New Books - NewInBooks

Cool Off With These Chilling Mysteries and Thrillers

The end of August marks the end of the summer season. What better way to enjoy the last days of sunshine and hot weather than with a new mystery or thriller book? Whether you're looking to get lost in the twists and turns of a mystery or want your heart to race with the characters of a thriller, we've got the perfect selection of new mystery and thriller books just for you!

Plot/Counterplot

by William Bernhardt

Release Date: July 26, 2022

He writes gunfights and ticking time bombs. But when he’s kidnapped and forced to plan a real-world crime, every plot twist will be explosive...

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A Day for Bones (Howard County Mysteries Book 4)

by Dale E. Lehman

Release Date: August 29, 2022

A catastrophic flood scatters a human skeleton along Main street. As Detective Lieutenant Rick Peller investigates, the dark secrets of a successful family emerge, until someone lurking in the shadows resorts to murder to keep them hidden.

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The Ninth Month

by James Patterson

Release Date: August 23, 2022

A mother-to-be is being stalked but no one believes her in this intense thriller from the #1 bestselling author of The Midwife Murders.

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The Favorite Child

by Cathryn Grant

Release Date: August 14, 2022

Annie feels like she's at a good place in her life. Happily married, expecting her first child, enjoying a vacation with her extended family at their beautiful coastal home. But then her sister, Sunday, suddenly goes missing. As Annie digs for the truth, she realizes that some of her family are not what they seem. And as she draws closer to uncovering their horrifying secret, Annie finally understands that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger…

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Burden of the Assassin (Peter Black Book 1)

by David Archer & Vince Vogel

Release Date: August 23, 2022

You were born alone. You will live alone. You will die alone. This is the burden of the assassin. A master assassin craves one thing above all else: a normal everyday life. Trained to be a killer from the age of eleven, Peter has never known the things the average person takes for granted. He has always been an asset. Burned by the CIA and now occupying their secret hit list, he works overseas as a Ronin, living a solitary life in hiding. But someone knows where he is.

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What My Family Saw

by Daniel Hurst

Release Date: August 11, 2022

When Sophie and Stuart take their children, Josh and Tilly, for a family day out, they have no idea that things will never be the same again. But after each of them witnesses a crime in the woods, their lives are turned upside down.

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Interview with Dale E. Lehman, Author of A Day for Bones

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Day for Bones?

The flood that starts the novel is based on a pair of real catastrophic floods in Ellicott City, Maryland in 2016 and 2018. The HorseSpirit Arts Gallery, where most of a skeleton is found in the wake of the flood, is real, although its owner relocated to Savage, Maryland after the 2018 flood.

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

In fiction, I've mostly read mysteries for the past couple of decades. I used to read a lot of science fiction and some fantasy, but I've had trouble finding much that I really like more recently.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many. I want to get to Anne Hillerman's mysteries. My late wife started on them and said they were really good. I've been working my way through John le Carre's novels, and I have a pile of very old (circa 1940) SF that belonged to my father. In nonfiction, I'm currently reading "Everest: The Unclimbed Ridge" by Sir Chris Bonington and Charles Clarke.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scenes I most enjoy writing are the ones where interesting characters are doing the work for me. I had a lot of fun writing Mr. Jim's scenes (cantankerous old coot that he is). I also found it gratifying to write Rick Peller’s interactions with Shania North, a young woman he met in “Ice on the Bay” and who he’s been trying to rescue from opioid addiction. The final scene where Peller introduces Shania to his wannabe girlfriend Joan Churchill was also special, being redemptive on several levels.

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

Not really, but I do have a cat that likes to walk over and lie on my keyboard, which can make writing... interesting.

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

I'm a Baha'i and try to live in accordance with my religion's teachings. Sometimes I even succeed.

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

I don't know that it's obvious, but if "A Day for Bones" has a theme, it may be the power of forgiveness and second chances. Focusing on people's faults is corrosive, while forgiveness is life-giving. I'd be gratified if a few readers came away with that message. Aside from that, I just hope you enjoy the story!

