It’s Friday, and you know what that means. Grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about what we’re reading!
The weeks are flying by, aren't they? There’s so much happening in the world that it’s hard to keep on top of it all. There are so many great books, so much good writing, and so many threats of war and fear. It takes up a lot of brain energy. The juxtaposition of doomscrolling and literary delight has captured me this week, for sure. And taxes didn’t help. Lots of good reading time was lost on my tax spreadsheet. Bleh. And then, of course, there’s the fact that my outline has failed me. I’m writing a separate piece for 22 Steps on that, should be out next week. So a mixed bag from Casa Ellison this Friday.
First, though, let me say THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW by I.S. Berry is blowing my mind. It has all the elements of a beautifully classic spy tale, compelling setting, a flawed lead, a hint of mystery… it’s superb, and I’m savoring every page.
Karen Olsen has a new book out, AN INCONVENIENT WIFE, a riff on Henry VIII in a modern mystery setting, and that’s something wonderful!
John Sandford’s TOXIC PREY showed up on my Kindle this week, too. I have always loved a Lucas Davenport novel, and this one features Letty, his adopted daughter, too.
My library hold for WELLNESS by Nathan Hill is here, but I have to finish Berry’s book first. This one was a suggestion from friend of the blog
I’m hearing mixed reviews of SOCIOPATH by Patric Gagne. Have you read it? It’s in the queue, but I really want a good examination/memoir of this intriguing disorder, so let me know.
Is anyone watching Ripley? I am in love so far. Just the noir look is captivating, and I am hooked.
My A WORD ON WORDS interview with Stephen Bouro on his debut novel, THE FIVE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF ANDY AFRICA, premiered this week, and I’m telling you, it was a fascinating conversation.
Oh, I have another galley of A VERY BAD THING to giveaway today. Just leave a comment below and I’ll choose one of you to get the big pink book! The PR has started gearing up for this book, so I’ve added a slot on Fridays to do interviews and essays. But I can share something new: the soundtrack! Enjoy!
That’s it from me. How about you? Good week? I'd love to hear what you're reading this weekend. Any recommendations?
The Creative Edge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
This post may contain affiliate links. They help defray the cost of running the site — and buys the cat her favorite treats!
I just finished LETHAL DANGER by Jerusha Agen and EVERYONE IS WATCHING by Heather Gudenkauf. Those books were wowzers in the twists and surprises! I am starting a Netgalley copy of A VERY BAD THING and looking forward to diving into a great read since you never disappoint. I am also reading a few other books for Netgalley as well as Freida McFadden’s THE TEACHER that a friend gifted to me. I don’t pay much attention to the news because I am busy reading my books and escaping into the world of good fiction.
I'm currently about halfway through HOME BEFORE DARK by Riley Sager. It's a terrifying and well crafted read and I can't put it down. Well, except at night. Because I'm too scared to read it before bed. LOL
I started reading Husbands by Holly Gramazio but it didn't really hold my interest. I may go back to it.
I'm almost done with One Dark Window by Rachel Gilling on the reccomendation of one of you....and I'm really enjoying it. I don't know how to explain the writing, but it's just lovely. I'm not typically into super "flowery" writing, but this book is just wonderful.
I watched 2 episodes of Ripley and I couldn't get into it. I have read that it's a slow start, so I think I'll try episode 3 and see if it picks up.
My grandkids from Branson are coming this weekend. They're 7 and 4 and we just love them like crazy. Their requests were ATV rides, bonfire with smores and if we have candy...I live the way they think!!
I’m reading Michael Koryta (Scott Carson) Lost Man’s Lane and it is fabulous! I also have Toxic Prey in my queue. I love John Sandford and the Prey series. I get mad because I read them too quickly 😁
Reading is so much better than the news! I'm currently reading a Sci-Fi - The Depths of Time by Roger MacBride Allen and looking forward to my next mystery/thriller.
