July 1, 2008 - Talk of the Town

“Tasha Alexander continues to offer a winning mix of mystery, history and fashion in her series And Only to Deceive and A Poisoned Season that feature Emily, Lady Ashton. A Fatal Waltz is a welcome addition to her other books in which Emily continues to use her education and social breeding to solve murders in high class Victorian England.”

“This is Pearson's best book ever as potential biohazards conflict with a desperate rescue attempt in Sun Valley, Idaho amidst death and disappearances.”

“The author of The Devil Wears Prada delivers again this time with three best friends forever. What is each woman willing to do to own the ultimate diamond engagement ring from jeweler Harry Winston.”

“Easy Rawlins is Mosley's best character but Socrates Fortlow in these stories is the one you would want to break bread with over a great conversation. Socrates is back after a 10-year absence and Mosley makes this 60-year old ex-convict in South Central Los Angeles unforgettable.”

“Entertainment reporter Jules Asner-the host of Revealed with Jules Asner offers this year's wackiest novel. Dani Hale will stop at nothing to find out what the men in her life are doing, whether stalking them or hacking into their email accounts. The only question is who will pay and how they pay for doing Hale wrong. Stay tuned to the very last page for an unforgettable twist.”

“Lee Child is the best thriller mystery writer bar none. Jack Reacher returns on his lonely journey to nowhere and takes it personally when a sheriff in a small town in Colorado runs Reacher out of town for no apparent reason.”

“Fifteen-year-old Lutie, and her brother, 11-year old Fate, have no mother and are in search of a father who abandoned them. Billie Letts, best selling author of Where the Heart Is, tells another heartwarming story, once again beginning in a Wal-Mart for the hunt for a place to belong. Sure to be a movie.”

“Third place is not bad. There are only one or two mystery writers in the English world that are better than Robert Crais. This time Elvis Cole and Joe Pine suspect a massive murder cover up engineered by a top level Los Angeles police commander.”

“Award-winning author Jeanette Winterson blends science fiction with modern fiction in a love story featuring Billie and Spike. If you like love stories that travel back and forth in time such as Time and Again and The Time Traveler's Wife, then you will love The Stone Gods.

“Along with James Lee Burke, John Sandford is the leading author of mayhem, murder and mystery and he proves it again as a woman's daughter disappears in the local Goth culture and Lucas Davenport returns to make the world right.”

“Can the heroine of Good in Bed, Cannie Shapiro, screw up her happily-ever-after life, where she is married to the handsome doctor Peter Krushelevansky and is the mother of a her daughter Joy? Especially since Joy is now a teenager and Shapiro's perfect husband wants to expand their perfect family?”

“Can you imagine Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell not in good-ole-boy Louisiana but in the wilds of rural Montana? Nothing changes, though, as somebody gets killed (two college students) and the rich folks, their unusual and warped family members and a few other miscreants parade through another great crime story by James Lee Burke, the master of the genre.”

“Do you ever really get over your first love? Emily Griffin, the author of Something Borrowed and Something Blue, has written an unforgettable story about Ellen Graham and the conflicting love she has for her husband, Andy, and the man she never got over, Leo.”

“From frontier to organized settlements, the Middle Tennessee homeland and market developed quickly and produced waves of land speculation, great wealth and divisive politics in this precise history.”

“I love Lisa Lutz, author of The Spellman Files, and love her story telling which is right up there with Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich. Welcome back the Spellmans and the continuing story of today's most dysfunctional detective, Izzy Spellman.

“The battle between church and monarchy for control of England in the 12th and 13th centuries is a fascinating look at greed, power, some chivalry and life during hard times. Throw in Robin Hood, Magna Carta and beautiful ambitious women for a great story.”

“Truth really is stranger than fiction in this book about how an off-the-wall rare book dealer discovers a fabulous treasure trove of lost Diane Arbus photographs when he buys a trunk from a guy claiming to be a member of the Nigerian Royal family.”

“The long wait was absolutely worth it. Gilchrist proves again why she is one of today's premier storytellers. We could not put A Dangerous Age down, the story of the women of the Hand family-Olivia, Winifred and Louse-are sure to be the plot of a movie very soon.”

“Kinsella, author of the Shopaholic books, combines humor, mystery and drama to produce a bang up book. Like her other heroines, Lexi Smart is adorable, smart and a little klutzy. Smart has amnesia and wakes up to what appears to be a perfect life-or is it? Buy this book now for fun entertainment.”

“Mary Higgins Clark is the queen of the modern mystery and one of the nicest authors writing today. Where Are You Now? introduces Carolyn MacKenzie who must solve the reason her brother only calls her family on Mother's Day. Is he in trouble, is he a criminal, is he dead? The twist and turns in this mystery will keep you glued to your seat and guessing the outcome till the end of the book.”

“Fans of The Other Boleyn Girl will love The Lady Elizabeth. Alison Weir has authored several historical biographies including The Six Wives of Henry VIII. This time, Weir uses all of her talents in history and research to write a fictionalized account of Elizabeth I, before she becomes queen. Sure to be another best seller for Weir and the twists and turns in The Lady Elizabeth have the makings of a great movie.”

“Parker, the world's most hard hearted thief, returns with a vengeance as he and his girlfriend try to recover stolen bank money literally under the nose of the local police. It just doesn't get better than a Richard Stark (Donald Westlake) caper.”

“The criminal mob used to control Phenix City, Alabama until they killed the wrong man and the reformers came after them. A great book for everyone that reads historical fiction or crime fiction.”

“The commander of the king's elves has murdered a viceroy and suffered exile to the forest when a Red Star in the East signals the start of a magic journey. If you like quest novels, this search for the Red Star is a wondrous story much like Neal Gaiman or J.R.R. Tolkien.”

“Ann Hood has experienced the worst grief of all-the death of a child. Hood first shared her story of loss and redemption through her best selling novel, The Knitting Circle. Comfort-A Journey Through Grief is the true story of how Hood has mourned the death of her five-year-old daughter, Grace. It is a book to share with someone who needs consolation in the time of death.”

“For every fan of Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld series, this new book about slavery and freedom goes to the essence of identity and challenges the way we view the world. A fabulous read.”

“For dark and terrifying atmosphere there is no better mystery writer than O'Connell. This story of a man caring for his son in a coma revolves around a fantasy comic book and the nature of consciousness.

“The wild weird money world of professional gamblers is illustrated with stories from the riverboats to Vegas. Your own way to learn all about the World Series of Poker but for the price of this book instead of the $10,000 buy-in.”

“From the mid 1950s to mid 1980s, Bonington's Boys changed the nature of climbing Mount Everest. The risks they took and the price they paid is unimaginable but told vividly in this stunning book.”

“Life doesn't get better than this. Grown men getting to play a game and getting paid for it-getting paid lots! The story of Mantle, Berra, Campanella, Mays and DiMaggio is vivid and powerful in their love for a game that the nation loves. The perfect book for the baseball fan.”

“The perfect book for the beach. Abby Drake delivers a first rate book that is a fictionalized account of what happens to “perfect wives” when one of their cheating husbands is suddenly killed.”

“What do psychology and golf have in common? Action, emotions and thinking according to Dorsel, and not just for the spouse left behind!”

“Is the brain mightier than the swing? Proven science makes a great golfer according to Zumerchik who uses physics, gravity and universal principles to torment himself and other hackers about getting a golf ball from here to there.”

“Scottoline proves again why she is one of the most popular mystery writers. Lady Killer has it all - twists and turns, murder, suspense and a slam bam of a murder plot.”

“The author of the best selling Me Times Three has delivered another winner. What do you call the woman who is every woman and man's best friend? You call her The Spare Wife. Ponce Morris is not who you think she is, she has secrets to hide and you will not be able to put this book down until you have devoured every single page.”

“Joshilyn Jackson, the bestselling author of gods in Alabama is the star of modern fiction writers. Laurel Gray Hawthorne is a character you will welcome into your life and she will stay with you long after you finish reading The Girl Who Stopped Swimming.

“Can two women of different generations become close friends, especially if one is young and pregnant and the other is older with a philandering husband who just happens to be a former United States Senator? The Senator's Wife is storytelling at its best about trust and betrayal between two strong women.”

“Atwood is a brilliant writer. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale - one of the best books ever written - will not be disappointed with new collection of Atwood's short stories.”

