Hello, my dears. A quiet week here. We continue on in our surreal suburban bubble, enjoying the moments of solitude as much as we can.

Finally, finally got reading again. I’ve been fine listening to audiobooks, something to pass the time while cleaning or working out, but as for actual sit down with a book reading... I’ve had a harder time. Part of this is the natural state of things when I’m about to finish a book—I’ve spent all day staring at words, dissecting thoughts and decisions, wondering about placement of punctuation and subplot through-lines and the final showdown, that spending an extended amount of time marveling at another author’s work product tends to be both frustrating and overwhelming. And part of it is, of course, that my normal reading time has been subsumed with news and research and reaching out to friends and family to make sure they’re happy and healthy, like everyone else.

So to escape, TV has been my go-to, movies and shows that allow my brain to rest. Schitt’s Creek is a newfound favorite, and the ever-brilliant Killing Eve is back. Did you ever watch Pushing Daisies? Also brilliant, and Lee Pace is so cute. We liked The Nice Guys with Ryan Gosling and Russell Crow and adored The Gentlemen, Guy Ritchie’s latest offering. Have you watched anything great lately?

But I finally felt settled enough to try a physical book, so I picked up Emily St. John Mandel’s THE GLASS HOTEL, and I was so immediately swept into the story that the technical aspects disappeared. As always, when I find a book that transports me, it’s like letting out the breath I haven’t realized I’ve been holding. Mandel is a truly gifted writer, and I’m a big fan. Genuinely enjoying this one.

I’m slowly but surely working through a massive list of questions from the Literati—we’ve had a lot of new folks join in the past few weeks, so I thought an Ask Me Anything was in order. If you aren’t on the Literati, you might consider joining us—it’s been a fun series for us all. Plus, that’s where the giveaways live now…

And of course, I’m plugging away on HER DARK LIES. I’m in the final 1/6th of the book, and I’m itching to get done so my editor and I can start taking it apart and putting it back together again. 

Thanks to all who bought GOOD GIRLS LIE on sale last week--in the midst of a crisis, y’all truly came through, so thank you, and enjoy the read!

With that, I give you the links. Ever onward...

THE LATEST ON THE INTERNET:

7 favorite independent bookstores that are doing great things. This is a great list! I’m so grateful for indie bookstores.

20 Must-Read Novels From the 1990s. I admit to weeping a bit at the idea of a novel from the 1990s as "historical"...

Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Stephen Colbert want you watch 'Fleabag Live.' Just not with your family. The Hound of Heaven - discuss.

Book Review: BIRDMAN by Mo Hayder. This book should be getting as much attention as THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Incredible. I will never get over that ending.

Work and the Deep Life. You know I’m always in search of my Walden Pond…

This spring's hottest authors reveal their most anticipated quarantine reads. There’s something for everyone! Is it just me, or are there even more great books out there for the reading lately?

11 Things Socially Aware People Don’t Say. A good list... #4 in particular.

Wizarding World Introduces Harry Potter at Home. Very cool.

Thoreau on Hard Work. I’ve got Walden Pond on the brain, but since we’ve all been forced into our own variations of it of late…

THE LOOK-ALIKE by Erica Spindler

A stellar mystery from one of my all-time favorite authors, THE LOOK-ALIKE is classic Spindler, murderous twists and turns and a hot romance. What's not to love! I've been reading Erica since well before I was first published. Her work influenced my writing tremendously. And as happens so often in our industry, our heroes become our dear friends. She's been a mentor, a shoulder to cry on, a sounding board, and a co-author. I adore her and her work. You'll love her latest! What are you reading?

That’s it from me. Don’t forget to wipe down your groceries, check out the adorable masks being sold inexpensively on Etsy, work on a puzzle, and I’ll see you next week!

Peace and hugs,
J.T.