Dale E. Lehman is the author of the new book A Day for Bones

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W. Winters On the Romance Genre

There is security in the romance genre that is absent in every other part of life, let alone other books. A guaranteed happily ever after. It doesn’t matter how dark the story gets or how hopeless it may seem, it’s going to be okay. It’s a promise between the author and the reader and what separates the genre.

Think about it. There’s fantasy romance, thriller romance, paranormal, and dark romance. Small town and second chance romance. Nearly any other story could be altered to include a love interest and the arc of falling in love, and BOOM, it’s a romance. So long as that promise is kept and there’s a happily ever after. The storyline and message and plot can be kept intact...unless, of course, it’s a tragedy like Hamlet. In which case it could be made into a ghost romance. See how versatile us romance authors are? There is nothing that can stop us from getting to that blissful moment that glues every piece of a shattered heart back together.

In the last decade of my life, I have relied on romance novels, these last two years even more so. They don’t just offer escapism, they also allow us to cope and regain hope where other areas of life may struggle to provide that. That’s why I love writing romance: in the end, no matter what the story is, love always wins and it’s all going to be okay. Better even. It’ll be a happily ever after.

W. Winters is the author of the new book Tease Me Once.

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Interview with William Bernhardt, Author of Plot/Counterplot

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Plot/Counterplot?

A thriller writer is kidnapped by international criminals who want him to use his plotting skills to devise a way to steal the world's most powerful—and most secret—weapon.

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

Upside-Down by Jack Johnson.

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

I love them all!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The last book in Trolloppe's Palliser saga.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I'll give you a hint: Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.

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

My cat is currently on my lap. Bustopher is a good muse.

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

Everyone is dealing with something. We're here to help one another.

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

Sometimes, it's the worst parts of life that make us strongest.

William Bernhardt is the author of the new book Plot/Counterplot

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Interview with Jeff O'Handley, Author of Powerless

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

I had the first flash for this story while driving to pick up my daughter at her friend's house—during a hurricane. The road crossed a small stream, and the stream was absolutely boiling through the culvert below. An image popped into my head of the road being completely flooded and I thought, "What if I couldn't get my daughter back?" The first thought after that was, "That would be horrible!" The next was, "That would make a great story!"

At the time I had this idea I was working on something else, and so I would occasionally think about it, and it just didn't work. 'Family trying to get their daughter back during a crisis' didn't do it for me. One day I found myself wondering what was happening in the other house, the one with the extra kid in the crisis, and that was it. That was the story I wanted to tell. It seemed much more interesting, and things took off from there.

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

Oh, no! I'm terrible with this sort of question! I never really have character-specific songs or music in mind. I also can't tell you who I think should play my characters if my books ever become movies or TV shows!

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

I tend toward literary fiction, though I'm less attracted to genre than I am to subject, if that makes sense. I'll read just about anything if it sounds interesting to me, though I guess I favor character-driven stories. As far as what I write, I've long struggled with categorizing it. There's a bit of a speculative or post-apocalyptic slant to "Powerless", but I've also written coming-of-age, family drama and what I think of as "economic fiction." Style-wise, I shade toward literary.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Things we do in the Dark, Jennifer Hillier; Doc Down Under, Francis Nolan, MD; Fairy Tale, Stephen King; Last Bid for a Dying Earth, Mike Wyant, Jr.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Can I do this without spoilers? Probably my favorite scene(s) was the lead up to a monster fight between Kevin and Monica Barton. At that point, I could see far enough ahead in the story to know that I needed a certain something to happen, but I had no idea how I was going to make it happen. There's volatility, cluelessness, and child-like innocence involved, and a key moment hinges on a verbal slip-up.

I really enjoyed exploring the range of emotions in the characters in that scene. I sat on the edge of my seat when I wrote it, and I hope readers respond the same way.

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

I don't have any real superstitions or anything. I listen to music as I write and will sometimes find myself typing in time to the tune or doing little keyboard flourishes along with the music. It probably looks funny.

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

Be kind. It's not always easy, and I have a penchant for sarcasm, which is not an especially "kind" form of humor. I try to remember that the people I encounter have their own lives outside of where our paths cross and that I have no idea what's happening with them.

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

While Powerless is not really "about" this, I would say we should all remember that so much of our world is built upon very complex, interconnected technologies that are also very fragile. I think people who read and enjoy this book will never look at a power failure in quite the same way!

