Fiction, Mystery, and Sci-Fi

New Fiction

The Prophets

by Robert Jones, Jr available in January, hardcover, G. P. Putnam's Sons Robert Jones, Jr. summons the voices of slaver and enslaved alike, from the calculating slave master to the long line of women that surround them, women who have carried the soul of the plantation on their shoulders. As tensions build and the weight of centuries culminates in a climactic reckoning, The Prophets masterfully reveals the pain and suffering of inheritance, but is also shot through with hope, beauty, and truth. Pre-order Your Copy Today!

Earthlings

by Sayaka Murata available now, hardcover, Grove

If 2020 has left you full of misanthropy, woe, and disquietude, then this the read for you. Despite very off-color and disturbing scenes, I couldn't put it down. If this review has left you slightly appalled, but still in search of a book about alienation from society, I recommend Murata's Convenience Store Woman, which catapulted her to international fame. Earthlings was a great reminder to never judge a book by its cover. –Questen

A Certain Hunger

by Chelsea G. Summers available in December, hardcover, The Unnamed Press

Food critic Dorothy Daniels is discerning, meticulous, and very, very smart. But there is something within Dorothy that’s different from everyone else, and having suppressed it long enough, she starts to embrace what makes Dorothy uniquely, terrifyingly herself. A satire of early foodieism, a critique of how gender is defined, and a showcase of virtuoso storytelling, Summers’ A Certain Hunger introduces us to the food world’s most charming psychopath and an exciting new voice in fiction.

Pre-order Your Copy Today!

Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic

by Alice Hoffman available now, hardcover, Simon & Schuster

At last, Hoffman takes us all the way back to the beginning of the Owens witches with the story of Maria. She is one of the best witches I have ever read; complex, human, strong, beautiful. And Hoffman writes love so well—about its beauty and about its darkness when it becomes twisted. If you enjoyed Practical Magic, then you will love Magic Lessons. –Claire

Once We Were Here

by Christopher Cosmos available in November, hardcover, Arcade

In 1940, in a small village nestled against the radiant waters of the Aegean Sea, we find Alexei and his best friend Costa, who were both born on the same night 18 years earlier and have been like brothers ever since. Now, like all the other young men in their village and throughout Greece, they will leave their homes to bravely fight for their country. Before they go, Alexei asks Philia, the girl that he's loved his entire life, to marry him, which sets into motion the events which will change the lives of these three and their family and friends forever.

A Great Gift...

Hamnet

by Maggie O'Farrell "Hamnet was Shakespeare's little boy that died at an early age. Hamnet's twin sister did not. This is true. What we are not sure of is what happened when young Hamnet passed and his mother, Agnes, was left to take care of his funeral and to continue to care for her daughters. Her playwright husband was far from home, in London. The grief and isolation this mother must have felt can only be imagined. And Maggie O'Farrell does a brilliant job of telling this tale. So good in fact, she has won the 2020 Women's Prize for Fiction." –Kelly E.

Fiction & Mystery

A Great Gift...

Piranesi

by Susanna Clarke "Perfect— everything I want a novel to be!" –Laura P.

Book of Hidden Wonders

by Polly Crosby available now, hardcover, Park Row

Romilly Kemp and her eccentric painter father lead happy but sheltered lives in a ramshackle mansion in the

English countryside. When her father finds fame with a series of children’s books starring Romilly as the main character, everything changes: exotic foods appear on the table, her father appears on TV, and strangers appear at their door, convinced the books will lead them to a precious prize. But as time passes, Romilly’s father becomes increasingly suspicious of the outside world until, before her eyes, he begins to disappear within himself. She returns to his illustrations, looking for a way to connect with her ailing father, and finds a series of clues he’s left just for her. Written with tremendous heart, The

Book of Hidden Wonders is an unforgettable story about growing up, facing mortality and discovering the hidden wonders that make us who we are. –Paul

Moonflower Murders

by Anthony Horowitz available in November, hardcover, Harper Featuring his famous literary detective Atticus Pund and Susan Ryeland, hero of the worldwide bestseller Magpie Murders, a complex literary thriller with echoes of Agatha Christie from New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz. Brilliantly clever, relentlessly suspenseful, full of twists that will keep readers guessing with each revelation and clue, Moonflower Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage English crime fiction from one of its greatest masterminds, Anthony Horowitz.

