‘In a Dark, Dark Wood’ by Ruth Ware
‘Ruth Ware, author of “The Woman in Cabin 10” published this debut novel in 2015. The novel begins with mystery writer, Nora Shaw waking up in a hospital bed with no recollection of what happened at her friend’s bachelorette party. The party takes place in a glass house in the middle of the woods in the English countryside. The author shifts between the past and present, and it turns out that the party members are not alone out in the woods. This leads to someone getting murdered and Nora becomes a suspect. “in a dark, dark wood” was a quick read with a bittersweet conclusion.
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Pages: 352
- Price: $26 hardcover; $16 paperback
‘The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle’ by Stuart Turton
Hang on to your top hats and monocles for this novel by Stuart Turton. It is a hell of a ride. Aiden Bishop races against the clock and other characters to find out who killed Evelyn Hardcastle. Every day he wakes up in the body of a different guest and has to piece together the information the day he learns before. Each night, Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered at 11 p.m. Basically, imagine that you are playing an intense game “Clue” or participating in a murder mystery dinner against unsavory characters who are not only dangerous but are also trying to kill you before you figure out who killed Evelyn. This novel has a lot of moving parts and characters as well as mystical elements. It will keep you guessing who killed Evelyn Hardcastle until its conclusion. This debut novel is truly a masterpiece.
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
- Pages: 448
- Price: $25.99 hardcover; $16.99 paperback
‘Unraveling Oliver’ by Liz Nugent
The novel by Liz Nugent is eerie and hair-raising. Oliver Ryan is a famous, award winning author of children’s books that his wife, Alice illustrates. The couple seems to be happy, until one day, Oliver assaults his wife and leaves her for dead. His singular act of violence brings to light decades of lies and deception. It was satisfying to watch the past catch up to Oliver through the eyes of the other characters. Nugent’s story telling is whimsical and at times heart-breaking. This crime novel is a must-read.
- Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press; 1st Edition edition
- Pages: 272
- Price: $26 hardcover; $16 paperback
‘Behind Closed Doors: A Novel’ by B.A. Paris
B.A. Paris stomach churning thriller “Behind Closed Doors” is about the couple next door that from outward appearances seems perfect but in reality is far from it. When Jack and Grace hold a dinner party for their friends — they are the center of envy. The relationship seems perfect. Jack is an attorney who has never lost a case, and Grace is a homemaker who is devoted to her younger sister. No one notices that the downstairs windows are tightly secured or why they never see Grace leave the house. However; the reader quickly discovers that the marriage is a prison for Grace. B.A. Paris creates a evil villain that is easy to hate. “Behind Closed Doors” is an emotional read and at times wince worthy. The stories and characters will not be easily forgotten once read.
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
- Pages: 304
- Price: $25.99 hardcover; $16.99 paperback
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
