Author: Emily Martin

Happy Stephen King Release Week

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 17, 2024

Sponsored by

Happy Monday, Horror Fans. Another scary thing happened to me this past week. I was walking home from the gym and a crow swooped down and attacked me. Like, claws in hair. I hated it. Anyway, enough about my scary life. Let’s talk books!

Make this your most bookish summer yet with personalized reading recommendations from Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists (aka professional book nerds) are standing by to help you find your next favorite read. Get your recommendations via email, or opt to receive hardcovers or paperbacks delivered right to your door. And with quarterly or annual plans available, TBR has something for every budget. Get started today from just $18!

Bookish Goods

Smells Like a Stephen King Novel Candle by TrendingScentsGifts

In honor of Stephen King release week, here’s a candle just for the Stephen King fans out there. What does a Stephen King novel smell like, you ask? Actually…you get to pick your vibe. Is it earthy? Minty? Fresh and clean? You do you. This candle promises 50-60 hours of burn time for $25.

New Releases

You Like it Darker by Stephen King

Like I said, it’s Stephen King release week. And here’s what we’re getting from the master of horror this week. You Like It Darker is a new short story collection, featuring 12 stories. As the title suggests, these stories delve into the darker side of life. Bonus: fans of the King classics will be excited to know there’s a sequel to Cujo included here!

Woodworm by Layla Martínez

But we’ve got more than King in the new release category! Woodworm is a novel in translation set in a strange house filled with ghosts, witchcraft, and secrets. The house was built by a man who wanted to hold and control his wife. Now, many years later, their daughter and her granddaughter are still unable to escape. The isolated women are already whispered about in the local community. But after a boy goes missing, paranoia surrounding the women escalates.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

The Beast You Are by Paul Tremblay

In honor of Stephen King’s short story collection, let’s talk more horror short stories that you’re going to love. It’s no secret I’m a big Paul Tremblay fan. I love how super weird he gets with his short stories, and his latest collection is no different. The Beast You Are consists of 15 short stories and one novella. The horror in these stories is experimental and creative. It will twist your brain. So obviously you have to read it!

cover of the dangers of smoking in bed by mariana enriquez

The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez

Yes, Mariana Enríquez has a NEW short story collection out this year, but before you get A Sunny Place for Shady People in September, read this. The Dangers of Smoking in Bed are contemporary Gothic stories that are all at once beautiful, strange, haunting, and uncanny, all set in Bueno Aires.

Well, I’m going out into the world. Wish me luck. Hopefully I don’t get attacked by another crow. Hopefully we all make it to next Monday! Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at EmAndHerCat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Read This Book

Read This Book…

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 16, 2024

Sponsored by

Welcome to Read This Book, your go-to newsletter if you’re looking to expand your TBR pile. Each week, I’ll recommend a book I think is an absolute must-read. Some will be new releases, some will be old favorites, and the books will vary in genre and subject matter every time. I hope you’re ready to get reading!

Have you revisited Sailor Moon since it first came out in the ’90s? It really holds up. I loved the anime and the manga back in the day. Around the time of the pandemic, I rewatched the original series and picked up the newer Eternal Editions of the manga, and I’ve been 100% back in the Sailor Moon fandom since then. I’ve posted about it on Book Riot. But whether you’re already a huge fan of Sailor Moon or you’ve never heard of it before, here’s a great place to start. And it’s a manga you might have missed!

Codename: Sailor V by Naoko Takeuchi

Before there was Sailor Moon, there was Sailor V. The series first appeared as a one-shot in the manga magazine RunRun in 1991. I wonder if author Naoko Takeuchi could have possibly known then that she was about to launch one of the most popular manga series of all time. And it all started right here, with a young 13 year-old girl named Minako Aino, who just wants to find a boyfriend and fall in love.

What she finds instead is a white cat with a crescent moon on his forehead. What’s more, this cat can talk. He says his name is Artemis and that Minako is actually Sailor Venus, a guardian of the planet Venus whose duty it is to protect Earth. Whaaaat? With the help of Artemis and her magical pen that helps her transform into the Soldier of Justice: Sailor V, Minako fights against the Dark Agency and protects the world from evil. So much for searching for a boyfriend after school!

