books offer a pleasant aesthetic experience that can make reading enjoyable, encouraging a lifelong love for books. Their appeal lies in their ability to entertain while nurturing cognitive and emotional development.

Out this month is the illustrated children’s book “When I Hear Spirituals” by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by London Ladd. (Holiday House Publishing, 2025)

Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is cofounder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” a groundbreaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. “When I Hear Spirituals” is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, New York.

“When I Hear Spirituals” – A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.

A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.

When I hear spirituals
Sometimes
A big, full feeling
Grows in my chest . . .

Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.

The author of the classic picture book “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.

Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.

Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.

Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.

Reading age: 6-9 years
Grade level: 1-4
Pages: 40

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves, and the various changes in perspective and composition echo the emotion behind the songs;”—The Bulletin, Starred Review

“A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.”—Booklist, Starred Review

Truth, Lies, and the Deep Blue Hour: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by Peter Stamm

‘In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel’ is the new novel by Peter Stamm. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Psychological thrillers are some of my favorite books. They go into the inner workings of characters’ minds, exploring their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This genre often blurs the line between reality and perception, creating complex, unpredictable narratives that challenge readers’ understanding of truth. The appeal lies in the deep emotional engagement it fosters, inviting readers to confront their own psychological experiences and question the nature of identity, memory, and consciousness. By emphasizing internal conflict, psychological thrillers offer a more intimate, introspective experience compared to traditional plot-driven stories. This immersive exploration of the human psyche resonates with readers seeking to understand themselves and the complexities of human behavior.

From Other Press, the latest addition to acclaimed Swiss author Peter Stamm’s impressive body of work, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” will be released on March 18, 2025. It is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2024)

“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” – A documentary filmmaker uncovers the secrets of an enigmatic author in this subtly enthralling novel from “one of Europe’s most exciting writers” – (New York Times Book Review).

For days, documentary filmmaker Andrea and her team have been waiting for Richard Wechsler in his Swiss hometown. During their first shoots in Paris, the famous writer had not wanted to reveal much about himself, and now the whole film threatens to fail.

In the narrow streets and alleys of the village, Andrea searches for traces of Wechsler’s life, contrary to their agreement. But it is not until she starts reading his books again that she discovers a clue to a childhood sweetheart who might still be living there. An old love who influenced his whole life, but whom no one ever knew about.

Written with Stamm’s trademark subtlety and devastating precision, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” is a captivating work of psychological fiction perfect for lovers of Jon Fosse’s “Septology,” Jenny Erpenbeck’s “Kairos,” and Stamm’s previous work. In this elusive novel, Stamm explores the meeting point between reality and fiction. I hope to stay in touch with you about possibilities for it.

Peter Stamm is the author of the novels “The Archive of Feelings,” “The Sweet Indifference of the World,” “To the Back of Beyond,” “All Days Are Night,” “Seven Years,” “On a Day Like This,” “Unformed Landscape,” and “Agnes,” and the short-story collections “It’s Getting Dark,” “We’re Flying,” and “In Strange Gardens and Other Stories.” His award-winning books have been translated into more than forty languages. For his entire body of work and his accomplishments in fiction, he was short-listed for the Man Booker International Prize in 2013, and in 2014 he won the prestigious Friedrich Hölderlin Prize. He lives in Switzerland.

About the Translator: Michael Hofmann has translated the work of Gottfried Benn, Hans Fallada, Franz Kafka, Joseph Roth, and many others. In 2012 he was awarded the Thornton Wilder Prize for Translation by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His “One Lark, One Horse: Poems” was published in 2019, “Where Have You Been? Selected Essays” in 2014, and “Selected Poems” in 2009. He lives in Florida and London.

