I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Christine Mangan to CBTB today! Christine is the author of TANGERINE - one of the most exceptional debuts I've read in ages - and maybe ever. In this stunning examination of the intricacies of female friendship, Mangan sets a tense, almost claustrophobic encounter against the backdrop of 1950’s Morocco. I highly recommend TANGERINE for fans of Patricia Highsmith, Gillian Flynn, and Alfred Hitchcock—and yes, these are lofty comparisons to make, but this book delivers. Read on for my Q&A with Christine!
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Book Review: ALL THE BEAUTIFUL LIES by Peter Swanson
Rarely have I ever been as hesitant to write a review as I have been to write this one. After absolutely loving HER EVERY FEAR (Swanson’s 2017 release), Peter Swanson’s ALL THE BEAUTIFUL LIES was one of my highly-anticipated 2018 reads; unfortunately, my reading experience not only fell flat, but was so genuinely uncomfortable and disturbing that I’ve long wrestled with whether or not I even want to write this review. I went into this book well aware, based on its plot description, that it would have a component involving a taboo relationship, but I could never have predicted the total focus this book would place on illicit relationships between adults (often adults in the role of guardian) and young people. Had I known this in advance, I wouldn’t have chosen to read this book - I take full responsibility for not having done enough research before diving in. But given that this book did appear on my Instagram - and given my genuine aversion to its content - a review is warranted. My only request of you, the reader: please read this review keeping in mind that I have the utmost respect for the author, the publisher, and for all readers whose opinions on this book differ from my own.
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Spotlight on Orenda Books @OrendaBooks
If you haven’t heard of Orenda Books yet, that’s all about to change. The UK-based independent publisher continues to make a splash with a growing list of crime fiction and literary fiction authors, including many CBTB favorites: Ragnar Jonasson, Thomas Enger, Matt Wesolowski, and more! Today I’m thrilled to share a “Spotlight on Orenda Books” - aka a chance for you to explore Orenda’s growing list, learn about my personal favorite Orenda titles, and read a Q&A with Orenda Books’ publisher, Karen Sullivan!
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Cover Reveal: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE by Matthew Farrell
Can we collectively agree that “don’t judge a book by its cover” isn’t a must-follow rule? I hope so - because today I’m so excited to share a fantastic cover reveal with CBTB readers for a Fall 2018 debut thriller! Matthew Farrell’s WHAT HAVE YOU DONE goes on sale in October 2018 from Thomas & Mercer, and if the cover is any indication, it’s one that belongs on your radar for fall. In this post, I'm delighted to share a Q&A with Matthew, more details on his debut thriller, and (of course) the book's cover reveal!
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Book Review: IN THE VINES by Shannon Kirk
As a crime fiction reader, what could be better than finding a psychological thriller that is so effective and immersive in its portrayal of an unhinged mindset that it actually makes you start to feel just a bit unhinged yourself? Finding a book that does this effectively is never easy, but today’s featured title does it in spades. IN THE VINES by Shannon Kirk will make for twisted, page-turning summer reading - a shocking and purely entertaining psychological suspense novel for the reader who doesn’t want to just see the deterioration of the story’s main characters, but wants to feel it, too. Kirk has written an immersive, addictive story of toxic family secrets and the fallout of their surfacing. From its atmospheric backdrop (a seaside New England estate, now falling into disrepair) to its vivid, impactful writing and (let’s not forget) genuinely twisted central mystery, IN THE VINES delivers the total package - and makes for the perfect addition to your summer reading list.
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