As Minako learns more about her true identity and her mission, she discovers that there are other Sailor Guardians like her, and so the ending of this series expertly sets up the beginning of the series we all know and love, Sailor Moon. Sailor Venus realizes that to truly save Earth, she will have to set out to find her companions, the other four Sailor Guardians, as well as the Moon Princess.

Sailor Moon diehards, if you’re wondering why you maybe missed this manga series before, it might have been because it was never released in English in the ’90s. In fact, English-speaking fans didn’t have an opportunity to read a translated version until 2011. Now with the Eternal Editions, you can read the whole Codename: Sailor V series in two volumes. And I just have to say, these are absolutely stunning.

Everyone talks about how Naoko Takeuchi’s manga, featuring strong (but beautifully flawed) teenage girls (and talking cats), is so empowering and uplifting. But I feel like we’re not talking enough about how gorgeous her illustrations are. I had to own all of these Eternal Editions (both Codename: Sailor V and aaallll the Sailor Moon volumes) because each one features all-new holographic cover illustrations and giant colored images throughout. It’s so gorgeous. If I could, I would buy two so I could cut up one and put it all over my wall. Unfortunately, I’m not a 13-year-old girl anymore, so that’s not really socially acceptable home decor…but I’ve thought about it.

If you’ve never thought about picking up Codename: Sailor V before, this edition is the one to get. Start the best-selling manga series where it all began, and learn a lot more about everyone’s favorite Libra Sailor Guardian, Sailor Venus (yay Libras!).

Happy weekend reading, bibliophiles! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @EmAndHerCat, and check out my other newsletters, The Fright Stuff and Book Radar!

Book Radar

RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE Gets a Sequel and More Book Radar

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 15, 2024

Sponsored by

Hi, Book Radar-ites!

How are we doing these days? I’ve been playing the new Childish Gambino on repeat ALL WEEK and I am not well. It’s so good. I feel like we’ve gotten a lot of good music in 2024 already. If you have a favorite 2024 release, let me know about it. We can talk about things other than books sometimes. But okay…let’s get to the books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Here’s the cover of Nalo Hopkinson’s upcoming book Jamaica Ginger, illustrated by Joshua Mays. It’s out this October.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, HarperCollins is releasing a new, pink version of the essay collection. The new edition will be available on August 6.

Red, White & Royal Blue, the adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, is getting a sequel. Matthew López has returned to write the script, and Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are also set to return.

Heartstopper‘s season 3 release date has been confirmed in a new teaser trailer. Fans can watch the show on Netflix starting on October 3.

Here’s the new trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power season 2. The new season releases on August 29th on Prime Video.

American Girl Doll fans! Mattel has announced the re-release of three American Girl Classics: Kirsten, Addy, and Josefina.

Check out this year’s winners of the Barnes & Noble Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards.

Author Lauren Groff has opened up a bookstore to combat surging book bans in Florida. The Lynx is now open in Gainesville, FL.

Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro has died at the age of 92. Penguin Random House Canada’s chief executive, Kristin Cochrane, said in a statement, “Alice Munro is a national treasure — a writer of enormous depth, empathy, and humanity whose work is read, admired, and cherished by readers throughout Canada and around the world. Alice’s writing inspired countless writers too, and her work leaves an indelible mark on our literary landscape.”

Book Riot Recommends

Hi, welcome to everyone’s favorite segment of Book Radar called Book Riot Recommends. This is where I’ll talk to you about all the books I’m reading, the books I’m loving, and the books I can’t wait to read and love in the near future. I think you’re going to love them too!

Can’t Wait for This One!

i am the dark that answers when you call book cover

I Am the Dark that Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea (Henry Holt, November 12)

We know the world of ballet can be a scary place. We’ve seen it in multiple movies (Black Swan… Abigail…) and we saw it in Jamison Shea’s novel I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me. Now we’re returning to that world of horror in a sequel, coming out this November, and I can’t wait!