Ooh, I hope WELLNESS lives up to my hype 😂 I’m still bingeing the “Maeve Kerrigan” police/crime novels by Jane Casey that Sam Baker turned me on to. I’m on book 7 of 11 and even though I have a few other books on my Kindle that I’m excited to read, it’s like a compulsion to just start a new Casey as soon as I turn the last page on the one before—she does something interesting, in that certain subplots just don’t get resolved, and wind up extending into the next book. It’s risky to leave things unresolved; not all readers would put up with that, especially if the latest book was so new that you couldn’t immediately gobble up the next one like I am. But it also really rewards the binge! I feel lucky to have discovered them long after pub so I have the full series to luxuriate in.
SOCIOPATH is one of the others in my queue—very intrigued. And the brand new Megan Miranda novel, DAUGHTER OF MINE, which I would already be reading if I hadn’t gotten sucked into these Maeve Kerrigan books.
It may be a while before I watch Andrew Scott as Ripley. Love him as an actor but he feels too old for that particular book. Alain Delon and John Malkovich are tied for my favorite Ripleys. How interesting that Highsmith’s Ripley is iconic but can be played successfully by so many different actors with differing interpretations. Her work always inspires me.
Just this morning finished The Last Cruise by Kate Christensen. As I’m primarily a crime fiction reader, I kept secretly hoping for a murder, of course. But the story is more Ann Patchett than Ann Cleeves, resembling Bel Canto more than anything. Counting it as currently reading bc I’m still in that glowy state, absorbed in the effects before moving on to finishing Dervla McTiernan’s novella, The Sisters.
I hate and love the news. I think I might be a partial news junkie, which isn't so good for the blood pressure sometimes. I'm looking forward to your piece about your outline woes and will surely devour it. Since covid I'm addicted to improving my own writing process, and I love to hear/read how other writer's do it. I didn't know you could make a spotify playlist with your songs, along with a cool banner(?Not sure what it's called. Header. Maybe?). I'm sure I'll binge that too.
As for reading, it's been slow, I can't seem to shake this cold. It appears to be one of those linger longer ones that I despise. My voice has been gone for a week now. But I was able to finish THE FUNERAL LADIES OF ELLERIE COUNTY by Claire Swinarski. If you're a crier, grab a tissue for the ending. If you're not, you should still grab one. This book is about family, trauma, and what holds us together. If you're a thriller/fantasy reader, this book is a bit slower. More like a Sunday drive kind of read. It was a nice shake up. I started THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE by Holly Jackson. It's a pure angsty YA read with a morally gray protagonist. Plus there are secrets galore. All the things I love in a book. Holly Jackson is a master at writing twisting, angsty reads.
I am reading my NetGalley version of A Very Bad Thing but would love a printed copy 😉. I also always preorder and gift to friends. I’m not too far along but the prologue alone was a 🎤 drop!!!!!
I need a new show. I will definitely check out Ripley. Thanks for the recommendation.
Finished “The Last Thing He Told Me” this week for my book club. A very different plot for me. It was so good and sad at the same time.
We are visiting New Orleans at the moment and I picked up a couple of books by new author to me, Ayls Arden. Fantastic fiction describes her books as young adult fantasy. This story is the start of a series that takes place after “The Storm.” I assumed Katrina but with just a few pages read so far it was a much larger storm. Interested to see the paranormal aspects of this series to come to light.
It’s been a week. We were out of school for the eclipse Monday and short weeks make the kids lose their minds. 🥴 But it’s Friday and there will be reading and listening to live music and some drankin this weekend. I started Riley Sager’s The Last Time I Lied yesterday. When my kindle and I quit disagreeing about if it’s charged or not(it Is..), I’m going to dive into an arc of big pink book! Also I’m book news we are getting a new Tami Hoag book this fall!! I’m so excited about that.
Your soundtrack is very eclectic! This past week I read: One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole (loved it!), Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (outstanding!), The Last Love Note by Emma Grey (sooooo brilliant), my book club read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (fabulous), & White Ash Ridge by S.R. White (great series!)
Great to hear your thoughts on Ripley. I've been considering it but I don't watch much TV so I haven't gotten around to starting it yet.
