New Books - NewInBooks

Books to Read for Fans of Crime Junkie

If you're as obsessed with listening to true crime podcasts as us, we've got the perfect selection of new mystery and thriller books for you! These storylines will have you at the very edge of your seat. Check out our picks for books to read for fans of Crime Junkie!

Engagingly Dead

by Michele Scott

Release Date: December 3, 2022

Bestselling author Michele Scott returns with the launch of what is sure to be a blockbuster series that takes readers on a wild ride with a fun, fabulous, and soon-to-be fifty, new heroine and her wild crew of sidekicks, laugh-out-loud humor, mystery, and a dash of romance. For the fans who fell in love with Nikki Sands, you're certain to fall for the equally charming Ella McBane.

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Early Grave (Jake Lassiter Legal Thrillers Book 12)

by Paul Levine

Release Date: January 9, 2023

When his godson suffers a catastrophic injury in a high school football game, Jake Lassiter sues to abolish the sport and becomes the most hated man in Miami. His personal life in turmoil, Lassiter is in couple's therapy with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold. "An extraordinary hero stars in a legal tale as believable as it is riveting." - Kirkus

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Spa Killer

by Mila Evans

Release Date: January 19, 2023

After she spent the last couple of weeks organizing and running Lewis Fall Barrel Festival, Happy Anderson decided to go for a girls’ trip to Cloud 9 Spa in the mountains. Between some unhappy employees and totally stranger visitors, Happy finds herself stuck in the Spa building after the snowstorm has shut all roads... of course with the company of a dead body.

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Don't Open the Door (Regan Merritt Series Book 2)

by Allison Brennan

Release Date: January 24, 2023

US Marshal Regan Merritt never bought the FBI’s theory that her ten-year-old son’s murder was tied to her job. Yet as leads went cold, she’d had to walk away from the marshals, the case and her now ex-husband, Grant, who blamed her for Chase’s death. After Regan receives a chilling voice mail from her former boss, Tommy, claiming new information about Chase’s murder, she can no longer stay away from her pain-filled past. Especially when Tommy’s murdered before she can return his call.

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Just the Nicest Couple

by Mary Kubica

Release Date: January 10, 2023

A husband’s disappearance links two couples in this twisty thriller from master of suspense Mary Kubica. "Rich with detail and a mounting, almost suffocating sense of dread, Just the Nicest Couple is a dark and twisted exploration of loyalty, family, and how far we’ll go to protect the ones we love." —Andrea Bartz, New York Times bestselling author of We Were Never Here

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The Shards

by Bret Easton Ellis

Release Date: January 17, 2023

A novel of sensational literary and psychological suspense from the best-selling author of Less Than Zero and American Psycho that tracks a group of privileged high school friends in a vibrantly fictionalized 1980s Los Angeles as a serial killer strikes across the city.

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Interview with Paul Levine, Author of Early Grave

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Early Grave?

Real world issues inspire me. In “Cheater’s Game” in 2020, I took on the college admissions scandal, which is still going on in federal court in Boston. While that will eventually end, I’m afraid the loss of life from the NFL’s “industrial disease,” chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is just beginning. That’s the subject that has fired me up these days.

Some background: Jake Lassiter, the protagonist of the series that dates back to “To Speak for the Dead” in 1990, is a former Miami Dolphins linebacker turned night-school lawyer. Now it’s 2023, and he’s aging, and with that, come physical ailments. (Just ask my knees!) In the last few books (“Bum Luck” et al), Lassiter shows symptoms of CTE, the fatal brain disease caused by repetitive head injuries. Six members of the Miami Dolphins undefeated 1972 team have already died of CTE. “Perfect season, my ass,” Lassiter says. The high risks of pro football were there for all to see in Damar Hamlin’s frightening cardiac arrest just a few weeks ago. I also want high school football to be made safer. Combining those two issues, we have Lassiter’s godson Rodrigo Pittman, a high school senior, suffer a catastrophic football injury that might have been his coach’s fault. The lawsuit is a novelist’s way of exploring those issues. Adding to Lassiter’s problems, his relationship with fiancée Dr. Melissa Gold has hit a rocky patch, and they’re in couples therapy.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Early Grave, what would they be?

