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"The Marriage Gift" is a 156-page trade paper novel by Stephen Evans that follows the story of married couple Paula and James as they receive an invitation to a wedding of someone they don't know. The couple becomes fixated on choosing the perfect gift and figuring out who Angela is, leading to a cast of characters including James's parents, his brother Frank, Paula's co-worker Iris, and their neighbors. Through brisk and snappy dialogue, the novel explores the inner workings of Paula and James's marriage and their thoughts on relationships. The story culminates in a Mall of America excursion that brings healing and unexpected revelations. The novel includes satiric snippets from a fictitious website and ends with an unexpected twist. The book is described as a snappy and intimate comic stage satire of married life and would appeal to fans of Monica Ali's "Love Marriage" and Charles Yu's "Interior Chinatown." [Extracted from the article]

"The Mysterious Bookshop Presents the Best Mystery Stories of the Year: 2024" is an anthology edited by Anthony Horowitz that features 20 diverse mystery stories. The collection includes a range of subgenres, such as a twisty serial killer tale, a fair-play whodunit, and a Southern neo-noir. While some of the contributors may not be well-known, their stories impress with unexpected twists and engaging characters. Overall, this anthology showcases the wealth of talent in the crime fiction genre and is a must-read for mystery fans. [Extracted from the article]

"The Starlets" by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne is a suspenseful crime novel set in 1958, just after Hollywood's golden age. The story follows Vivienne Rhodes, an Olympic swimmer turned actor, who is disappointed when she learns that rising star Lottie Lawrence has been cast as Helen of Troy in the film they are shooting on a small Italian island. However, when they discover that the crew members are involved with violent gangsters, Vivienne and Lottie put aside their differences and become targets themselves. The authors skillfully combine action with rich descriptions of France and Italy, making this book a treat for movie buffs. [Extracted from the article]

"A Case of Matricide" by Graeme Macrae Burnet is a metafictional crime novel set in Saint-Louis, France. The story follows detective George Gorski as he investigates a series of unsettling cases, including a mother who believes her son plans to poison her. As Gorski delves deeper into the town's secrets, he uncovers corruption and a suspicious death at a concrete plant. While the novel's use of author-doppelgängers may feel strained, it offers a convincing portrayal of bureaucratic and provincial decay. [Extracted from the article]

Polis Books, an indie press founded by Jason Pinter in 2013, has announced that it will cease operations. The challenges brought on by the pandemic, including printer closures and supply chain issues, made it unmanageable for the press. Pinter has been working to find new homes for the 171 books in Polis's backlist, with about 50% going to Bloodhound Books and Datura Books, and the remaining books either returned to their authors or soon to be. Pinter is considering potential roles with other publishers but needs time to recover from the press's closure. [Extracted from the article]

"Golden Age Whodunits" is a highly recommended anthology edited by Otto Penzler that features a collection of mystery stories from the 1920s and '30s. The anthology includes works from renowned authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Stephen Vincent Bénet, as well as prominent figures in detective fiction from that era. The stories range from closed-circle puzzles to social satire blended with crime plots. With contributions from notable authors like Fredric Brown and Ellery Queen, this anthology is a must-read for fans of classic mystery literature. [Extracted from the article]

"Seraphim" by Joshua Perry is a promising debut novel that follows Ben Alder, a former rabbinical seminary student turned defense attorney, as he takes on the case of 16-year-old Robert Johnson, who is accused of killing a well-known aid worker in post-Katrina New Orleans. As Ben delves deeper into the case, he begins to suspect that Robert may have been set up. The novel explores the city's post-Katrina landscape and Ben's personal journey, with a focus on the protagonist's shifting psychology. Crime fiction enthusiasts will be intrigued by Perry's writing style and eagerly anticipate his future works. [Extracted from the article]

A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley is a romance novel set in the Regency era. The story follows Georgina Wilcox, a talented and intelligent middle daughter whose family business is in jeopardy due to her parents' deaths and her sister's marriage to a gambler. When a misunderstanding leads to a scandalous kiss between Georgina and Lord Mark Sebastian, they decide to fake an engagement to protect their reputations. The novel is praised for its historical detail and diverse cast of characters, making it a captivating read for fans of historical romance. [Extracted from the article]

"You'd Look Better as a Ghost" by Joanna Wallace is a darkly funny and eerie debut novel. The story follows Claire, a struggling artist who becomes a serial killer after receiving a false email about her painting being shortlisted for a prestigious art prize. Claire joins a bereavement counseling group where she is blackmailed by a fellow member who knows about her crimes. The novel skillfully weaves in flashbacks from Claire's childhood, providing insight into her relationship with her father. Joanna Wallace's assured debut offers a unique perspective in crime fiction. [Extracted from the article]

Chris Whitaker, a former finance professional turned novelist, has found solace and success in writing after enduring a series of trials and traumas in his life. His novels, such as All the Wicked Girls and We Begin at the End, explore the impact of early life decisions and traumas on individuals. Whitaker's latest novel, All the Colors of the Dark, follows two children whose lives are disrupted by a serial killer. Despite being an Englishman, Whitaker's work is set in the United States, which he sees as a symbol of personal liberty and escape. His novels blend genres and incorporate elements of mystery, crime, love, and coming-of-age stories. Whitaker's journey from adversity to success has led him to a fulfilling career as a novelist, where he can do what he loves. [Extracted from the article]

The article is a review of the book "Mysteries of Bowie and Other Oddities" by Joseph Raffetto. The book is a collection of novellas that explore themes of war, oppression, and the power of art. It begins with a fictitious account of George Orwell's experience in the Spanish Civil War and goes on to examine totalitarian tactics, sociopolitical influences on David Bowie's music, and the interconnected repercussions of war. The author aims to promote unity, eradicate hate and racism, and encourage readers to choose the truth. The review describes the book as an essential read on the interconnectedness of war and the struggle for peace. [Extracted from the article]