What do you get when you cross the sweeping terrain of Texas with a road trip to recover a serial killer’s lost memories? Julia Heaberlin’s PAPER GHOSTS. In an inventive and immersive story of suspense, Heaberlin takes readers along for the ride as a young woman seeks answers to her sister’s disappearance... and does so in the form of a cross-state adventure with the man she suspects of killing her. A strong addition to the spring reading list of those looking for an atypical take on the serial killer novel.
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CBTB's Recommended March 2018 Releases
This March is absolutely brimming with fantastic new crime fiction! From dark and gripping Nordic Noir to twisty and unputdownable psychological thrillers to a story exploring female friendship set in Morocco, there’s truly a little something for everyone releasing this month. It’s going to be hard to top this month’s stellar lineup - so grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a rundown of the best crime fiction releasing in March 2018!
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Author Q&A: Christine Mangan, TANGERINE
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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