“I’m Your Man,” written and performed by Leonard Cohen. A haunting, love-at-all-costs song: If you want a boxer... I will step into the ring for you. And if you want a doctor... I'll examine every inch of you. If you want a driver, climb inside. Or if you want to take me for a ride... You know you can. I'm your man.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I don’t think in terms of genre, so I’ll just tell you what I’ve enjoyed reading recently. “Razorblade Tears” by S.A. Cosby. “Five Decembers” by James Kestrel. “Mercury Pictures Presents” by Anthony Marra. “Dream Town” by David Baldacci. And I re-read John D. MacDonald’s “Travis McGee” series from time to time.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“Everybody Knows” by Jordan Harper. “The Poison Artist” by Jonathan Moore. “Murder Book” by Thomas Perry. “Swamp Story” by Dave Barry (May 2023).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love writing courtroom scenes that are fresh, fast-paced, and offbeat. In “Early Grave,” Lassiter battles a mammoth New York City law firm (Wickerham and Snoot) that has him outmanned, outgunned, and outspent. Sandra (Sunny) Day is his brilliant and devious opposing counsel, and she’s joined by Schooner Wickerham IV, the 92-year-old (and possibly senile) chairman emeritus of the firm who’s given to using words like “poppycock” and “balderdash.” The results are, shall we say, uproarious. But it’s hand-to-hand combat in court. Or, as Lassister says, “Buckle your chin strap. Law is a contact sport.”

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a Post-It on my monitor: “Keep your butt in the chair.” It’s intended to keep me away from the refrigerator and ESPN.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Do you remember the line from “The Godfather?” One lawyer with a briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.” I’ve twisted that a bit. One lawyer with a just cause can defeat a hundred mouthpieces of the rich and powerful.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

To quote Jake Lassiter: “If your cause is just, no case is impossible.”

Paul Levine is the author of the new book Early Grave

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Interview with Colin Blough, Author of Twins Formation

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Twins Formation?

Since I started thinking about writing romantic comedies, I’ve been trying to figure out ways to do tropes in a way that hasn’t been done. I remember it was New Year's Eve a few years back and I was talking with my friends about all the twins that play in the NBA. I thought about having them having to impersonate each other, but in the NBA it seemed a lot harder to pull that off. In the NFL you’ve got a helmet on, so it could–at least in a romance novel–be possible. After a couple more glasses of champagne I wrote the whole outline for the book using my friend’s kids’ butcher paper and markers.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Twins Formation, what would they be?

They might not admit it in public, but definitely: Caden - Sorry by Justin Bieber Liam - Afire Love by Ed Sheeran There’s a playlist with a bunch more for all four of the MCs here.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I like to read across all the subgenres of romance, but I also go back-and-forth between quote-unquote literary books and science fiction. I like that scifi provides something totally different: the plots, the writing styles, the way-out-there ideas. It helps push my thinking so I don’t end up writing the same things that are already out there.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

At the top: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but there are so many others… Check out my full TBR list here!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably any of them where Harper teases Caden, the one at the Blackhawks game especially. A close second are the scenes where Liam and April have their discussions about life, when their true thoughts escape. And of course, the scenes at the end because there is a happy ending.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I try not to make it a true habit, but a little bit of bourbon definitely helps get the words out. It worked for Hemingway, right? But he also said “Write drunk; edit sober” – important to remember.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Getting 1% better every day doesn’t seem like much in the moment, but adds up a lot over time.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

How much fun they had watching the two couples fall in love and try to get together.

Colin Blough is the author of the new book Twins Formation

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Interview with Larry Jordan, Author of Pathic

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Pathic?

Generally, I'm a lover of sci-fi books. But I would say the building of lightsabers was the start. My nieces and nephews asked if I had names for them. Then they suggested I should create characters for each one. The book idea came about while my wife fought cancer.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Pathic, what would they be?

Rocket Man by Elton John!

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I am more of a movie and Tv person. If I'm going to read a book, I will listen to an audiobook. But I prefer science fiction and westerns.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Star trek and Star Wars audiobooks. I have a collection of hundreds of DVDs made from some of the greatest books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I like to do action scenes. But I enjoy writing the scenes where my characters personalities conflict with each other. Also, the parts that leave you thinking and give it a little more mystery...

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

None, I write a lot in my favorite brew pub called Barsidious brewing. I have my spot there and it's away from home, and the phone, and household distractions.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would hope they would remember relationships between the characters.