Following the incident (trying to avoid spoilers here) at the Palais Garnier a few months ago, Laure has decided to set her ballet shoes aside and put the past behind her. But now Laure is just spiraling. The only thing that gives her any solace is going out, partying, and drowning out her memories and feelings of despair.

Then one night when Laure is out drinking, she stumbles across a dead body, and she realizes she won’t be able to just leave the past behind. Somewhere deep below the streets of Paris, there is a dark underworld pulsing with blood. Laure may be a monster, but she’s not the only monster in this city.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Mourning is sometimes a dull ache that won’t leave, and other times it’s like pricking your finger on a needle hidden in a shopping bag.”

— Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh

What’s Up in the Book Community?

My iPhone is constantly telling me I spend too much time staring at my screen, which is honestly so rude. But this means I spend a lot of time scrolling around the online book community: BookTube, Bookstagram, BookTok, BookLinkedIn (JK. That’s not a thing…I don’t think). You get the idea. Don’t have the time, energy, or the will to do all of that yourself? No problem. I got you. In this weekly section of Book Radar, we’ll take a look at something cool, interesting, and/or newsy that’s going on in the book community.

How do you feel about illustrated romance covers? Personally, I love them. I think they’re cute. But apparently, some people have issues with them. Thoughts?

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

The sun is finally out here in Seattle, which means the cats are out and they’re enjoying the tennis players and the birds and the rabbits and the bugs. They are so pleased. Hopefully you’re getting sunny weather as well!

And that’s all for today, everyone. I hope you have a lovely weekend. I’ll see you real soon.

Emily

The Fright Stuff

It’s the Middle of May, and We’re Overflowing with Horror

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 10, 2024

Sponsored by

Horror fans!

I know last week I told you some of the scariest things that happened to me that week. This week, the scariest thing is that we’re HALFWAY through May somehow. And there are soooo many good new horror releases to share with you. There was no way I could cut it down to two, so I have three (!!!) for you this time.

Bookish Goods

Midsommar Bookmark by SnarkyAndSage

It’s May, and you know what that means. Time to celebrate the season with the May Queen from Midsommar. If you love books (and you do because you’re here), then you can represent your love for the season with this gorgeous May Queen bookmark. Skål! It’s $4.25!

New Releases

The House that Horror Built by Christina Henry

I have three (!!) new horror novels to recommend for you this week, and it was hard to narrow it down to these three. Let’s start with the latest from Christina Henry.

Javier Castillo was an award-winning horror movie director who had audiences at the edge of their seats with every new film release. But after his family was hit with tragedy and scandal, the director was forced to step away from the spotlight. Now single mom (and film aficionado) Harry Adams has accepted a job cleaning Javier’s home. Javier values discretion over everything else, and Harry promises not to ask questions. But when Harry hears a voice behind a locked door calling for help, she’s not so sure she can keep her promise.

It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass

This next one is a chilling YA horror fantasy from Rick Riordan Presents. Set on the Caribbean Island of St. Virgil, It Waits in the Forest follows Selina DaSilva, a plant-loving young girl who dreams of leaving the island to study pharmacology. But that was before her mother and father were viciously attacked. Now, her father is dead and her mother is in a coma, and Selina’s ex-boyfriend Gabriel wants to get to the bottom of who is violently killing people on the island. There have always been stories of evil lurking in the forest, something Selina’s logical mind always refused to regard as truth. But now she’s not so sure.

