Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2015

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the American Library Association Annual Conference in San Francisco, California. As I was flying out there last Friday on Virgin America, the little TV on the seat back in front of me had a breaking news event – the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage. I plugged in my headphones and listened to the news, tears steaming down my face.

I was so overcome with emotion because that decision meant that my daughter could marry whomever she loves, and that she would be accorded protection of marital rights under the law. As would my gay friends, and it just so happened that I was meeting a great friend at the conference, who happens to be gay. I knew the news would be especially meaningful to him and I was so happy that I would get to celebrate with him.

Saturday morning was another emotional morning for me. I got up at the crack of dawn and headed out to the convention center. I arrived at 7:15, more than an hour early for the keynote speaker – Gloria Steinem. A dear friend of the family, Arthur Tarlow, was the only man that worked at Ms. Magazine. I was 13 years old when that first issue came out, and I became a huge fan of the magazine, and Ms. Steinem. I wasn’t old enough to vote for it, but I was old enough to march for the Equal Rights Amendment, despite my parents’ objections. It didn’t pass, but my faith in feminism never wavered. Several years ago, Arthur got me a signed book from Ms. Steinem. I have a lot of signed books, but that is one of my most prized possessions.

I got a seat front row, center for Ms. Steinem. She walked out on that stage an hour later and I teared up again. Afterwards, I approached her before her publicist could whisk her away and told her about our mutual friend, who had passed away a few years earlier. She stopped to chat and Erica, her publicist, was kind enough to take a picture for me. She has a new book coming out in October, a memoir about her life on the road.

Sunday was the Pride Parade down Market Street, a couple of blocks from the convention center. I watched for a while, crying yet again. The parade was supposed to be over by 3:00 but due to the size of the contingents marching, it was still going strong at 5:00 PM.

It was a very emotional weekend for me, and one I will never forget. It seemed fitting to share my memories this 4th of July, as LGBTQ Americans are one step closer to independence.

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THE INSIDER THREAT by Brad Taylor

July 3, 2015

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A Pike Logan Thriller (Book 8)

This is the eighth entry in the Pike Logan action series by Brad Taylor, whose real life activities included years of experience with covert operations. Pike is the leader of a group of undercover soldiers, part of a secret US government sanctioned organization known only as the Task Force, devoted to taking down America’s enemies wherever they may be. His cover is a business he has in partnership with his girlfriend, lover and member of his elite team – Jennifer Cahill. Jennifer has a degree in Archaeological studies, and the business is to seek artifacts of scientific and historical value.

The Insider Threat is Col. Taylor’s first novel concerning the horrific threat of Isis and its complete disregard for any feelings of humanity towards the people it conquers. Rumors of an attack in Europe bring Pike and his group to Italy to seek out the Isis group the “Lost Boys,” and prevent them from carrying out their assignment. Coincidentally, they again meet characters from a previous novel who had been working for the Mossad; Shosanha and her partner Aaron Bergman. The two had left the Mossad and were handling independent contracts for other Israeli interests, and were tasked with killing one of the Isis members. The two join with the Task force group agreeing to cooperate as necessary to accomplish both missions.

The book, as all other Pike Logan novels, is filled with action, military strategy and an attention to logical plot and follow through. Shosanha and Aaron fit in with the Task Force operation and surely will take part in further actions. An emphasis is placed on Jennifer’s growth in knowledge of what the group does and her contribution with ideas and methods towards the ultimate success of the mission at hand. Although she indicates at the end of the book that she is tired of the killing and fighting involved with the group’s missions it is very likely that she will continue to work with Pike in future adventures.

A novel moving with lightning speed and action guaranteed to maintain the reader’s attention and set the pace for the next Pike Logan adventure.

7/14 Paul Lane

THE INSIDER THREAT by Brad Taylor. Dutton (June 30, 2015). ISBN: 978-0525954903. 432p.

1 Comment | Book Reviews, Crime Fiction, Fiction | Tagged: Thriller | Permalink
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BUM RAP by Paul Levine

July 2, 2015

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Levine writes two popular legal series, the Jake Lassiter series and the Solomon and Lord series, and has cleverly brought all three of his heroes together in his latest outing.

Steve Solomon was in the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to help Nadia, a Russian “B girl,” get her passport and back wages from Gorev. When Nadia pulls a Glock out of her purse, Gorev ends up dead, Nadia disappears with her passport and a mysterious bag she lifted from Gorev’s safe, and Steve is left literally holding the gun inside a locked room.