Red Pill

by Hari Kunzru available now, hardcover, Knopf A writer on a Berlin fellowship slowly feels he is being watched while becoming obsessed with a grotesque police drama. After an encounter with the show's Quentin Tarantino-cumRichard Spencer director, he becomes deluded with the idea that he is in a psychic battle with him and his growing movement of alt-right henchmen. In short--a less edgy, more philosophical Fight Club which takes place in the months leading up to the 2016 presidential election. –Questen

The Grammarians

by Cathleen Schine available in November, paperback, Picador From the author compared to Nora Ephron and Nancy Mitford, not to mention Jane Austen, comes a novel celebrating the beauty, mischief, and occasional treachery of language. This playful, joyful novel about word-obsessed twin sisters who go to war with each other over possession of a prized family heirloom: a dictionary. A dazzling comedy of sisterly and linguistic manners, a revelation of the delights and stresses of intimacy, The Grammarians is the work of one of our great comic novelists

Mystery

at her very best.

The War Widow: A Billie Walker Novel

by Tara Moss available in December, hardcover, Dutton

Sydney, 1946. War correspondent Billie Walker reopens her late father’s business, a private investigation agency, and, slowly, the women of Sydney come knocking. At first, Billie’s bread and butter is tailing cheating husbands. Then, a young man, the son of European immigrants, goes missing, and Billie finds herself on a dangerous new trail that will lead up into the highest levels of Sydney society and down into its underworld.

New & Upcoming Fiction

An Irish Country Welcome, #15 in the “Irish Country Books” Series

by Patrick Taylor available now, hardcover, Forge Books Looking for an escape to a delightful place? Then travel to Ballybucklebo, Ireland. Taylor's books have been described as "the perfect companion for a comfy fire and a cup of tea" and are perfect for those seeking a distraction from the stress of the modern world. Start with the first, An Irish Country Doctor, and immerse yourself in a home away from home.

The Cold Millions

by Jess Walter available now, hardcover, Harper From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins comes another “literary miracle” (NPR)—a propulsive, richly entertaining novel about two brothers swept up in the turbulent class warfare of the early 20th century. An intimate story of brotherhood, love, sacrifice, and betrayal set against the panoramic backdrop of an early twentieth-century America that eerily echoes our own time, The Cold Millions offers a kaleidoscopic portrait of a nation grappling with the chasm between rich and poor, between harsh realities and simple dreams. A Village Books Signed First Edition book! See page 24 to learn more. BUZZ WORTHY November 24-29 books & booze pairing Go to Evolve Cafe on the mezzanine in Village Books in Fairhaven to enjoy a cocktail inspired by this book!

Before the Ruins

by Victoria Gosling available in January, hardcover, Henry Holt and Co. Debut author! A gripping, multilayered debut in the tradition of Paula Hawkins and Tana French about four friends, an abandoned manor, and one fateful night that will follow them for the rest of their lives. That summer, there were four of them, all on the cusp of adulthood, whiling away the hours in a deserted manor house with a rich, sordid history. When the group learns that a diamond necklace, stolen fifty years ago, might still be somewhere on the manor grounds, the Game—half treasure hunt, half friendly deception—begins. But the Game becomes much bigger than the necklace, growing to encompass years of secrets, lies, and, ultimately, one terrible betrayal. For fans who love a good mystery about people behaving badly. Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

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Paperback Fiction

Secret Santa: A Horror for the Holidays Novel

by Andrew Shaffer available in November, paperback, Quirk Books Participating in a secret Santa gift exchange, Lussi Meyer receives a demonic-looking object that she recognizes but doesn’t understand. Suddenly, her coworkers at the publishing house begin falling victim to a series of horrific accidents, and Lussi suspects that her gift is involved. With the help of her former author, Lussi must track down her Secret Santa and figure out the true meaning of by Madeline ffitch

the cursed object before it destroys the company—and her soul.