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

This final book is a queer supernatural horror novel. Roos Beckman has a spirit companion, Ruth, who only she can see. Roos uses her abilities to connect with the spirit world to conduct questionable séances where she and her mother feed on the vulnerability of people grieving their loved ones. But then she meets Agnes Knoop, a wealthy young widow who also has a spirit companion. Realizing that they are kindred spirits, Agnes invites Roos to come live with her at the crumbling estate she inherited from her dead husband. Agnes and Roos quickly form a deep bond with one another. When someone ends up dead, Roos’ sanity is questioned, and she’s forced to choose between her love for Agnes and her deep bond with Ruth.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

The Troop by Nick Cutter

It’s mid-May, which means summer is around the corner. The scariest time of the year if you ask me, friends. I hate hot weather. But you know what’s summery and a great setting for scary stories? Camps/summer camps. The Troops is pretty much the creepiest camping story I’ve ever read. Every year, scoutmaster Tim Riggs takes his troop into the Canadian wilderness for a three-day camping trip. Of course, scary stories have long been a staple of camping trips. But when those scary stories become real, this camping trip becomes so much more terrifying than anything the troop leader or the boys could have planned for.

Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis

Last (but not least), here’s a new YA horror novel set in a queer summer camp for horror fans. OMG, right? Temple Baker’s father is the North Point Killer, an infamous serial killer who has been convicted of murdering 20 people. But did he kill Temple’s mother? Looking for answers, Temple returns to the scene of the alleged crime, a farm that has now been turned into an overnight camp for queer, horror-obsessed girls. When a girl at the camp ends up dead, Temple worries that there’s a copycat killer amongst the campers.

Phew, all this talk of summer camp is making me want to shut down the computer and explore the great outdoors. So I’m out of here for now, but I’ll see you next Monday! Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Book Radar

THE IDEA OF YOU Author Speaks Out About Film Adaptation’s Changes and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 10, 2024

Sponsored by

What a weekend, Book Friends!

I hope yours was restful. I was working for most of the weekend, but it was fun work, so don’t be sad for me. I’m happy that it’s Monday, though. I’m one of those weirdos who actually likes Mondays. Especially because it means I get to say hello to you again. Shall we talk books?

Book Deals and Reveals

Paste has shared the cover and an excerpt from Laura Piper Lee’s Zoe Brennan, First Crush, the follow-up to the rom-com Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair. It’s out on January 21, 2025.

Here’s a first look at Netflix’s adaptation of The Decameron, starring Zosia Mamet, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, and Tanya Reynolds. It’s coming out in July!

Adam Cesare’s Audible Original Influencer is getting an expanded paperback release, and here’s the cover reveal! The cover features art by Tomasz Majewski.

Did you love Amazon Prime Video’s adaptation of The Idea of You, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine? Author Robinne Lee is a little disappointed with the changes the film made to her story. (warning: spoilers for the film and the novel)

Check out the cover of Jenni Howell’s YA dark academia thriller Boys With Sharp Teeth. It’s out in winter 2025 and is available for preorder now.

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that they’re developing a new movie based on Gollum from the Lord of the Rings. Andy Serkis is set to reprise the role of Gollum and direct Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

Sailor Moon has officially launched a new line of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home-related items in an official collaboration with the Japanese brand RoseMarie Seoir.

Here are all the book club picks for May 2024. What books are your book club(s) reading this month?

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

Bright and Tender Dark by Joanna Pearson (Bloomsbury, June 4)

Joanna Pearson’s debut novel Bright and Tender Dark is perfect for fans of Notes on an Execution and I Have Some Questions for You. If you love dark academia books, this is for you. If you love literary thrillers that are character-driven, this one is for you. And, it’s out right at the start of June, so make sure you prepare your shelves.

Set in 1999 and 2019, this book examines the murder of Karlie Richard, a charismatic 19-year-old student who was the It Girl on her campus. Twenty years after Karlie is found murdered, those who were close to Karlie are still rattled by her untimely death. Karlie’s freshman roommate, Joy, is now a middle-aged woman still living in the town where it all happened. But now, fresh out of a divorce, Joy is desperate to leave the past behind her.

But then Joy finds a letter from Karlie that the authorities missed, and the letter is enough to convince Joy that the man who was convicted for Karlie’s death might actually be innocent. In an effort to find out the truth about Karlie’s death, Joy dives deep into the case, exploring conspiracy theories and amateur sleuth blogs. Her investigation connects her with others who are still unable to stop thinking about Karlie’s murder: KC, the trans night manager at the building where Karlie was killed; Sheri, the mother of the man convicted of the murder; and Jacob, the professor with whom Karlie was secretly in a romantic relationship.