His law partner and significant other, Victoria Lord, hires Jake Lassiter to defend her man and the fun begins. Turns out Gorev was working for Benny the Jeweler, a nice old gent who also happens to be a major diamond smuggler.

The Russians and the FBI are after Nadia, but if Lassiter is able to track her down, will she corroborate Steve’s story that she shot Gorev, using Florida’s infamous “stand your ground” defense? All they know for sure is that Nadia was working as an informant and the Feds don’t want their investigation compromised.

Solomon’s usual roguish charm is subdued while he sweats it out in jail, Lord is scared but willing to trust Lassiter, and Lassiter is not at all sure he will be able to get his client off. The pages fly by and the laughs keep coming in this irresistible south Florida romp, a delicious mix of thriller and comic crime thriller.

7/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BUM RAP by Paul Levine. Thomas & Mercer (July 1, 2015). ISBN 978-1477829868. 352p.

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Win the July ’15 bookshelf of signed thrillers!

July 1, 2015

Celebrate Independence Day with these terrific reads! And don’t forget to check back, more titles may be added…stay tuned.

BROKEN PROMISE by Linwood Barclay
From the New York Times bestselling author (and one of my favorites!) of No Safe House comes an explosive novel about the disturbing secrets of a quiet small town.… The New York Times Book Review says “Some days, all you really want is for someone to tell you a wicked-good story. Linwood Barclay answers the reader’s perpetual prayer.”

CODE OF CONDUCT by Brad Thor
The #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor brings back Scot Harvath in his greatest thriller ever, an action-packed literary tour de force! BookReporter.com says, “Thor tops himself again and again.” The Associated Press says, “Feels like the TV show 24 on the page.”

BUM RAP by Paul Levine
I couldn’t have been happier when I heard that Levine was bringing together rugged trial lawyer Jake Lassiter with squabbling law partners Steve Solomon and Victoria Lord. Publisher’s Weekly says, “Levine effectively blends a puzzling crime, intelligent sleuthing, adroit courtroom maneuvering, and a surprising attraction between Victoria and Jake in this welcome addition to both series.”

THE ASSASSINS by Gayle Lynds
Six master assassins — each a legend in the dark corners of international espionage — band together to steal a fortune from the middle of a war zone. But the mission goes tragically wrong, and they retreat into the shadows in the latest Judd Ryder book. David Baldacci says, “Everything a reader could possibly want … will surely stand with the year’s best thrillers.”

AS NIGHT FALLS by Jenny Milchman
From the acclaimed author of Ruin Falls and Cover of Snow comes a breathless new novel of psychological suspense about a dark, twisted turn of events that could shatter a family—a read perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, Chris Bohjalian, and Nancy Pickard.

You can win autographed copies of all these books! If you are new to the site, each month I run a contest in conjunction with the International Thriller Writers organization. We put together a list of books from debut authors to bestsellers, so you can win some of your favorites and find some new favorites.

What makes this contest really special is that all of the books (except eBooks) are signed by the author!

Don’t forget, if you subscribe to the newsletter or follow this blog, you get an extra entry into every contest you enter. Check out the Win Books page for more information on all these books and how you to enter this month’s contest.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Just wanted to add congratulations and thanks to the

November winner for sending in this picture!

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ANA OF CALIFORNIA GIVEAWAY!

June 30, 2015

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ANA OF CALIFORNIA, a charming retelling of one of the most beloved books ever, Anne of Green Gables, with a modern and diverse cast of characters, by debut novelist Andi Teran.

Fifteen-year-old orphan Ana (“one n, like fauna—not Anna, like ‘banana’”) Cortez has just blown her last chance with a foster family. It’s a group home next—unless she agrees to leave East Los Angeles for a farm trainee program in Northern California. When she first arrives, Ana can’t tell a tomato plant from a blackberry bush, but Ana comes to love Garber Farm. When she inadvertently stirs up trouble in town, Ana is afraid she might have ruined her last chance at finding a place to belong.

If you’re as big a fan of Anne as I am, you will definitely want to put Ana of California on your summer reading list. And to help you do that, I’m offering one lucky reader a copy of both books!

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To win both ANA OF CALIFORNIA and a beautiful new annotated edition of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “ANA & ANNE” as the subject. You must include your U.S. street address in your email.

All entries must be received by July 15, 2015. One (1) name will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States only. Your prize will be sent by Viking Penguin Press.

