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Literary Mystery Books to Read This Winter

As book lovers, we're avid fans of lots of genres. We're therefore intrigued by books that blend several genres into a novel that's not quite classifiable - because it's not just one thing. One of the best examples of genre-bending books is the literary mystery. These books have elements of suspense, of course, but mix in literary elements like family sagas, spiritual journeys, and symbolism. We've pulled together some of our favorite mystery novels that are also literary fiction books in this list of books to read this winter.

Literary Mystery Books to Read in Winter 2015


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Hands Across The Sky

Andrew John Schmitz

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Mystery elements: treason and violence, spiraling out of control in Dubai

Literary elements: spiritual journey, cultural disparities

Hands Across the Sky


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The Lake House

Kate Morton

Release Date: October 20, 2015

Mystery elements: page-turning chills, investigating a boy's disappearance

Literary elements: character-driven story, complex secrets, masterful storytelling

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Career of Evil

Robert Galbraith

Release Date: October 20, 2015

Mystery elements: private detective, twists and turns

Literary elements: dealing with change and uncertains futures, crossroads in life

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House of the Rising Sun

James Lee Burke

Release Date: October 27, 2015

Mystery elements: suspenseful quest, violence and thrills

Literary elements: historical fiction, immigration, family saga

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After We Fall

Emma Kavanagh

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Mystery elements: psychological suspense, murder

Literary elements: secrets revealed, dealing with tragedy, emotional themes

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The Age of Reinvention

Karine Tuil

Release Date: December 1, 2015

Mystery elements: criminal defense, snowballing action

Literary elements: immigration, life of lies

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Interview with Kelly Romo, Author of Whistling Women


Tell us a little bit about your new release, Whistling Women.

Whistling Women is about two estranged sisters, Addie and Wavey. Addie has been hiding out at Sleepy Valley Nudist Colony for fifteen years because of a crime she committed--but the residents are all headed to San Diego as an exhibit at Zoro Gardens Nudist Colony, where fair guests can pay twenty-five cents to gawk at the nudists lounging around in the sun or exercising. Addie wonders if she has it in her to return to San Diego, and if she does, will her sister finally forgive her? It’s told through the eyes of Addie and Rumor, her fifteen-year-old niece who didn’t even know she had an aunt. Whistling Women explores the value of family and the sacrifices required to protect those you love. It is a story of the limited choices women had in the era—especially women who didn’t conform to society’s expectations.

What are you currently craving?

Jamoca Almond Fudge ice cream for sure!

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

I would invite Barbara Kingsolver, Luis Alberto Urrea, and Alice Hoffman because I’m a history nut and I love learning about other cultures.

What is the one movie that you can quote the most?

Chicago. I love the music, time period, and morbid humor.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My very first dream job was to work at Winchell’s Donuts and my second was to be a marine biologist.

If you could require the president to read one book, what would it be?

Of course my first choice would be Whistling Women. Every reader counts! My second choice would be A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn because I like the personal perspective to history and how historical events impact the average, everyday person.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

I’d spend it walking in the woods or kayaking. Being in nature replenishes me.

What's your favorite quote or scene from Whistling Women?

My favorite scenes are between Addie and Daisy, especially the one when Daisy is livid because Fred, the fire-proof man from Ripley’s Believe-it-or-not Odditorium, dumped her for another woman.

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

My motto would be- Do what you love and the money will follow—even if it’s not a lot of money, at least you’re doing what you love. My favorite quote about creativity is from Pablo Picasso- “Inspiration does exist, but it has to find you working.” My philosophy is to focus on and respect the humanity in each individual.

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Kelly Romo is the author of the new book Whistling Women.

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New Biographies & Memoirs | December 8

For all the biography fans in the room, don't miss out on this week's new releases. Adventurers will love Through an Unknown Country as two men defy the elements on a cross-country surveying expedition, while amateur detectives will want to pick up Alcohol Murders to read about a chilling set of serial killers.

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New Thriller & Mystery Books | December 8

Don't miss the chilling second installment in Gillian Anderson's EarthEnd Saga as you browse this week's new thriller and mystery books to read. T.E. Woods has us on the edge of our seats with Fixed in Fear, perfect if you love detective stories with high-adrenaline action.

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | December 8

In this week's new books to read in literary fiction, those seeking comedy with a dash of intelligence and wit should look no further than Christopher Buckley's The Relic Master. If you want a more tragic tale with a compelling cast, The Merman by Carl Johan-Vallgren combines a family's mystery with a fantastical modern story.

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The Best New Romance Novels With Hunky Politicians

"Scandalous" antics take on a whole new layer when we're dealing with politician protagonists in our contemporary romance. There's something alluring about secret and forbidden romance, and that is all too true in politician romance novels. All of these new books feature a leading character in the public eye and are highly-rated. Happy swooning, book insiders.