What I’m Reading This Week

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

Codename: Sailor V, Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh

Monday Memes

Have you seen The Challengers yet? I know you’ve at least seen the meme! Here are some bookish Challengers memes! Love to see it.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

Did you know that my little tuxedo cat, Remy, is also a huge fan of journaling? This is his little “Cattitude Journal” and he loves it. Cats! They’re bookish just like us!

And that’s it for this Monday! I’ll catch you all on Thursday. Thanks so much for reading.

Emily

Read This Book

Read This Book…

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 9, 2024

Sponsored by

Looking for a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift? Go beyond the tried and true flowers and chocolate and give the gift of reading with Tailored Book Recommendations! Our bibliologists are standing by to help your mom find her next favorite read, delivered right to her inbox or doorstep. And with gifts starting at just $18, there’s something for any budget! Head to mytbr.co/gift to send the gift of reading to the book nerd in your life!

The sun has been out, the weather is getting warmer, and all I wanted was to read a cute, warm, and fuzzy romance novel. What I got was so much more. So, friends, if you’re feeling the feel-good sunny vibes this season, you should read this book!

Funny Story by Emily Henry

This is my first ever Emily Henry novel. I’ve heard lots of good things, and I’ve been meaning to pick up her books in the past. Several of them are on my TBR. So what made me pick up this one? First of all (and this is completely true), I have been loving the Funny Story merch over at Out of Print. Like, I kinda want this sweatshirt, but I couldn’t buy it before I read the book, right? Secondly, have you seen this book’s Goodreads rating? It’s incredibly high. I had to know what everyone was talking about. With how much people are loving this book, odds are you’ve already had one or two or three people tell you to read this. Well, let me be the fourth.

Daphne and Miles are roommates, but they couldn’t be more different. Daphne is an introverted, straight-laced children’s librarian. Miles is a scruffy bartender who is seemingly friends with everyone in Waning Bay, Michigan. They really only have one thing in common — both of their exes are about to get married. To each other.

Yep, Daphne and Miles met each other and became roommates because of their connection to the same chaotic break-up mess. Daphne was once engaged to Peter, and she moved to Waning Bay to start a life with him. But on the night of Peter’s bachelor party, Peter realizes he’s actually in love with his best friend Petra. And so he leaves Daphne to be with Petra. Petra, who was dating Miles. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, Petra and Peter invite Daphne and Miles to attend their wedding. Will the nightmares never cease?

Daphne certainly feels like she’s living in a nightmare, living in a town where she has no friends, afraid she’s going to run into her ex every time she leaves the house, living with a man who is wallowing in misery just as much as she is. The only thing Daphne has going for her is her job as a children’s librarian. It’s truly her dream job, and she refuses to leave Waning Bay before she helps the library with their big Read-A-Thon. After that, she’s totally out of here though.

But then there’s Miles, who turns out to be way more charming than Daphne first gave him credit for. He’s determined to help Daphne fall in love with Waning Bay so that she’ll stay. But what if she falls in love with more than just the town? What if she falls for her roommate, her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex-boyfriend? Could things get any messier?

There’s so much to love about this book. Yes, you’ve probably guessed there is a cute little love story. But the part of the book that really hugged my heart was Daphne’s journey to rediscovering herself post-breakup. This is so much more than a romance. This is the story of a woman making friends, thriving in her job, learning more about who she is and what she cares about, and generally just coming into her own. This was such an empowering story in ways I couldn’t have predicted.

Happy weekend reading, bibliophiles! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @emandhercat, and check out my other newsletters, The Fright Stuff and Book Radar!

Book Radar

Michelle Yeoh to Star in BLADE RUNNER 2049 Sequel Series and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 8, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to another Thursday Book Radar! It’s been a really busy week over here, and the weekend’s not going to slow down. I’m hoping maybe I can get some sleep…next week. But I hope you’re feeling well-rested and on top of your game this week! If not, the weekend is almost here! Woo! Let’s chat books.