One entry per email address. Subscribers to the monthly newsletter earn an extra entry into every contest. Follow this blog to earn another entry into every contest. Winners may win only one time per year (365 days) for contests with prizes of more than one book. Your email address will not be shared or sold to anyone.

ANA OF CALIFORNIA (A Penguin Original; On-sale June 30, 2015; $16.00; 978-0-14-312649-2)

6/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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AS NIGHT FALLS by Jenny Milchman

June 30, 2015

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After winning the Mary Higgins Clark Award for Cover of Snow, Milchman returns with her third standalone thriller set in upstate New York.

The suspense starts building right from the get go when we learn that Sandy, a therapist, and her husband Ben have built their dream home in a desolate area, which they share with their sullen teenage daughter and a sweet old dog. The fact that the desolation is emphasized immediately set the hairs on the back of my neck to tingling.

Nick has been in prison for more than twenty years, but comes up with a brilliant plan for escape, and takes along fellow inmate Harlan and they end up invading Sandy’s home. The story moves back and forth between the home invasion and Nick’s childhood, which is often a way of helping make the bad guy more sympathetic – but not in this case.

There is a shocking twist when we find out Sandy has a walloping secret she’s kept from her family, but they have no choice but to rely on her help if they are to survive.

Another excellent psychological thriller that should appeal to readers who favor authors like Lisa Gardner and Lisa Unger.

6/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AS NIGHT FALLS by Jenny Milchman. Ballantine Books (June 30, 2015). ISBN 978-0553394818. 384p.

Comments Off on AS NIGHT FALLS by Jenny Milchman | Book Reviews, Crime Fiction, Fiction | Tagged: Thriller | Permalink
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DAY FOUR by Sarah Lotz

June 29, 2015

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Foveros Cruises has been plagued by bad press, so when things on The Beautiful Dreamer start to turn sour it’s no wonder the crew want to keep things under wraps. A fire breaks out in the engine room causing the ship to prepare for emergency evacuation. It never comes to that, but it does lead to the discovery of a dead girl in one of the staterooms. Dreamer security wants to chalk it up to “misadventure” but any investigation soon gets pushed by the wayside as they realize that the ship has lost power and is now drifting at sea. To make things worse, an outbreak of Norovirus has begun affecting both passengers and crew.

While those in charge try to remain positive, promising updates and rescue, the rest of the ship declines into a chaotic scene of violence and fear. No other ships have been seen for days, food and supplies are starting to dwindle, and the more superstitious on board are claiming supernatural forces are behind the whole thing.

Day Four is the absolute perfect summer read. It’s weird and creepy and hits all the right notes for anyone who enjoys somewhat offbeat/cross-genre reads.

Fans of Lotz’s The Three will quickly realize that Day Four is connected, though the connection doesn’t become clear until the end. Even still, there are questions after the conclusion making me wonder if Lotz has plans to further develop the premise with future installments. (I sincerely hope so.) You don’t have to have read The Three to start Day Four, though I would definitely recommend them both.

I should note that while The Three consists solely of articles, correspondence, and interviews, Day Four is a more traditional narrative. Anyone who might have struggled with Lot’s prior outing may find this latest easier to get into.

6/15 Becky LeJeune

DAY FOUR by Sarah Lotz. Little, Brown and Company (June 16, 2015). ISBN 978-0316242943. 352p.

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THE PERFECT EGG by Teri Lyn Fisher & Jenny Park

June 27, 2015

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A Fresh Take on Recipes for Morning, Noon, and Night

Eggs, eggs, eggs, and more eggs. Obviously you must like eggs for this cookbook to be in any way appealing. It’s a good thing, then, that we do really like eggs in my household.

Bloggers Terry Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park caught my eye quite some time ago with their fabulous Spoon Fork Bacon blog. Their quirky dishes and fabulous photography are enough to tempt any foodie’s palate and their instructions are easy to follow and explanatory enough for even a less confident home cook. All of this carries over into their latest cookbook.

They begin with basics – egg grading and packaging, and techniques for cooking eggs (frying, poaching, boiling, etc). In other words everything you need to move on to the actual recipes.

While the book does include plenty of standards – deviled eggs, egg salad, and omelets – the authors also focus on ethnic egg dishes appropriate for meals throughout the day. Adventurous eaters can try their hand at Khai Yat Sai – a Thai omelet with a savory pork filling spiked with fish sauce (excellent with Sriracha) -, a Japanese egg custard called Chawanmushi, and Korean bibimbap.

The Perfect Egg is my favorite new cookbook hands down and one I definitely recommend.