Tender is the Flesh

available now, paperback, Scribner Books A plague renders all animals inedible to humans allowing for the cattle industry to transition to "special meat" made out of specially bred humans, and tofu (apparently) doesn't exist in this world. A powerful statement about meat cultivation and the treatment of animals (and people) while at the same time a beautifully written, haunting tale. –Questen

Stay and Fight

by Augustina Bazterrica available in Novemberr, paperback, Picador This novel is a strange gem. It's about family, survival, living off the grid, and commitment to a way of life that takes serious determination and grit. A family is determined to make a home for themselves on their own terms in the hills of Appalachia, but when the son decides he wants to go to school, the outside world encroaches in ways that threaten all they have. –Claire

A Great Gift...

Still Life with Woodpecker

by Tom Robbins "PNW author Tom Robbins spins a fantastical tale of love, philosophy, and discovery! A classic tale that is pithy and clever, and sure to be an instant hit with family and friends!" –Maesie

Circe A Great Gift...by Madeline Miller "Circe is an epic journey about a Greek goddess finding her way, and a great gift for anyone seeking adventure." –Maddie

Little Threats

by Emily Schultz available in November, paperback, Penguin The 90's grunge scene! True Crime Podcasts! Murder! This book has it all! Teenage Kennedy went to prison for 15 years for killing her best friend. The only problem is, she doesn't remember doing it. The story is told from three different perspectives and goes in between timelines, and the twists and turns in the end will make it impossible to put down. A great slow burn psychological thriller that just keeps picking up the pace as you read. If you liked Gillian Flynn's Dark Places, you'll LOVE this! –Zadra

Romance

Spoiler Alert

by Olivia Dade available now, paperback, Avon Are you an adult that grew up with fanfiction? Do you like romance? Have you ever grappled with idea of self-worth and fought against other's perception of you? Perfect!! The story of Marcus and April's budding romance is right up your alley. Somehow this book manages to be both a fluffy romance and a thought-provoking tale of self-worth! –Jenni

Ambergris: An Omnibus Edition

by Jeff VanderMeer available in December, hardcover, Macmillan Before Area X, there was Ambergris. Jeff VanderMeer conceived what would become his first cult classic series of speculative works: the Ambergris Trilogy. Now, for the first time ever, the story of the sprawling metropolis of Ambergris is collected into a single volume, including City of Saints and Madmen, Shriek: An Afterword, and Finch.

Rhythm of War: The Stormlight Archive #4

by Brandon Sanderson available in November, hardcover, Tor The eagerly awaited sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Oathbringer, from an epic fantasy writer at the top of his game. After forming a coalition of human resistance against the enemy invasion, Dalinar Kholin and his Knights Radiant have spent a year fighting a protracted, brutal war. Neither side has gained an advantage, and the threat of a betrayal by Dalinar’s crafty ally Taravangian looms over every strategic move.

BOOKS Gifts that are Opened Again & Again!

Graphic Novels

DUNE: The Graphic Novel, Book 1

by Frank Herbert, adapted by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson available in November, hardcover, Abrams ComicArts

Dune, Frank Herbert’s epic sciencefiction masterpiece set in the far future tells the story of Paul Atreides as he and his family accept control of the desert planet Arrakis. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism, and politics, Dune is a powerful, fanstastical tale that takes an unprecedented look into our universe, and is transformed by the graphic novel format.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi available in November, hardcover, Hanover Square Press The charming debut novel—already a phenomenon in Japan as well as a runaway UK bestseller—that asks What would you change if you could travel back in time? Down a small alleyway in the heart of Tokyo, there is an underground café that’s been serving carefully brewed coffee for over a hundred years. Local legend says that this coffeeshop offers its customers something different—the chance to travel back in time. The rules, however, are far from simple: you must sit in one particular seat at one particular time of day. You can’t venture outside the café, nor can you change the present. And, most importantly, you have only the time it takes to drink a hot cup of coffee—or risk getting stuck forever.