Larry Jordan is the author of the new book Pathic

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Interview with Jackie McCarthy, Author of The Hybrid Cure

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Hybrid Cure (The Kaseath Chronicles Book 1)?

I have always been drawn to dystopian worlds, and visions of the future where humans haven’t learned to stop their worst nightmares from coming true. But I also love spreading hope. Even if the world is desperate, life can be full of adventure, love, and friendship. Maybe we’re all worth saving. I also have a soft spot for sci-fi and wanted to create my own alien species, which was loads of fun. Then, once I came up with my heroine, Ofelia, I was inspired to see how she would react to each new challenge she faced. She started a few adventures that surprised me as I was writing the scenes.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read all genres, but my favorite genre is dystopian books about possible near-futures. I also enjoy science fiction books with tech that can go oh, so wrong once humans get involved! Throw awesome teen heroines into the mix, and there’s bound to be an interesting story. I also love characters to get behind who don’t avoid difficult situations. And yes, dystopian/sci-fi are also my favourite genres to write in.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“The 100” (Kass Morgan), “Dry” (Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman) & “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” (Suzanne Collins).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had a lot of fun with the opening scene and imagining a game around the spires of Trash Mountain, where my main character scavenges for a living. It’s a dangerous place to host a high-stakes game, with trash piles collapsing and pointy objects all around. The game also develops the background of our hero and the fact that every choice she makes is to save her sister. There was an incredibly close bond between the two of them that is so sweet. So that scene was the most fun to write and imagine.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a cat who interrupts my writing habits, does that count? No, seriously, Luna is my editorial assistant (in cat form) and she keeps me taking breaks regularly, which can be difficult when you’re in the zone. When she bites my feet, it’s time to play! I am also superstitious about the playlist I listen to during writing sprints, which has varied over the years (at the moment, it’s a lo-fi study playlist, but I used to listen to thunderstorms).

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I think Yoda said it best. “Do, or do not. There is no try.” I’m quite a Star Wars fan, but wow it’s hard to live up to that motto! Some things in life can be really difficult.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

However hopeless things look, there is a chance for a better future. And what gives me hope, is that the teens of today will create our tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll do a much better job of things. Yes, my books are about bleak subjects, but the characters always maintain hope. We’ll get through the tough times together.

Jackie McCarthy is the author of the new book The Hybrid Cure (The Kaseath Chronicles Book 1)

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Interview with Layla Reed, Author of Something Good

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Something Good?

When I started writing this story, I wanted to portray the importance of family relationships, especially with sisters. What would cause sisters to not speak to each other for 18 years? I wanted to go back to where it all began, to where everything fell apart and how that shaped their lives so many years later. Do the experiences of our childhood shape our future? I had to do some deep digging from Tonya and Olivia, and get to the root of their issues and insecurities.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love reading historical and contemporary women's fiction, romance, and suspense. I enjoy writing in all these genres, but some of my novels tend to be more suspenseful than I thought they would be.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Colleen Hoover's 'It Starts with Us' is my next read. After that, I plan to read another novel by Elin Hilderbrand.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scene where Tonya first met Ben. Tonya was feeling so bad about herself. Her pants split down the middle and when she tried to cover it up, she ends up face to face with Ben, agreeing to showing him around the school. Luckily, Ben was such a gentleman, he pretended not to notice what was going on, but Tonya was mortified!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I tend to snack a lot when I write. As soon as I start writing I look for something to nibble on! I should try gum to see if that helps.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Tomorrow is not promised to any of us, so live today - I have really taken this to heart and in 2022 I crushed some major goals and stepped out of my comfort zone. Although some of it was uncomfortable, I'm so proud of myself and can't wait to see where this year takes me.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want my readers to feel all the feels with each character - sometimes its happiness, other times its tragic. If you read something of mine and felt that emotion, then I did my job. Not every book has a happy ending, but when it does, I hope the reader feels it. Most of the endings in my books are bittersweet, or come full circle, and I hope the readers will feel the same way.

Layla Reed is the author of the new book Something Good

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | January 24

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Michele Scott, Paul Levine, Mila Evans, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | January 24

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Colin Blough, Katherine L. Evans, K.C. Crowne, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | January 24

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Layla Reed, Aleksandar Hemon, Patricia Engel, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!

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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | January 24

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Jackie McCarthy, Larry Jordan, Dean Koontz, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from S.G. Blaise, T.R. Cameron, Audrey Burges, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!