The Best New Romance Novels With Hunky Politicians

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Campaigning for Christopher

Katy Regnery

The Winslow brothers are four hansome Philadelphia lads who just want a lady to love. This is the fourth book in the series and features Christopher, a congressional candidate. Julianne Crow is tasked with sabotaging his campaign, but she didn't expect to fall for her adversary.

Campaigning for Christopher

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Ambition

Lauren Landish

Patrick McCaffery is an up-and-coming city councilman with more than a couple of deep dark secrets. But Tabby Williams, an all-American girl, has secrets too.

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The Senator's Daughter

Robyn Anderson

Anna Geoffrey is all-too willing to help her father on the campaign trail. She's headstrong and kind-hearted, and definitely doesn't expect to fall for Will Emmett, her father's brilliant advisor.

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Unshakable

Gigi Aceves

Damien loves the Secret Service. Sophia, who is also engrossed in politics, feels otherwhise about the chaos of Capitol Hill. She craves simplicity and he loves complexity. Damien is sworn to protect her, but can he tame a wildflower who craves freedom?

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Two Loves for Christmas

Mona Risk

Joshua Dutton is the son of a senator, which is not an easy thing to be (especially when your face keeps appearing in the tabloids). Good girl Emma Cassiero may just be the solution to the Duttons' problems, if Josh doesn't mess up his shot with her.

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The World: According to Graham

Layne Harper

Rachael Early is the first female Chief of Staff, and it's a fast-paced job. Especially when she meets one of the talk show hosts that has shaken up Washington, and their love affair is intense (but brief). Until they're forced into each other lives again.

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6 True Crime Books That Keep Us Awake At Night

What do Santa Claus, a golf club, the NFL, a computer hacker, Jack The Ripper, and a stolen portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer have in common? Answer: they’re some of the main topics of the most thrilling true crime books of 2015.

We've scoured the web, per usual, to find the best new true crime books to give you a spook (or six) this winter.

6 True Crime Books That Keep Us Awake At Night


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The Santa Claus Man: The Rise and Fall of a Jazz Age Con Man and the Invention of Christmas in New York

Alex Palmer

Release Date: October 1, 2015

This story follows the twisting path of John Duval Gluck Jr. the creator of the Santa Claus Association after an incident of holiday foul play left hundreds of hopeful letters for Santa Claus destroyed. The formation of the Santa Claus Association ushered in 15 years of money and gifts from the captivated New York City public, only to finally observe the downfall of the association as it became fraught with mysterious happenings; a kidnapping, stolen art, and an investigation from the FBI. These incidents and more just barely scratch the surface of the murky depths surrounding John Duval Gluck Jr. and the Santa Claus Association.


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Then No One Can Have Her

Caitlin Rother

Release Date: October 27, 2015

A harrowing tale of love gone awry, journalist Caitlin Rother presents a compelling account of the gruesome murder of Carol Kennedy with a golf club in her tranquil Arizona ranch home. Rother takes hold of the readers’ hands and invites us to tread lightly into a nebulous world of betrayal, divorce, and to witness the trials and tribulations of the modern day justice system.


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The Valley of the Shadow of Death: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption

Kermit Alexander, Alex Gerould, and Jeff Snipes

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Retired All-Pro cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers Alexander Kermit relives the tragic morning of August 31, 1984 in the South Central section of Los Angeles, when three armed men broke into a house, brutally murdering Ebora Alexander, Dietra Alexander, Damani Garner, and Damon Bonner - the mother, sister, and nephews of Kermit Alexander. Through Kermit’s heart wrenching chronological prose, he constructs a powerful personal narrative rooted in loss, forgiveness, and finding inner peace in the midst of catastrophic tragedy.


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CRACK99: The Takedown of a $100 Million Chinese Software Pirate

David Locke Hall

Release Date: September 22, 2015

CRACK99, the website that started it all. CRACK99 is a true crime tale of epic proportions; focusing in on the Justice Department’s prosecution of Xiang Li, the mastermind behind the digital platform CRACK99 where Li sold everything from satellite tracking and aviation simulation to communications systems. Author David Locke, federal prosecutor and former U.S. Navy intelligence officer discloses intimate details of this thrilling adventure, from the start of the elusive hunt to discover Li to the eventual capture and prosecution of one of the biggest cybercriminals known to date.


