by Jen Moyers (@jen.loves.books)
Here are four books coming out today that I'm excited to read!
Aya de León's A Spy in the Struggle
Description from Publisher:
"Since childhood, Yolanda Vance has forged her desire to escape poverty into a laser-like focus that took her through prep school and Harvard Law. So when her prestigious New York law firm is raided by the FBI, Yolanda turns in her corrupt bosses to save her career—and goes to work for the Bureau. Soon she's sent undercover at Red, Black, and Green—an African-American 'extremist' activist group back in her California college town. They claim a biotech corporation fueled by Pentagon funding is exploiting the neighborhood. But Yolanda is determined to put this assignment in her win column, head back to corporate law, and regain her comfortable life...
"Until an unexpected romance opens her heart—and a suspicious death opens her eyes. Menacing dark money forces will do anything to bury Yolanda and the movement. Fueled by memories of who she once was—and what once really mattered most—how can she tell those who've come to trust her that she's been spying? As the stakes escalate, and one misstep could cost her life, Yolanda will have to choose between betraying the cause of her people or invoking the wrath of the country's most powerful law enforcement agency."
Why I want to read it:
To be honest, the cover is AMAZING, and the description sounds like a great combination of suspense and romance (a sweet spot for me!).
Marie Benedict's The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
Description from Publisher:
"In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. Investigators find her empty car on the edge of a deep, gloomy pond, the only clues some tire tracks nearby and a fur coat left in the car — strange for a frigid night. Her World War I veteran husband and her daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the up-and-coming mystery author. Eleven days later, she reappears, just as mysteriously as she disappeared, claiming amnesia and providing no explanations for her time away.
"The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. With her trademark historical fiction exploration into the shadows of the past, acclaimed author Marie Benedict brings us into the world of Agatha Christie, imagining why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such murky historical mysteries.
"What is real, and what is mystery? What role did her unfaithful husband play, and what was he not telling investigators?
"Agatha Christie novels have withstood the test of time, due in no small part to Christie's masterful storytelling and clever mind that may never be matched, but Agatha Christie's untold history offers perhaps her greatest mystery of all."
Why I want to read it:
My high school English teacher LOVED Agatha Christie, so I've been a fan for a long time, and I remember her telling us about this mysterious disappearance. I've heard great reviews of this one, and in my experience, Benedict does such a beautiful job blending research and storytelling. I can't wait to read this one!
Sophie Sullivan's Ten Rules for Faking It
Description from Publisher:
"What happens when your love life becomes the talk of the town?
"As birthdays go, this year’s for radio producer Everly Dean hit rock-bottom.
"Worse than the 'tonsillectomy birthday.' Worse than the birthday her parents decided to split (the first time). But catching your boyfriend cheating on you with his assistant?
"Even clichés sting.
"But this is Everly’s year! She won’t let her anxiety hold her back. She’ll pitch her podcast idea to her boss.
"There’s just one problem.
"Her boss, Chris, is very cute. (Of course). Also, he's extremely distant (which means he hates her, right? Or is that the anxiety talking)?
"And, Stacey the DJ didn’t mute the mic during Everly’s rant about Simon the Snake (syn: Cheating Ex).
"That’s three problems.
"Suddenly, people are lining up to date her, Bachelorette-style, fans are voting (Reminder: never leave house again), and her interest in Chris might be a two-way street. It’s a lot for a woman who could gold medal in people-avoidance. She’s going to have to fake it ‘till she makes it to get through all of this.
"Perhaps she’ll make a list: The Ten Rules for Faking It.
"Because sometimes making the rules can find you happiness when you least expect it."
Why I want to read it:
I've already read this one (thanks to Partner NetGalley), and I so appreciated its portrayal of Everly's anxiety, its commitment to lists (y'all know I love a list!), and the compelling, sweet romance.
T. A. Willberg's Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder
Description from Publisher:
"Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder plunges readers into the heart of London, to the secret tunnels that exist far beneath the city streets. There, a mysterious group of detectives recruited for Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquiries use their cunning and gadgets to solve crimes that have stumped Scotland Yard.
"Late one night in April 1958, a filing assistant at Miss Brickett’s receives a letter of warning, detailing a name, a time, and a place. She goes to investigate but finds the room empty. At the stroke of midnight, she is murdered by a killer she can’t see―her death the only sign she wasn’t alone. It becomes chillingly clear that the person responsible must also work for Miss Brickett’s, making everyone a suspect.
"Marion Lane, a first-year Inquirer-in-training, finds herself drawn ever deeper into the investigation. When her friend and colleague is framed for the crime, to clear his name she must sort through the hidden alliances at Miss Brickett’s and secrets dating back to WWII. Masterful, clever and deliciously suspenseful, Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder is a fresh take on the Agatha Christie-style locked-room murder mystery, with an exciting new heroine detective."
Why I want to read it:
I have seen nothing but rave views for this one on Book Riot, one of my most trusted bookish sources, and I love the blend here between the mystery and fantasy genres. I think it sounds just brilliant.
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