Book Buzz: Bad Days, Orc Princesses, and Cold Cases

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. Usually, I profile a sample of various random new books, but this time around, I noticed 3 books that are all the first in a series, and the summer is as good a time as any to try a new series. Starting a new one might be a wiser move than what I’m doing–rereading an old favorite (George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire . . . because I like to suffer. 😉 )

Book Buzz: 19th Century Maine, Christmas Miracles, and the Joys of Being Crafty

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For December, we’re looking at a re-released historical novel about the lives of 3 women in Maine in the 1800s, the latest book in a popular holiday series, and a celebration of folks who work with their hands.

Book Buzz: Digital Romances, Post-WWII Thrillers, and Treasure Hunts

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For November, we’re looking at a witty rom com revolving around social media, the intense hunt for a fictional Nazi war criminal in the years following WWII, and a fascinating actual treasure hunt that has spanned over 200 years.

Book Buzz: African Magical Realism, Monstrous YA, and Ozark Reminiscences

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For October, we’re looking at a family epic tinged with magical realism, a YA novel perfect for Halloween, and a good-natured memoir about life on the Lake of the Ozarks in the 1960s.

Book Buzz: Wizard of Oz Fan Fiction,Terrible Children’s Stories, and Slime

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For September, we’re looking at a fictional behind-the-scenes look of a Hollywood classic, a zany but clever graphic novel for kids, and a book about slime (no, really).

Book Buzz: Neurotics Broadening Their Horizons, 19th Century Frontier Romances, Real-Life WWII Partisans

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For August, we’re looking at a surprisingly sweet romance, a trilogy of historical romances set in 19th century Oklahoma, and a history of British secret operations in France during WWII.

Book Buzz: Literary Science Fiction, A Genteel but Murderous Groundhog Day, Regional Ozark Literature

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For July, we’re looking at a haunting story about families and scientific experimentation gone awry, a madcap mystery set on a British estate, and an anthology collection of local literature.

Book Buzz: Aquatic Friendships, Austen in Pakistan, and a Magician’s Secrets

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For June, we’re looking at historical fiction set on a unique Korean island, a retelling of Pride and Prejudice that is set in modern Pakistan, and a memoir from a magic enthusiast/amateur magician.

Book Buzz: Books in Bloom 2019

The 14th annual Books in Bloom literary festival is going to be May 19, 12-5 pm, at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. You’ll have the chance to mingle with authors, listen to them give talks, and even get your books signed by them. This year’s authors include Brooks Blevins (whom I really enjoyed meeting back in 2016 when he was last at Books in Blooms), Jeffrey Deaver, and Chris Bohjalian.

Here are a few newer books you might want to check out in the weeks leading up to Books in Bloom, so you can already start researching which talks to attend and which authors to meet.

Book Buzz: Canadian Ennui, Heartwarming Memoirs, and Canadian Murders, Eh

Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For April, we’re looking at a modern literary tale of family life in rural Newfoundland, a charming memoir about familial culture clashes, and a new book in a long-running Canadian murder mystery series.