“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” by Peter Stamm • Translated by Michael Hofmann
Other Press Trade Paperback Original
On-Sale Date: March 18, 2025 • Price: $17.99

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‘Change of Heart’: Cristina LePort Blends Medicine and Mystery in Her Latest Thriller

Cristina LePort’s new medical thriller ‘Change of Heart’ will be released in February. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Medical thrillers blend the high-stakes tension of thrillers with the intrigue of medical science. These novels often involve intense situations, such as dangerous viruses, unethical experiments, or life-and-death medical dilemmas, creating a gripping sense of urgency. The appeal lies in the combination of suspense, intellectual challenge, and emotional investment. Readers are drawn to the complex characters—doctors, patients, and scientists—navigating moral gray areas, and the fast-paced plots keep them on the edge of their seat. Additionally, the real-world connections to medical advancements or crises make the stories feel both thrilling and plausibly terrifying, heightening their impact.

These are some of my favorite novels to read and Robin Cook’s were some of the first ones I picked up. Since then, there’s been Michael Palmer, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, and Tess Gerritsen. A couple of years ago, I read Cristina LePort’s debut novel “Dissection” and was thrilled to have another such author on my must-read list. Her next one, “Change of Heart,” comes out in February and takes readers into the shadowy underbelly of organ trafficking, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. So if you’re a fan of gripping medical thrillers, I wholeheartedly recommend her novels. “Change of Heart” will be released on February 4 and is available now for pre-order on Barnes & Noble.

Cristina LePort, MD is a renowned cardiologist and a respected author, known for her compelling medical thrillers that explore the high stakes of medical crises and moral conflicts. Born in Bologna, Italy, she new resides in Southern California and combines her medical expertise with her narrative prowess to create stories that are informative and engaging. (Meryl Moss Media Group, 2024)

“Change of Heart” – In the bustling heart of New York City, a young medical student’s life is tragically cut short, though her heart continues to beat, holding the promise of life for another. 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.

Enter FBI Agent Jack Mulville, who steps in to supervise Special Agent Charlotte Bloom as they join forces with Miner. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that Amy Winter’s death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Amy Winter, a promising pre-med student, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. 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. 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.

“Change of Heart” is a gripping medical thriller that intertwines the intricacies of modern medicine with the relentless pursuit of justice. Cristina LePort, M.D., masterfully combines her medical expertise with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, delivering a novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Dr. LePort is an accomplished physician with a passion for weaving medical knowledge into thrilling narratives. Her extensive background in medicine lends authenticity and depth to her stories, making the Miner & Mulville series a unique blend of fact and fiction.

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Layers of Emotion in ‘The Bella Vista’: Emma Ruth Rundle’s Poetic Journey

Emma Ruth Rundle announces her debut poetry book “The Bella Vista.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Poetry books offer a powerful blend of emotion, imagination, and expression in concise, rhythmic forms. They invite readers into intimate worlds where language dances and meanings are layered, offering both intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to distill complex experiences into few words, allowing for deep reflection and personal interpretation. Whether through vivid imagery, striking metaphors, or simple truths, poetry books captivate readers by fostering a sense of connection to universal themes, emotions, and the human condition, making them timeless treasures.

There’s a new poetry book coming out February 11, 2025 by Emma Ruth Rundle – “The Bella Vista.”

“rip up this book, my love / i wrote it for you” So opens Emma Ruth Rundle’s book of poetry, entitled “The Bella Vista.” The multidisciplinary visual artist and musician has now released six solo albums over the past decade to commercial and critical acclaim. The release of “The Bella Vista” will mark her literary debut. (another side, 2024)

With “The Bella Vista,” Emma Ruth Rundle turns to language as the best and perhaps only tool suitable to express, in her words, “the tenderness and brutality of romantic love.” The collection of poetry is a concept, an addiction memoir, a family tree, and a love letter all at once—to music, mistakes, and humanity; to cross-country drives and other artists and the long road to finding oneself.

“Written on the road over the course of a year, ‘The Bella Vista’ is equal parts travel-log, love story and journal of dark existential reflection. It is what I have spent the last two years of my creative life working on and I am both relieved and excited to finally be sharing it.”- Emma Ruth Rundle

“The Bella Vista” will be published by Unnamed Press and available at bookstores and online on February 11, 2025 – pre-order here. To coincide with the book, Rundle will release a limited edition audio album consisting of minimalistic, contemplative piano sketches à la Harold Budd of whom the book was named in honor of, and was highly influential to “The Bella Vista.” Copies will be limited to 300 and available in a signed first edition hardcover + exclusive vinyl bundle here.