Book Deals and Reveals

Rainbow Rowell is back with a new novel, and People has an early sneak peek. Slow Dance is out on July 23 from William Morrow.

Michelle Yeoh has been cast to star in Blade Runner 2099, a new Blade Runner sequel series in the works at Amazon Prime Video. Amazon declined to comment on specific character details.

And here’s the cover of the upcoming novel from Ann Hood, The Stolen Child. It’s out on May 7 from W.W. Norton & Company.

Check out the cover of this upcoming anthology, Fears: Tales of Psychological Horror. This collection of eclectic horror short stories, edited by Ellen Datlow, is coming out on September 10 from Tachyon Publications.

George A. Romero, the director of Night of the Living Dead, will posthumously publish a new novel, co-written by Daniel Kraus. It’s out on September 3.

Priscilla Presley is set to publish a new memoir with Hachette Books. In the book, Presley opens up about “life after Elvis; the passing of her daughter, Lisa Marie; Lisa Marie’s marriage to Michael Jackson; and forging her own identity as an actress and businesswoman, as well as offering never-before-shared intimate stories about her romantic life with Elvis.” It’s out in fall 2025.

The once highly-anticipated book festival Readers Take Denver is now being called the “Fyre Festival of Books.” The four-day event took place April 18-21 and turned into an utter disaster.

Oprah has announced her 105th book club pick, and it’s Long Island by Colm Tóibín.

The Winners of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize have been announced! Check out the winners and finalists here.

Book Riot Recommends

Can’t Wait for This One!

I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram (Forever, August 27)

In late August, we’re getting a new book from Adib Khorram, the William C. Morris Award-winning author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay. And I really can’t wait for this one. With this novel, Khorram is making his adult debut, and it’s a queer romantic comedy that promises to genuinely have readers laughing out loud.

It all starts with a case of mistaken identity. Farzan Alavi is just minding his business, drowning his sorrows in wine at Kansas City’s newest wine bar, hoping to put his recent break-up in his past. Then, without understanding why, Farzan finds himself escorted to the bar’s VIP table, where he is wined and dined and treated to the best meal of his life. Why though? Sommelier David Curtis thinks Farzan is an influential food critic. Oops.

David only finds out the truth about Farzan after the two have a hot one-night stand. But it’s definitely only going to be a one-night thing if David has anything to say about it. David has all eyes on work at the moment, and he has no interest in pursuing a relationship. So that is the end of that, right? Wrong.

When Farzan inherits his family’s bistro, he suddenly finds himself in need of David’s restaurant expertise. Now the two agree to meet up again, but it’s all going to be strictly professional, right? Yeah, we’ll see.

Words of Literary Wisdom

“Trust people’s actions, not their words. Don’t love anyone who isn’t ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don’t hold on to you. Don’t wait on anyone who’s in no rush to get to you.”

— Funny Story by Emily Henry

What’s Up in the Book Community?

Friends, I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with what’s going on with author Freydis Moon and their alleged multiple identities in the literary world, but it’s a wild web of deceit. You can read more about the scandal here, or if you’re more of a YouTube video essay person (like me), some of my fave YouTubers have covered this: WithCindy and Jess Owens.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

I don’t know if you can see, but maybe if you zoom into the nose, you’ll be able to see Murray’s beautiful, perfect little nose freckles. I love this angel cat so much. I haven’t been home much this week, and I miss snuggling!

Hopefully, you have lots of cat snuggles in your future this weekend. I will see you on Monday!

Emily

The Fright Stuff

It’s Been a Scary Week, Horror Fans

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 3, 2024

Sponsored by

It’s Monday, horror fans, which means it’s time to talk all things scary!