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They All Love Jack: Busting The Ripper

Bruce Robinson

Release Date: October 13, 2015

Jack The Ripper, a notorious subject that has inspired films and over 100 books is the pivotal element in Bruce Robinson’s mesmerizing investigation. Robinson’s thorough examination of this infamous and haunting figure brings about critical inquiries encompassing years of bloodshed and mystery specifically regarding the true identity of this ruthless killer. The challenges that are masterfully posed within this electrifying publication are who really executed these heinous crimes; and, more important, how they managed to get away with it for so long.


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Stolen, Smuggled, Sold: On the Hunt for Cultural Treasures

Nancy Moses

Release Date: June 4, 2015

Museum consultant and author Nancy Moses unearths spellbinding tales of mystery, thievery, and the wonder of how cultural objects continue to shape and progress our society in the past and present. Shared in seven stories, each vignette showcases a specific object and deftly dives into the rich history of how each item was acquired through legitimate means or otherwise. One by one, each story plunges the reader into a new realm filled with a myriad of characters whose lives have all been altered in one way or another by the artifact.

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Interview with Suzanne Rock, Author of For His Pleasure


Tell us a little bit about your new release, For His Pleasure.

For His Pleasure is the second book in the "Playboys of Boston" series. (The first is At His Service.) The series focuses on the Perconti family, who owns an international hotel conglomerate. The first book centered on the family patriarch, Leo. The second book focuses on Leo’s nemesis, Jason Stone. While Leo is a serious alpha male who is fiercely protective of his family. Jason, by contrast, is a bad-boy adrenaline junkie. He lives life on the edge, and takes risks in both business and his personal life. He initially starts a secret love affair with Leo's younger sister, in order to learn Perconti family secrets and exploit them, but then his plans begin to fall apart as he starts to fall in love with her.

What is the one movie that you can quote the most?

Star Wars IV, the New Hope.

What are you currently craving?

My kid's Halloween candy in the next room. I'm trying to be good, lol.

If you had to pick one place to vacation for the rest of your life, where would you choose?

Paris, France

What's on your writing desk?

Coffee mug, pencils, sticky notes, ruler, notebooks and a bag of popcorn.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An actress.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

Reading, of course! Or watching a movie with the family.

What's your favorite quote from For His Pleasure?

"It seems as if we have something in common, Ms. Perconti. We're both a thorn in your brother's side." ~ Jason Stone

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

Never give up. Ever.

Screen Shot 2015-11-14 at 2.24.58 PM
Suzanne Rock is the author of the new book For His Pleasure.

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5 Reasons to Take Your Child to a Bookstore (From a Former Teacher)

Today is Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day (started originally by one mother and her child). As a lifelong reader, bookstores for me have always been magical places full of mystery and wonder (not unlike the feeling I get whenever I walk into a Trader Joe's or dog park). I have vivid memories of getting lost for hours as a young girl (*cough - and last year) in a bookstore before I was inevitably found and forced to leave. As a former English teacher, I could talk for hours about why all children should be lost in bookstores at some point in their lives, but I will limit myself to five reasons why you and your child should get lost in a bookstore together today.

5 Reasons to Take Your Child to a Bookstore

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1. Books teach character. If you want your child to see examples of people choosing courage, kindness, sacrifice, empathy, and other character traits, give him a book. If you want your child to see how someone responds to failure, give her a book. Children learn by example, and books are chock full of examples of individuals dealing with life events (and one another). Books teach character.

2. Books promote creativity. Nothing sparks imagination like a good book. Your child should be exercising her imagination, and books help her do just that. Books give more responsibility to the reader than movies do, and your child will have more opportunity to be creative when you give him a good book as an invitation. Books promote creativity.

3.Books help people play. Children are meant to play, and in a world where this is encouraged less and less, books remind kids to be kids. Whether it is turning your dining room table into a lookout for pirates or finally breaking the secret code in permanent marker on the living room wall (sorry Mom and Dad), books are an endless wealth of battles to be fought and worlds to be experienced. Your child might even allow you to be a part of this experience. Books help people play.

4.Books expand our perspective. I did not leave the country until I was 19, but my first international experience happened much earlier than that. I had traveled the world (and other worlds) before I hit my awkward tween stage when boy bands became a secret (or so I thought) obsession. Books give a new perspective, invite us into other people's lives, and remind us that our experience is not the only way to live. It is a gift you can give your child (and for much less than a six month sailing trip around the globe). Books expand our perspective.

5. Habits are formed early. As much as we don't like to admit it, we form habits at a fairly young age and we imitate the people around us. Ask any parent who has heard his or her child say a word-that-shall-not-be-named-in-this-blog-post. If you want your child to love reading, give her books now. Take him to a bookstore. Read with and to her. Let him see you reading. Your child (and her teachers) will thank you, and you will have created another lifelong reader. Habits are formed early.

So it's time - to stop reading this post and get going! Find your closest bookstore and share the love of reading with a child you love today!