6/15 Becky LeJeune

THE PERFECT EGG by Teri Lyn Fisher & Jenny Park. Ten Speed Press (March 3, 2015). ISBN 978-1607746256. 176p.

Comments Off on THE PERFECT EGG by Teri Lyn Fisher & Jenny Park | Book Reviews, Cookbook, Nonfiction | Tagged: Mystery | Permalink
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BEAUTIFUL DAY by Elin Hilderbrand

June 25, 2015

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Narrated by Therese Plummer

I am (sort of) patiently waiting for the next Diana Gabaldon book on CD (A Breath of Snow and Ashes) to come in from the library, so I’m listening to other things while I wait. I really like Elin Hilderbrand’s books, at least the few I’ve read so far, so when this audio book became available, I grabbed it.

It is a heart-tugger for sure. The “beautiful day” in question is Jenna’s wedding day. The wedding is set at her family’s home on Nantucket, and the story involves everyone in the family.

Her mother Beth died while Jenna was in college, and she took off a semester to stay home with her. Beth left her a wedding notebook, basically a long letter to Jenna describing every detail of the wedding she would not be around to take part in. So of course, Jenna considers every word to be gospel, from the grassy green bridesmaids dresses to their dyed to match shoes.

Jenna is the youngest of four and the older three are much older, and therefore very close. The oldest is Margaux, whom Beth has decreed should be the maid of honor. Margaux has lots of drama in her life. She is a single mom, having divorced her surf bum of a husband, and is currently involved in a secret relationship with her father’s law partner, a man 30 years older than she.

Nick is single and a player, but nonetheless things get weird when he starts sleeping with Finn, Jenna’s best friend and one of the bridesmaids – who happens to be married but her husband is in Vegas at a bachelor party. The other brother is happily married with kids. They all squish into the Nantucket beach house they summered in all their lives and the drama begins.

There is more drama with Stuart, the groom. His mother Ann is the state senator from North Carolina and his father had left her for another woman several years earlier. They had a child together, but divorced soon after and his parents were married once again. Since his half-brother is in the wedding party, Ann decides to invite her husband’s ex, much to his disappointment. In reality, Ann simply wants to gloat that she got her husband back but of course that plan doesn’t work out exactly the way she wants it to.

I am a hopeless romantic and cry at everything wedding related; TV commercials, crazy wedding dances gone viral, and especially books like this one. I welled up on several occasions, not really a great thing to do while driving!

So much happens over this wedding weekend that the pages just fly by – or they would had I read it. Instead, I listened to it and while I really enjoyed the story, I did not enjoy the reader. I haven’t listened to enough audio books to pinpoint exactly what the problem is, so I’m just throwing that out there. I wished I would have read it instead of listening to it.

6/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BEAUTIFUL DAY by Elin Hilderbrand. Back Bay Books (March 4, 2014). ISBN 978-0316099769. 432p.

Book on CD

Downloadable audio book (Audible.com)

1 Comment | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Romantic Suspense | Permalink
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THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK ed., Kate White

June 24, 2015

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Wickedly Good Meals and Desserts to Die For

Ever wonder what some of your favorite mystery writers (and characters) cook and eat? Well now you can find out. The Mystery Writers of America have put together a cookbook showcasing family recipes and dishes inspired by their books.

The selection includes breakfasts, drinks, entrees, and everything in between. Recipes range from fun entries such as Detective Palace’s Three-Egg Omelet (from Ben H. Winters’s The Last Policeman) and Kinsey Millhone’s Famous Peanut Butter & Pickle Sandwich (courtesy of Sue Grafton) to Lee Child’s somewhat tongue in cheek Coffee, Pot of One and Diane Mott Davidson’s updated Fa-La-La Fruitcake Cookies. Fans of Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache series can try Madame Benoîts’ Tourtière, which will make the perfect accompaniment to her upcoming eleventh installment, The Nature of the Beast, and I can personally attest to the fact that Laura Lippman’s Aunt Effie’s Salmon Ball and Susan M. Boyer’s Mamma’s Pimento Cheese both make great snacks for reading their respective series.

These are not gourmet dishes, for the most part, and they do run the gamut from simple to somewhat involved but The Mystery Writer’s of America Cookbook does make for a great addition to any food loving mystery fan’s collection.

6/15 Becky LeJeune

THE MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA COOKBOOK ed., Kate White. Quirk Books (March 24, 2015). ISBN 978-1594747571. 176p.

1 Comment | Book Reviews, Cookbook, Nonfiction | Tagged: Mystery | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi