With 2020 being, well, 2020, it’s safe to say that none of us really know what to expect anymore. Are we reopening things only to shut them down again? Is it safe to go out to eat or to a bar? If there’s one thing this year has taught us, it’s that we’ve all become acquainted with staying home and keeping ourselves busy. (Hopefully.) There’s no denying that COVID-19 has royally screwed up everything. Back in March I chatted with an author who’d recently released her debut novel. She told me that publishing a book during a pandemic had been met with a lot of “crickets.” I say all of this to say that, unsurprisingly, receiving new books this year has been delayed, which is why some of the books listed below may have been released earlier this year. However, don’t let the time stamp fool you—these reads are perfect to cozy up with this fall. Instead of stressing about going out, stay in instead, and get comfortable curling up with a good book. Here’s what to read this fall. And as always, keep up with me real-time by friending or following me on the Goodreads app.
FALL FAVES:
The Comeback by Ella Berman
GENRES: FICTION, CONTEMPORARY
“A deep dive into the psyche of a young actress raised in the spotlight under the influence of a charming, manipulative film director and the moment she decides his time is up.” — Book Flap
Ella Berman’s debut novel tells a gripping story about the power struggles in society—especially in Hollywood and show business—and creates a harrowing portrait of a young woman trying to come to terms with the things that have happened her and the circumstances of her life, all the while trying to find the courage and strength to take back her own power. The Comeback is a very relevant book to our time, and is one I truly think everyone across the board needs to read, and will equally enjoy. Berman’s writing style makes this chilling exposé witty and easy to read, despite the very real, dark, topic of the book. I particularly loved this book because it’s deeper than other books I’ve read related to the #MeToo era and movement. The Comeback actually dove into the psyche of our main character/narrator and painted a very sharp, fervent image of what goes on in the minds of those who feel powerless and have been robbed of their sense of self. I devoured this book in just one day. If you only read one thing this fall, make The Comeback it.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
GENRES: THRILLER, MYSTERY, SUSPENSE
“There are two sides to every story, yours and mine, ours and theirs, His & Hers. Which means someone is always lying.”
Alice Feeney’s newest story does not disappoint. His & Hers reads lightning fast, a plot that kicks off at the beginning and ramps up the speed and suspense until the very end. Told in both His and Hers POV, plus a mysterious third voice that isn’t revealed until the vey end, this is one read that you’ll want to pick up ASAP.
These Women by Ivy Pochada
GENRES: MYSTERY, THRILLER, CRIME, CONTEMPORARY
“These women don’t belong here. They don’t belong anywhere.”
These Women by Ivy Pochada is a fictional story about kinds of women society often ignores because they don’t belong—they’re the strippers, prostitutes, dancers, and junkies; the kind of women society turns away from when things go wrong. Ivy Pochada has weaved a fictional tale that resonates with the real world, today. In These Women, there is a serial killer on the loose, one that has been getting away with murder for too long because the kinds of women that are targeted by this predator aren’t important. Their murders don’t resonate because of who they are and what they do; they’re ignored. Alternating between 1999 and 2014, this story unfolds through the eyes of Dorian, a middle-aged women still struggling to come to terms with her daughter’s unsolved murder; Julianna, a young dancer who lives hard and fast; Essie, a vice cop capable of seeing a pattern where no one else can; Marella, a performance artist who finally pushes the envelope too far; and Anneke, a woman who keeps to herself and has turned a blind eye for too long. These Women is a captivating and powerful story, the kind that makes you think. I finished this book thinking about our society as a whole, and how often we turn our backs to those who are truly in need.
Framed by S.L McInnis
GENRES: THRILLER, MYSTERY, SUSPENSE
Framed is, simply put, a spellbinding debut. The thing that caught my eye first about this book was the cover. (I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but come on, how can you not sometimes?) This twisty story gripped me immediately and had my head spinning in ways I haven’t felt in so long, in the best way possible! Dark and gritty, this story is mainly centered around two long-lost best friends—Beth Crawford and Cassie Oglivy—who haven’t seen each other since their college days, and their seemingly inevitable reunion. But this reunion isn’t one full of joy and happy tears. Upon Cassie’s mysterious reapprance into Beth’s life, Beth welcomes her into the home she shares with her husband, Jason Montgomery (Jay), despite the fact that she knows, underneath the surface, that something is very, very wrong. Why has Cassie resurfaced now, and where has she been all this time? What is she hiding, and what does she want? After a brutal murder kicks off this story, we quickly realize that everyone in this book is hiding something, and everyone has something to lose. Despite being told in five different POV’s, I found the story easy to follow thanks to the authors flawless writing style. If you love thriller or suspense novels, don’t sleep on this one. Framed is something you’re going to want to read this fall.
Additional books to pick up this fall:
- Last Woman Standing by Amy Gentry
- Godshot by Chelsea Bieker
- The Herd by Andrea Bartz
- Strike Me Down by Mindy Mejia
- Blue Ticket by Sophie Mackintosh
- He Started It by Samantha Downing
- Playing Nice by JP Delaney
- The End of Her by Shari Lapena