“We love Barbara Delinksky's novels. When a mother tries to protect her daughter, she makes a choice that will have consequences for years to come and Delinsky weaves a plot with electrifying consequences for both women.”

“If you like thrillers with a touch of fantasy then Karna Small Bodman is the writer for you. Gambit is another winner.”

“Financial whiz Glinda Bridgforth is better to read than Suzy Orman. A great book to help you get your compulsive spending under control and your credit right.”

“Mei Beijing is China's most successful female detective. She has a background in law enforcement and understands world politics. Diane We Liang is a welcome addition to mystery writers and sure to be a best selling author.”

“The must read for all book clubs. The best book about the women of Afghanistan since A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.”

“Susanna Rowson was the famous writer of the best selling novel, Charlotte Temple. Marion Rust writes a wonderful narrative about why Rowson was an important woman and the impact that her writing had on the early U.S. Republic.”

“Mary Elizabeth Garrison has written an impressive story about the horrors of domestic violence.”

“An exciting debut novel that is a blend of mystery and spiritualism.”

“From Maryland through the deep south to Tennessee, author Charles E. Cobb, Jr. identifies with speeches, photographs and maps, the struggles and triumphs of the modern civil rights movement. This is the best one volume story of those heroic days.”

“A smart tender but tough private detective solves the world's, and her best friends, problems in Newark, New Jersey. Wesley is one of today's most entertaining writers.”

“Prepare to laugh until you sides ache and the tears flow. Tyler Perry is without a doubt one of today's most entertaining writers and comedians.”

“A safe sweet and secure present for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. If you cannot read poetry aloud with conviction then share this audio version with your beloved.”

“One of the best biographies ever. Blyss Broyard blends two hundred years worth of family secrets to explain how and why racial identity can be so controversial. Her father, Anatole Broyard, kept his mixed race parentage from his children and the result of that decision is this marvelous book.”

“From Gulfport to Gotham to Black Entertainment Television, this is the exciting story of a man who survives a horrible childhood and now has the golden touch in media, business and life.”

“Steamy chick lit at its best and finest.”

“Nashville author, Brenda McCoy Hunter, has written a call for each of us to better ourselves and our community. A must have for anyone who wants to be a leader and improve life's quality.”

“A wonderful story about unconditional love with a strong spiritual foundation.”

“Heart-wrenching account of the conflicts between modern medicine and daily life in Africa in the midst of the worlds most horrific AIDS epidemic. A stirring call for action and compassion. Should be required reading for all world leaders.”

“The must have book for all women. A fun surgery -free way to look better and feel better about what Mother Nature gave you.”

“Better than the Indiana Jones movies. Matthew Reilly, author of 7 Deadly Wonders, delivers another action packed, intense, story and you will not believe the ending.”

“If you like Janet Evanovich and Sandra Brown, you will love Jance's new heroine, former television reporter Ali Reynolds.”

“Can't get enough of Henry the Eighth and his women? Court gossips say Lady Rochford helped Henry the Eighth find a way to get rid of Anne Boleyn. Fox has a different story and it is fascinating.”

“We spend time and money on maintaining our cars so why shouldn't we use the same common sense in taking care of our bodies. This how-to guide is a simple explanation of the do's and don'ts of having a healthy body. We loved it.”

“Award winning author mystery writer Fulmer, combines his knowledge of jazz and murder and has created a great detective story about music in Philadelphia in the 1960s.”

“The life story of the Silver Queen of the West who lost everything. If you loved the television show Deadwood, you must read this book.”

“Geography and history fans will love this book. From 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D., Asia led the world and this book tells how and why.”

“The perfect book gift for the poetry lover. A wonderful introduction to a new leading voice in poetry.”

“The madman of television stock market advice writes it all down-still entertaining and you might make some money, too.”

“Hale explains the importance and genius of the music and stories told by these unique community leaders in Africa.”

“Impossible to put down, a compelling love story of how one couple in love turns their mistakes into joy.”

“The long wait is over and it was worth the wait. Grafton delivers again with the latest installment of detective Kinsey Millhone. The author proves again why she is one of the best writers of any genre today.”

“The author of the popular series featuring the Camel Club strikes again. This time, the club must track down a killer who will do anything to disrupt the security of the U.S.A. Conspiracy fans will love this book.”