Just binged First Lie Wins… I was hooked and I highly recommend it. The book characters were alive. The plot was exciting. The ending was the perfect unexpected twist! Kudos to the author Ashley Elston.
Ripley is now on my to watch list! I am loving the soundtrack for A Very Bad Thing 😍
Just finished “Bear” by Julia Phillips. Excellent! It comes out in late June.
I just finished LETHAL DANGER by Jerusha Agen and EVERYONE IS WATCHING by Heather Gudenkauf. Those books were wowzers in the twists and surprises! I am starting a Netgalley copy of A VERY BAD THING and looking forward to diving into a great read since you never disappoint. I am also reading a few other books for Netgalley as well as Freida McFadden’s THE TEACHER that a friend gifted to me. I don’t pay much attention to the news because I am busy reading my books and escaping into the world of good fiction.
Who needs news when you can read? Currently in my true crime era.
I'm currently about halfway through HOME BEFORE DARK by Riley Sager. It's a terrifying and well crafted read and I can't put it down. Well, except at night. Because I'm too scared to read it before bed. LOL
Thanks to our wonderful mutual friend, M.L. Rio, I’ve read your Substack and now have Field of Graves as my next read. Happy Friday!
I started reading Husbands by Holly Gramazio but it didn't really hold my interest. I may go back to it.
I'm almost done with One Dark Window by Rachel Gilling on the reccomendation of one of you....and I'm really enjoying it. I don't know how to explain the writing, but it's just lovely. I'm not typically into super "flowery" writing, but this book is just wonderful.
I watched 2 episodes of Ripley and I couldn't get into it. I have read that it's a slow start, so I think I'll try episode 3 and see if it picks up.
My grandkids from Branson are coming this weekend. They're 7 and 4 and we just love them like crazy. Their requests were ATV rides, bonfire with smores and if we have candy...I live the way they think!!
I’m reading Michael Koryta (Scott Carson) Lost Man’s Lane and it is fabulous! I also have Toxic Prey in my queue. I love John Sandford and the Prey series. I get mad because I read them too quickly 😁
Reading Sanctuary by Nora Roberts. Picked up a first edition at a library sale, and I’ve never read it. I think The Unmaking of June Farrow next.
Have you watched Sanctuary: A Witch’s Take on AMC+. I think you’d like it.
Would love to be considered for the galley of A Very Bad Thing.
Just finished The Unquiet Bones and it was great as usual
I loved WELLNESS! It took me a while to finish it though because it's quite long lol
Reading is so much better than the news! I'm currently reading a Sci-Fi - The Depths of Time by Roger MacBride Allen and looking forward to my next mystery/thriller.
So many things to love! Especially the voiceover!
Pumped for the playlist, too.
Ooh, I hope WELLNESS lives up to my hype 😂 I’m still bingeing the “Maeve Kerrigan” police/crime novels by Jane Casey that Sam Baker turned me on to. I’m on book 7 of 11 and even though I have a few other books on my Kindle that I’m excited to read, it’s like a compulsion to just start a new Casey as soon as I turn the last page on the one before—she does something interesting, in that certain subplots just don’t get resolved, and wind up extending into the next book. It’s risky to leave things unresolved; not all readers would put up with that, especially if the latest book was so new that you couldn’t immediately gobble up the next one like I am. But it also really rewards the binge! I feel lucky to have discovered them long after pub so I have the full series to luxuriate in.
SOCIOPATH is one of the others in my queue—very intrigued. And the brand new Megan Miranda novel, DAUGHTER OF MINE, which I would already be reading if I hadn’t gotten sucked into these Maeve Kerrigan books.
It may be a while before I watch Andrew Scott as Ripley. Love him as an actor but he feels too old for that particular book. Alain Delon and John Malkovich are tied for my favorite Ripleys. How interesting that Highsmith’s Ripley is iconic but can be played successfully by so many different actors with differing interpretations. Her work always inspires me.
Just this morning finished The Last Cruise by Kate Christensen. As I’m primarily a crime fiction reader, I kept secretly hoping for a murder, of course. But the story is more Ann Patchett than Ann Cleeves, resembling Bel Canto more than anything. Counting it as currently reading bc I’m still in that glowy state, absorbed in the effects before moving on to finishing Dervla McTiernan’s novella, The Sisters.