Early praise for “The Bella Vista”

“Emma Ruth Rundle’s debut collection of poems, The Bella Vista, is a gorgeous, fierce, and devastating account of romantic love. Rundle has found a new form for her prodigious lyrical gifts; here is a lucid and haunting collection that moves with a kind of dream logic to ‘summon the unseen.’” – Deborah Landau, author or Skeletons and Soft Targets

“Emma Ruth Rundle’s The Bella Vista is more than a poetry collection—it’s a memoir charted by stars, an autobiographical scrapbook and lyrical compass that helps us navigate our everyday lives through its wisdom, beauty, and fingerprint specificity.” – Brandon Stosuy, author of Sad Happens and the Make Time for Creativity series

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Therese Bohman’s ‘Andromeda: A Novel’ – A Story of Power and a Changing World

‘Andromeda: A Novel’ is the new novel by critically acclaimed Swedish author Therese Bohman. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Therese Bohman grew up outside of Norrköping and now lives in Stockholm. Her debut novel“Drowned” received critical acclaim both in Sweden and internationally and was selected as an Oprah Winfrey Summer Read. Her second novel “The Other Woman” was short- listed for the Nordic Council Prize and Swedish Radio’s Fiction Prize, while her third novel “Eventide” was short-listed for Sweden’s most prestigious literary award, the August Prize. Bohman is an arts journalist who regularly contributes to one of Sweden’s largest newspapers, Expressen, and to the magazine Tidningen Vi. (Other Press, 2024)

The latest novel from critically acclaimed Swedish author Therese Bohman, “Andromeda: A Novel,” is a sharp and insightful tale of power and a changing world.

“Andromeda” – In this ambitious novel, a young woman working her way up at a storied Stockholm publisher develops an ambiguous, shifting relationship with her boss. A shrewd study about the tension between tradition and modernity, and expectations and reality, “Andromeda” offers a fresh perspective from a fierce voice and will be released on January 14, 2025. It is available for pre-order.

The publishing house is anchored like a ship along Stockholm’s main street, a large, bright building with an impressive rooftop terrace. The facade is a grid of wood and granite; flags with a cursive R sway in the wind. R as in Rydéns. A young woman starts as an intern at this venerated institution, and over many years gains more and more responsibility for its authors and books. All under the supervision of Gunnar, publishing director of the most prestigious imprint behind the finest literature, Andromeda. Over time their work relationship transforms into something neither of them can truly define. Perhaps built on mutual trust? Or is it something else?

Perfect for fans of the complex relationship dynamics and the explorations of female agency in Coco Mellors’s “Cleopatra and Frankenstein” and Julia May Jonas’s “Vladimir,” “Andromeda” is sure to linger in the minds of longtime lovers of Bohman’s work and new readers alike. It is translated by Marlaine Delargy.

Marlaine Delargy has translated novels by John Ajvide Lindqvist, Kristina Ohlsson, and Helene Tursten, as well as “The Unit” by Ninni Holmqvist and Therese Bohman’s “Drowned.” She lives in England.

“Elegant and captivating, Andromeda plumbs the depths of the tantalizingly ambiguous relationship between college-aged Sofie and her middle-aged boss, Gunnar. Both characters (understandably) deride the overused phrase ‘balance of power,’ and yet the novel does indeed offer a fresh and provocative subversion of that familiar narrative—it was thrilling to watch their electric, profound connection unfold. As their worldviews intertwine, the novel delves into the ways literature shapes our lives, our desires and disappointments. I inhaled this book and will be thinking about it for a while.”
—Caitlin Barasch, author of A Novel Obsession

“Andromeda is the best kind of company—a book I kept longing to return to, full of ideas and emotion.”
—Julia May Jonas, author of Vladimir

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‘Andromeda’ release date