“The perfect book for the poetry lover.”

“A gorgeous book, these photographs of one of the world's most interesting cities makes this book a real joy for the photography collector.”

“The best photographic book of the Grand Ole Opry. A must have for the country music lover.”

“What map did Kerouac use to plan On the Road? See how the Beat Generation viewed America. Read Maher's book to learn the real story.”

“Herron proves in this book that there are politicians with the right kind of character. Things Held Dear is a wonderful and inspiring gift book.”

“For every parent who ends up raising their child's unwanted pet. Enjoy how Maxi the dog, captivates his grandparents and becomes an indispensable part of their home.”

“Part mystery, part thriller, part science project and part modern fiction, The Quiet Girl is the perfect book for fans of Hoeg's previous best seller, Smilla's Sense of Snow.”

“Do you know someone who drives you crazy with their email? Then rush out and buy this book immediately. Give them a copy of Send, which should be required reading for anyone who uses email.”

“Who was the mysterious woman that Chandler described over and over again in his books? Could it have been his wife Cissy? The perfect book for any Chandler fan.”

“Powell was a remarkable artist and Glassmaker is an amazing sample of his work.”

“A great book for business leaders who want to apply the successful aspects of military leadership.”

“Did you know that the bow was used for both hunting food and as a weapon? Traditional Archery is a beautifully illustrated book about how archery shaped civilization for many centuries.”

“The perfect book to listen to when you think religion should be used as a force of good instead of a force of evil.”

“On Harper Lee is a compilation of everything you wanted to know about one of the greatest writers ever.”

“Carter, the author of The Emperor of Ocean Park proves again why he is one of the greatest story tellers today. New England White is a glimpse of what goes on behind the façade of the haves and the have nots.”

“The Best Historical Fiction of 2007!”

“What really happened to the last voyage of Christopher Columbus? This is a great story of history, politics and exploration.”

“Even ugly ducklings are beautifully illustrated in this amazing book.”

“A stunning summary of Bodmer's artwork with a captivating narrative.”

“Ernest Jones was a psychoanalyst who saved Sigmund Freud from the Nazis and Freud's Wizard is a comprehensive study of their personal and professional relationship.”

“Browne, the author of The Sweet Potato Queen books, explains how to start while your children are young if you want them to succeed as a real Sweet Potato Queen.”

“Anne Patchett proves again why she is the best modern fiction writer today.”

“Another mesmerizing and terrifying chapter in the life of Detective Alex Cross.”

“In the thriller world of books, it just does not get any better. Flynn scores again in this story of thermonuclear threats and Middle Eastern intrigue.”

“The perfect book for the reader on a spiritual search.”

“The perfect guide for the frank discussion between Christians and Jews.”

“The author of The Kite Runner scores another great work of literature. If you want to understand family relationships and politics in Afghanistan then read A Thousand Splendid Suns. Hosseini is one of the great writers of this decade.”

“Russo continues to prove why he is one of our top writers. His depiction of the inner souls and motivations of seemingly real people is the heart of American writing.”

“McEwan weaves another masterpiece. He can pack more into one 24-hour day than any other writer.”

“A must read before you see the movie. McEwan narrates his most unforgettable and moving story in Atonement.”

“Anne Patchett proves again why she is the best modern fiction writer today.”

“Required reading for those who truly want world peace. A must have for all bookclubs.”

“In the thriller world of books, it just does not get any better. Flynn scores again in this story of thermonuclear threats and Middle Eastern intrigue.”

“A masterpiece about a genius with appropriate comic strip panels to illustrate the good parts.”

“Easy Rawlins returns in another story about southern California, the Mouse, and the real meaning of grace and redemption. Start the petitions now to beg Mosley not to end the Rawlins series.”

“The perfect book to give to your favorite nonreader. This book will surely make anyone appreciate the joy of reading.”

“Sure to be at the top of required reading for all bookclubs. Perrotta is one of today's most compelling story tellers.”

“One of the greatest historical novels of all time. Make sure you have an entire weekend with nothing else to do but read when you start this book.”

“This sequel to The Pillars of the Earth was worth the wait. Follett just keeps getting better and better.”

“Did Rhett Butler get enough ink in the