November is already upon us and I am making a concerted effort to get back to reading. And so, on my November reading radar…
Nothing to See Here by Deckle Edge
Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.
Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: the twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it’s the truth.
Thinking of her dead-end life at home, the life that has consistently disappointed her, Lillian figures she has nothing to lose. Over the course of one humid, demanding summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other—and stay cool—while also staying out of the way of Madison’s buttoned-up politician husband. Surprised by her own ingenuity yet unused to the intense feelings of protectiveness she feels for them, Lillian ultimately begins to accept that she needs these strange children as much as they need her—urgently and fiercely. Couldn’t this be the start of the amazing life she’d always hoped for?
The Killing Light by Myke Cole (November 12, 2019)
The thrilling conclusion to Myke Cole’s Sacred Throne trilogy
Heloise and her allies are marching on the Imperial Capital. The villagers, the Kipti, and the Red Lords are united only in their loyalty to Heloise, though dissenting voices are many and they are loud.
The unstable alliance faces internal conflicts and external strife, yet they’re united in their common goal. But when the first of the devils start pouring through a rent in the veil between worlds, Heloise must strike a bargain with an unlikely ally, or doom her people to death and her world to ruin.
The Pursuit of William Abbey by Claire North (November 12, 2019)
A hauntingly powerful novel about how the choices we make can stay with us forever, by the award-winning author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and 84K.
South Africa in the 1880s. A young and naive English doctor by the name of William Abbey witnesses the lynching of a local boy by the white colonists. As the child dies, his mother curses William.
William begins to understand what the curse means when the shadow of the dead boy starts following him across the world. It never stops, never rests. It can cross oceans and mountains. And if it catches him, the person he loves most in the world will die.
Newcomer by Keigo Higashino (November 19, 2019)
International bestseller Keigo Higashino returns with his latest mindbender—Newcomer—as newly transferred Tokyo Police Detective Kyochiro Kaga is assigned to a baffling murder.
Detective Kyochiro Kaga of the Tokyo Police Department has just been transferred to a new precinct in the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo. Newly arrived, but with a great deal of experience, Kaga is promptly assigned to the team investigating the murder of a woman. But the more he investigates, the greater number of potential suspects emerges. It isn’t long before it seems nearly all the people living and working in the business district of Nihonbashi have a motive for murder. To prevent the murderer from eluding justice, Kaga must unravel all the secrets surrounding a complicated life. Buried somewhere in the woman’s past, in her family history, and the last few days of her life is the clue that will lead to the murderer.
A Very Scalzi Christmas by John Scalzi (November 30, 2019)
New York Times best-selling and Hugo Award-winning author John Scalzi gift-wraps 15 short takes on the holiday season – interviews with holiday notables, “informational” articles about TV specials and Christmas carols, short stories and poems, and even a couple of nods to Thanksgiving and New Year’s – and puts them all into a stocking stuffer-sized package that makes the perfect gift for friends, family, or yourself.
So, what’s on your to-read list?
Speaking of John Scalzi, I’m currently reading his “The Collapsing Empire”, on which I’m just getting started. I most recently finished Abercrombie’s “Half a King”, which was a great read, if a little slow to start. By far my favourite in the last year has been “The Glass Castle”, which was probably the best book I’ve read in recent memory.
Let us know what you think of these ones!
I recently enjoyed Beijing Payback by Daniel Nieh. Sort of an unwilling revenge type story. Also REAMDE by Neal Stephenson. Not as cyberpunk as his usual fare – more of a cyber thriller. Super detailed and set all over the world, including Canada 🙂
Currently reading The Ten Thousand Doors of January, by Alix Harrow. Sort of light fantasy set early in 20th century. Very beautiful writing.
Next up, some non-fiction: Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow, and Blowout by Rachel Maddow. They’ll probably just bum me out, but they both cover important topics…
I hope your dr doesn’t follow your blog. Those food porn pictures from yesterday were killer! In more ways than one. 😉 You’re living the dream!
Thanks for the book suggestions! I’ve been reading a couple of different series lately. I’m currently on the last Longmire book. Craig Johnson has such a wonderful way with words/stories. If you’ve never read anything by Mr. Johnson, try the first Longmire book.
I started a new series by Gregg Hurwit, Orphan X. Very good! Didn’t you recommend this last year? If so, thanks!
As always, I’m a John Sandford fan. So, I’ve been saving one of his “Lucas Davenport” books for my next road trip (audio). John Sandford is an excellent writer and Richard Ferrone is amazing doing the audiobook version. Mr. Ferrone could read the phone book and make it interesting.
Gforce: I listened to the audio book of “The Collapsing Empire” (1 & 2). Very interesting series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I’ve read all three books of “Half a King” and enjoyed them.
Have you read “Red Sister”? Give that one a looksie if you like “Half a King”. Also, have you read Jack Campbell’s series “The Lost Fleet”? My hubby and I enjoyed the audiobooks for that series a lot. The voice actor is excellent, Christian Rummel. I never realized how a trained narrator can influence a story but it sure makes a difference!
My audiobooks are making the time pass quickly while painting. Four more rooms to go but two of them are very large. 🙁
Cool! I’m glad to see you’re reading lots of books again. You and a book go hand in hand.
Damn it, Scalzi!
Stop getting distracted by other writing projects and finish the third book in the Collapsing Empire series and release it early!
🙂