Jeff O'Handley is the author of the new book Powerless

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Interview with Jeffrey L. Kohanek, Author of Wizardom Legends: Thief for Hire

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wizardom Legends: Thief for Hire?

This is the first novel in a trilogy starring a fan-favorite rogue from my Fate of Wizardoms and Fall of Wizardoms series. The series features the outrageous exploits that brought Jerrell Landish fame as the greatest thief in the Eight Wizardoms. In my other books, Jerrell (also known as Jace) regales outlandish tales of his adventures to his companions. Those tales, along with the pure fun Jerrell is to write, inspired me to tell his whole story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Wizardom Legends: Thief for Hire, what would they be?

Hmm. Maybe The Joker by Steve Miller Band.

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

I have read epic fantasy for decades and rarely read outside the genre. The books I write range from sprawling epics to rollicking single-character adventures like this one.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR pile is more like a mountain. I am unlikely to ever reach the bottom.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scenes tend to be those I find most comical. This book is no different. More than once, Jerrell gets the better of the scheming wizards surrounding him, including a prank that drives the mage to pure rage.

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

I rarely write at a desk. The desk is for managing my business and other left-brain activities. For writing, I sit on a couch, bed, seat on a plane, or in a chair overlooking some vista while traveling.

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

Keep a positive attitude, make an honest effort, and learn from mistakes. If you do all of that, things will work out.

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

I hope readers come away from the book with Jerrell firmly entrenched as one of their favorite rogue characters. One that is likely to cause guffaw at one of his snarky quips and to leave them shaking their heads at his ability to escape from trouble.

Jeffrey L. Kohanek is the author of the new book Wizardom Legends: Thief for Hire

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Interview with Daniel Santos, Author of Life is Inevitable

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Life is Inevitable?

During my senior year of high school a friend of mine ended her life a month before graduation. I always asked myself what I would do if I could have her back in my life, which is what sparked the inspiration for this story. The plot point of reincarnation was the manifestation of my want to have her back in my life, and the body switch aspect of my novel spawned from the knowledge that I didn't know what life was like from her perspective.

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

For the male lead, Brennan Claufield, I'd say the song "Hurt" would best suit him, and when I refer to this song I'm talking about the original version by "Nine Inch Nails" not the cover by "Johnny Cash". For the female lead, Olivia Benning, I'd say "To The Reeds" by "Mumur" is the song that fits her the best. This also happens to be my favorite song.

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

Since my teen years are over, many of my schoolmates and professors laugh at me when I say that young adult novels are my favorite to read. However, I find their stories to be more creative and even though they're meant for a younger audience, a lot of them tend to tackle tough topics that a lot of books shy away from. This is also the same reason why it's my favorite genre to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently I want to read Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane and the entire Goblin Slayer series. I would also read Violet Evergarden by Kana Akatsuki but currently there's no english translation and even though I'm from Asia I grew up in the west so my native tongue is English.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really loved writing the scene that introduces the characters Life and Death because I was able to write some of my perspectives on the way people live without making it blatantly obvious.

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

Whenever I write, I changed the background photo on my computer to a picture of my little brother because I love him and he encourages me to be the best I can be.

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

A motto I live by is something I said to an old friend of mine which was, "We're all going to die someday, so we might as well do something stupid and hope we don't die now." I texted her this when I visited the Philippines with my family. At the time, I was afraid of heights, so I signed up for an activity to go cliff diving in an effort to overcome that fear. In the end I jumped 10 meters (32 feet) into the ocean.

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

I would like my readers, especially the younger ones, to remember that even though there's an aspect of reincarnation in the novel, you can't say for certain that the same thing happens in real life. I say this because I wrote the book to show and express tough topics such as suicide, but I also care about my readers. I don't want anyone to think that it's fine to take your life because you'll bounce right back as if nothing happened or that you'll return to life. Because the harsh truth is that death is permanent.

Daniel Santos is the author of the new book Life is Inevitable

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | August 30

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 William Bernhardt, Dale E. Lehman, Robert Galbraith, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | August 30

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 Willow Winters, Martha Keyes, Harper L. Woods, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | August 30

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 Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jessie Burton, Imogen Matthews, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!