Thanks so much for the shoutout! It's so good and kind of you to elevate your fellow writers this way.
I hate and love the news. I think I might be a partial news junkie, which isn't so good for the blood pressure sometimes. I'm looking forward to your piece about your outline woes and will surely devour it. Since covid I'm addicted to improving my own writing process, and I love to hear/read how other writer's do it. I didn't know you could make a spotify playlist with your songs, along with a cool banner(?Not sure what it's called. Header. Maybe?). I'm sure I'll binge that too.
As for reading, it's been slow, I can't seem to shake this cold. It appears to be one of those linger longer ones that I despise. My voice has been gone for a week now. But I was able to finish THE FUNERAL LADIES OF ELLERIE COUNTY by Claire Swinarski. If you're a crier, grab a tissue for the ending. If you're not, you should still grab one. This book is about family, trauma, and what holds us together. If you're a thriller/fantasy reader, this book is a bit slower. More like a Sunday drive kind of read. It was a nice shake up. I started THE REAPPEARANCE OF RACHEL PRICE by Holly Jackson. It's a pure angsty YA read with a morally gray protagonist. Plus there are secrets galore. All the things I love in a book. Holly Jackson is a master at writing twisting, angsty reads.
Starting Ripley this weekend. Need to finish Shogun. I adored that Clavell Asian series. U hope they make more.
I always want all the books!! I’ll have to live past 100 to read my TBR!! Have a terrific weekend. 💕
Ooh... I'd love your big pink book! I read all three books in Don Winslow's trilogy. What an epic way to complete a career. Highly recommend!!!
I am reading my NetGalley version of A Very Bad Thing but would love a printed copy 😉. I also always preorder and gift to friends. I’m not too far along but the prologue alone was a 🎤 drop!!!!!
I need a new show. I will definitely check out Ripley. Thanks for the recommendation.
Finished “The Last Thing He Told Me” this week for my book club. A very different plot for me. It was so good and sad at the same time.
We are visiting New Orleans at the moment and I picked up a couple of books by new author to me, Ayls Arden. Fantastic fiction describes her books as young adult fantasy. This story is the start of a series that takes place after “The Storm.” I assumed Katrina but with just a few pages read so far it was a much larger storm. Interested to see the paranormal aspects of this series to come to light.
I've Just started The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill. It's going to be a good read. Looking forward to it.
We loved Ripley. It was just stunning! Thought that Sting's non-binary child Elliot Sumner did a fantastic job as Freddie.
I just got cleared from all restrictions and PT for my broken shoulder!
My list of books this week:
Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan
The Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle
How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler
Loteria by Cynthia Pelayo
The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni
Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition by Junji Ito
A Very Bad Thing by J T Ellison
It’s been a week. We were out of school for the eclipse Monday and short weeks make the kids lose their minds. 🥴 But it’s Friday and there will be reading and listening to live music and some drankin this weekend. I started Riley Sager’s The Last Time I Lied yesterday. When my kindle and I quit disagreeing about if it’s charged or not(it Is..), I’m going to dive into an arc of big pink book! Also I’m book news we are getting a new Tami Hoag book this fall!! I’m so excited about that.
Your soundtrack is very eclectic! This past week I read: One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole (loved it!), Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (outstanding!), The Last Love Note by Emma Grey (sooooo brilliant), my book club read Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline (fabulous), & White Ash Ridge by S.R. White (great series!)
Great to hear your thoughts on Ripley. I've been considering it but I don't watch much TV so I haven't gotten around to starting it yet.
Reading It's One of Us. So good!
Just binged First Lie Wins… I was hooked and I highly recommend it. The book characters were alive. The plot was exciting. The ending was the perfect unexpected twist! Kudos to the author Ashley Elston.
Looking for my next great read!
Not much reading for me this week. Can’t wait to listen to your soundtrack—I’m intrigued.
I am looking forward to A Very Bad Thing