Friday Reads 4.12.24

It’s Friday, and you know what that means. Grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about what we’re reading!

The weeks are flying by, aren't they? There’s so much happening in the world that it’s hard to keep on top of it all. There are so many great books, so much good writing, and so many threats of war and fear. It takes up a lot of brain energy. The juxtaposition of doomscrolling and literary delight has captured me this week, for sure. And taxes didn’t help. Lots of good reading time was lost on my tax spreadsheet. Bleh. And then, of course, there’s the fact that my outline has failed me. I’m writing a separate piece for 22 Steps on that, should be out next week. So a mixed bag from Casa Ellison this Friday.

First, though, let me say THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW by I.S. Berry is blowing my mind. It has all the elements of a beautifully classic spy tale, compelling setting, a flawed lead, a hint of mystery… it’s superb, and I’m savoring every page.

Karen Olsen has a new book out, AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, a riff on Henry VIII in a modern mystery setting, and that’s something wonderful!

John Sandford’s TOXIC PREY showed up on my Kindle this week, too. I have always loved a Lucas Davenport novel, and this one features Letty, his adopted daughter, too.

My library hold for WELLNESS by Nathan Hill is here, but I have to finish Berry’s book first. This one was a suggestion from friend of the blog and I’m excited to dig in.

I’m hearing mixed reviews of SOCIOPATH by Patric Gagne. Have you read it? It’s in the queue, but I really want a good examination/memoir of this intriguing disorder, so let me know.

Don Winslow’s last book, A CITY IN RUINS, came out this week, and you can see him in conversation with Barbara Peters and Robert Anglen at Poisoned Pen. What a bittersweet moment, knowing you’re retiring from writing.

Is anyone watching Ripley? I am in love so far. Just the noir look is captivating, and I am hooked.

My A WORD ON WORDS interview with Stephen Bouro on his debut novel, THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF ANDY AFRICA, premiered this week, and I’m telling you, it was a fascinating conversation.

The always-interesting M.L. Rio from has a great lesson in outlining.

Oh, I have another galley of A VERY BAD THING to giveaway today. Just leave a comment below and I’ll choose one of you to get the big pink book! The PR has started gearing up for this book, so I’ve added a slot on Fridays to do interviews and essays. But I can share something new: the soundtrack! Enjoy!

That’s it from me. How about you? Good week? I'd love to hear what you're reading this weekend. Any recommendations?

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