Illustrated Humor

The Troll Guide

by Anders Skoglind available in November, paperback, Dark Horse Books

Have you ever encountered a troll and not known what to do? Don’t panic—The Troll Guide has you covered! This essential handbook is filled with tips and tricks on what to do when encountering trolls, as well as a comprehensive list of the different kinds of trolls and mountain creatures. This guidebook will turn even the most novice of troll scholars into experts!

After the Rain

by Nnedi Okorafor, adapted by John Jennings available in January, hardcover, Abrams ComicArts - Megascope After the Rain, a graphic novel adaptation of Nnedi Okorafor’s short story “On the Road,” takes place in a small Nigerian town during an unexpected storm. Chioma answers a knock at her door and is horrified to see a boy with a severe head wound standing at her doorstep. He reaches for her, and his touch burns like fire. Something is very wrong. Haunted and hunted, Chioma must embrace her heritage in order to survive.

Pre-order Your Copy Today!

Fantasy & Science Fiction

Ready Player Two

by Ernest Cline available in November,, hardcover, Ballantine Books

The highly anticipaated sequel to the beloved worldwide bestseller Ready Player One is finally here! Lovingly nostalgic and wildly original as only Ernest Cline could conceive it, Ready Player Two takes us on another imaginative, fun, action-packed adventure through his beloved virtual universe, and jolts us thrillingly into the future once again. BUZZ WORTHY

November 24-29 books & booze pairing

Go to Evolve Cafe on the mezzanine in Village Books in

Fairhaven to enjoy a cocktail inspired by this book!

Exhalation

by Ted Chiang available now, paperback, Vintage In these nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories, Ted Chiang tackles some of humanity’s oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could imagine. In “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate,” a portal through time forces a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and second chances. In “Exhalation,” an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications that are literally universal. In “Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom,” the ability to glimpse into alternate universes necessitates a radically new examination of the concepts of choice and free will. Including stories being published for the first time in this collection as well as some of his rare and classic uncollected work, Exhalation is Ted Chiang at his best: profound, sympathetic—revelatory. –Paul

The Light of All That Falls

by James Islington available in December, paperback, Orbit The journey that began with The Shadow of What Was Lost reaches its spectacular conclusion in The Light of All That Falls, the final chapter of the Licanius Trilogy by acclaimed epic fantasy author James Islington. Now available in paperback!

The Tower of Fools

by Andrzej Sapkowski, translated by David A. French available now, paperback, Orbit Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series has become a fantasy phenomenon, finding millions of fans worldwide and inspiring the hit Netflix show and video games. Now the bestselling author introduces readers to a beloved new hero on an epic journey in The Tower of Fools, the first book of the Hussite Trilogy.

The Once and Future Witches

by Alix E. Harrow available now, hardcover, Redhook

In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box. But when the Eastwood sisters join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. There's no such thing as witches. But there will be. From the author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January!

The Arrest

by Jonathan Lethem available in November, hardcover, Ecco

The Arrest isn’t post-apocalypse. It isn’t a dystopia. It isn’t a utopia. It’s just what happens when much of what we take for granted—cars, guns, computers, and airplanes, for starters—quits working. Sandy, who calls himself Journeyman, has landed in rural Maine. There he assists the butcher and delivers the food grown by his sister, Maddy, at her organic farm. But then his college friend, Todbaum shows up in an extraordinary vehicle: a retrofitted tunnel-digger powered by a nuclear reactor. Todbaum has spent the Arrest smashing his way across a fragmented and phantasmagorical United States, trailing enmities all the way. Plopping back into the siblings’ life with his usual odious panache, his motives are entirely unclear. Can it be that Todbaum wants to produce one more extravaganza? Whatever he’s up to, it may fall to Journeyman to stop him.