Welcome to the Fright Stuff. As always, I am Emily, and I’m probably way too excited to share all the things that scared me in the past week since we last spoke. Like, for instance, last Tuesday there was a woman screaming outside of my window at midnight. And, just now at my bus stop, there was a person whose face was completely obscured by a strange mask made of cloth. And it’s not even October, friends. But I also read some scary books this week, so let me tell you about it!

Bookish Goods

Coffin Bookmark by BookishHeaux

Want your reading life to be a little bit scarier? Stick a coffin bookmark in your book. This one is even on sale until June 1st, so order now! It’s $9, and it’s super cute.

New Releases

The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller

The Z Word is like Zombieland, if Zombieland were really, really queer. It’s the story of Wendy, a bisexual woman living in San Lazaro, Arizona. She wants to get over her ex-girlfriend Leah, but that’s hard to do when she keeps hooking up with her friends. On top of that, people all around them are turning into zombies. In order to survive, Wendy will be forced to team up with a rag-tag group of friends (and frenemies) — including Leah!

Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda

Also out this week: this debut collection of 12 short stories, set in a supernaturally charged version of Lagos, Nigeria. Each story starts familiarly enough — a visit to the market, a mother trying to feed her newborn child. But, that makes every dark, uncanny turn all the more frightening. On May 7th, see why Lauren Groff called Aguda’s work “elegantly balanced with the gorgeous fullness of human emotion.”

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay (William Morrow, June 11)

I told you all that this one was one of my most anticipated books of 2024, and guess what? It lived up to and even beyond the hype. And oh my gosh, it was so creepy. You’ve probably read horror novels about cursed films before (you’re here, after all), but trust me when I say you’ve never read anything like this. This is the story of a horror movie that was filmed in 1993, but never released. Still, the hype around this cursed film is real, and 30 years later, it’s time to try again. This one is out in June.

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

I picked this one up not realizing how horror-y it was going to be. I just thought, “Oh, a book about a language school. Love!” But yes…this is horror. I don’t want to give anything away, but basically, this is about The Centre, a place where you can go and learn a language in only two weeks. And when I say learn, I mean…completely fluent. Sound too good to be true? Guess what. It probably is.

What a week I had since the last time we spoke! I hope yours was scary (in a safe, fun way) as well. Let me know what you’ve been reading? Message me on Instagram at emandhercat and tell me everything. Sweet dreams, horror fans!

Book Radar

QUEENIE is Heading to Hulu and More Book Radar!

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 3, 2024

Sponsored by

Dear Book Friends,

Welcome to Monday, and thanks for checking out this Monday’s Book Radar. It’s the first full week of May, and reflecting back on last month, I had such a great reading month. I even read some new faves. How did your April go? Are you excited for this month? Either way, it’s here, so let’s do this.

Book Deals and Reveals

cover of cover of Trang Thanh Tran's They Bloom at Night

Check out the cover of Trang Thanh Tran’s They Bloom at Night. This new novel from the author of She is a Haunting is out on March 4, 2025

Here’s the trailer for Queenie, the new series based on the best-selling novel by Candice Carty-Williams. Queenie premieres June 7, only on Hulu.

Colleen Hoover’s Verity is in development to be adapted as a film at Amazon MGM Studios. Hillary Seitz is currently writing the script. Eat the Cat’s Nick Antosca and Alex Hedlund will produce.

And here’s the cover reveal of Christian J. Collier’s Greater Ghost. It’s out from Four Way Books on September 15.

Another cover reveal! This one’s for The Empire Wars, a debut fantasy from Akana Phenix. It’s out on August 6.

If cute lil romcoms are more your speed, here’s the cover of Charlotte Stein’s My Big Fat Fake Marriage. This one’s coming out on March 11, 2025.

The sexy erotic fiction podcast Dirty Diana, starring Demi Moore, is going to be a book! The book is written by Jenn Besser and Shana Feste, and it’s out from Dial Press on November 19.

Here are the 2024 Edgar Award Winners for best mysteries. This is the 78th annual award.

Book Riot Recommends

Prepare Your Shelves!

The House that Horror Built by Christina Henry (Berkley, May 14)

Love horror stories about horror movies? Look, same, which is why I’m so excited for Christina Henry’s latest, The House that Horror Built. Christina Henry has already proven herself to be a master of horror and dark fantasy (Near the Bone? Chilling). Trust me, she keeps the horror party going in her latest. This one is out NEXT WEEK, so you’d better get that shelf prepared. This one is coming so soon!

Javier Castillo was an award-winning horror movie director who had audiences at the edge of their seats with every new film release. But after his family was hit with tragedy and scandal, the director was forced to step away from the spotlight. Now, he spends his days hidden away in his Chicago mansion, Bright Horses. No one ever visits him, and he lives all alone…or does he? More on that later.

Now single mom (and horror film aficionado) Harry Adams has accepted a job cleaning Javier’s home. Javier values discretion over everything else, and Harry promises not to ask questions. Frankly, she’s a little starstruck and in awe of all the horror movie props and costumes that fill the house. But when Harry hears a voice behind a locked door calling for help, she’s not so sure she can keep her promise to stay silent.

What I’m Reading This Week

cover image for How to Solve Your Own Murder

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

Codename: Sailor V, Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi

Monday Memes

I really love reading books I love, but you know what I love even more? Recommending those books to others and getting others to love them. I’m sure many of you relate.

And Here’s A Cat Picture!

writer Emily and her orange cat Murray showing off their chins

Just a girl and her cat, showing off their chins. Murray absolutely wins the chin contest though. So orange! So fluffy! Good job, Murray!

That’s all I have for you today, book family. You’ve made it to the end of this week’s Book Radar. I hope your May is beautiful! Talk to you on Thursday!

Emily

Read This Book

Read This Book…

Post author By Emily Martin
Post date May 2, 2024

Sponsored by

Have you ever dreamed of being fluent in other languages? What if you could become fluent in another language in just about two weeks? This book was such a wish-fulfillment moment for me, but also, be careful what you wish for…

The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

Anisa Ellahi wants to be a translator of great literature, but that world doesn’t really open up to her until she meets Adam. When Anisa invites Adam to meet her parents, she’s immediately shocked by how quickly he’s able to pick up Urdu and speak the language fluently to her family. In fact, he speaks Urdu better than she does. How is this possible? What is his secret?

His secret, friends, is The Centre. Have you ever wished you could learn to speak a language fluently in less than a month? Read it, write it, listen to it, speak it, everything? Well, then set Duolingo aside because The Centre is your answer. Of course, there’s a catch. Or a few catches, really. First of all, you can’t just walk into the Centre. The program is extremely elite and invite-only. It also costs upwards of $20k to take a course. If you’re able to get in and you’re able to pay the exorbitant price, you’ll be forced to cut yourself off from the outside world. Every day, you’ll listen to language recordings and meditate without any contact with any other of The Centre’s learners. If you can do all of that, you will leave speaking the language of your choice fluently.

During Anisa’s time in the Centre, she chooses to learn German, and she spends her days listening to recordings of a man speaking German, telling his full life story. At first, she can’t understand a word he’s saying. Then, suddenly, when she enters the listening booth, she realizes she understands every word he’s saying and she remembers everything he’s told her since the beginning of the recordings. After Anisa leaves the circle, she’s able to translate works of German literature, and her translation career becomes so successful that she decides to come back to the Centre to learn Russian.

Sound good? Well, Anisa soon learns that it might just be too good to be true. As Anisa becomes more enthralled by The Centre and what it’s capable of doing, she starts to look into how the program works. And the answers to her questions will surprise you. You won’t see this ending coming.

As someone who has always loved learning languages, I found this premise so intriguing, and the story definitely delivered. The Centre is a book that celebrates literature and the joy of learning languages. But it’s also a dark, unsettling novel that will give you the creeps and leave you with so many thoughts about classism, the elitism of higher learning, and more. Read this book, friends! You won’t regret it.

Happy weekend reading, bibliophiles! Feel free to follow me on Instagram @emandhercat, and check out my other newsletters, The Fright Stuff and Book Radar!