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Sneak Peek: ALMOST SURELY DEAD by Amina Akhtar

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ALMOST SURELY DEAD by Amina Akhtar

“Amina Akhtar’s Almost Surely Dead is a witty, fresh psychological thriller that’s part stalker thriller, part ghost story. This book took turns I never saw coming. I was up all night, tearing through the pages as the mysterious pieces came together, leading to an explosive conclusion.” ―Mindy Kaling

A psychological thriller with a twist, Almost Surely Dead is a chilling account of how one woman’s life spins out of control after a terrifying―and seemingly random―attempt on her life.

Dunia Ahmed lives an ordinary life―or she definitely used to. Now she’s the subject of a true crime podcast. She’s been missing for over a year, and no one knows if she’s dead or alive. But her story has listeners obsessed, and people everywhere are sporting merch that demands “Find Dunia!”

In the days before her disappearance, Dunia is a successful pharmacist living in New York. The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, she’s coping with a broken engagement and the death of her mother. But then something happens that really shakes up her world: someone tries to murder her.

When her would-be killer winds up dead, Dunia figures the worst is over. But then there’s another attempt on her life…and another. And police suspect someone close to her may be the culprit. Dunia struggles to make sense of what’s happening. And as childhood superstitions seep into her reality, she becomes convinced that someone―or something―is truly after her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amina Akhtar is a novelist and former fashion editor. Her debut novel, #FashionVictim, drew rave reviews and acclaim and was covered in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Martha Stewart Living, Entertainment Weekly, Fashionista, Book Riot, CrimeReads, and more. Akhtar’s second book Kismet, took on the stunning and creepy world of wellness and all the crystals that go with it. Her third novel, ALMOST SURELY DEAD, will be published by Mindy’s Book Studio in February 2024.

Akhtar has worked at Vogue, Elle, the New York Times, and New York Magazine, where she was the founding editor of the women’s blog The Cut. She’s written for numerous publications, including Yahoo Style, Fashionista, xoJane, Refinery29, Billboard, and more. She currently lives not too far from the Sedona vortexes.

Website: https://www.aminaakhtar.work 

Instagram: @drrramina

X: @Drrramina

BOOK BUY LINKS

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/almost-surely-dead-amina-akhtar/1143720296?ean=9781662507588

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Surely-Dead-Amina-Akhtar/dp/1662507577/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KS3NMB90FM93&keywords=ALMOST+SURELY+DEAD+by+Amina+Akhtar&qid=1702590280&sprefix=almost+surely+dead+by+amina+akhtar%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1

BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/p/books/almost-surely-dead-amina-akhtar/20256161?ean=9781662507571

Chilling Recs for Thriller Lovers

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Chilling Recs for Thriller Lovers by Terri Parlato

Are you a thriller suspense fan? Or maybe you’re looking for some ideas this holiday season. Whether you’re treating yourself or a loved one to some books, What Waits in the Woods author Terri Parlato has some recs to check out!

 

In the Woods by Tana French

I am a huge French fan. This is her first novel, so if you haven’t read anything by her, this would be a good place to start.

Second Shot by Cindy Dees

If you are looking for a terrific spy novel with a bad-ass, middle-aged, FEMALE protagonist, this is the book for you.

Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea

Donlea keeps the twists coming and the reader guessing, as usual!

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

This one’s been around for a while, but I’m a big fan of Lehane.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

This one’s been out a while as well, but the twist is so good, if you haven’t read it, it’s definitely worth picking up.

Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith

This is an oldie, but I feel like it’s almost required reading for thriller fans.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

This has all the twists and heart-pounding anxiety a great thriller needs to keep you hooked.


 

WHAT WAITS IN THE WOODS

Her ballet career derailed by injury, a once-promising young dancer returns to her hometown only to face a grisly discovery – and the increasingly alarming realization that nothing from her past is quite what she believed – in this electrifyingly twisty suburban thriller for fans of Stacy Willingham, Greer Hendricks, and Megan Miranda.

When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, the future shimmered with promise. Eleven years later, her career has been derailed by an injury, and Esme knows it’s time to come back to Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father. But her return coincides with an unthinkable crime. Kara Cunningham, one of Esme’s high school friends, is found dead in the woods behind the Fosters’ house.

Esmé is shocked and grieving, but also uneasy. In her dreams, she still sees the man who showed up at the scene of the car accident that killed her mother—and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insisted the figure was a product of Esmé’s imagination, that she was concussed after the crash. But she and Kara looked alike, sharing the same petite build, the same hair color. Could Kara’s murder have been a case of mistaken identity?

Detective Rita Myers is familiar with close-knit communities like Graybridge, where, beneath the friendliness, there are whispers and secrets. The town has seen other tragedies too, including the long-ago drowning of a young girl in a pond, deep in the woods. Even within the once-close circle of friends that included Kara and Esmé, Rita discerns a ripple of mistrust.

Day by day, Esmé discovers more about the place she left behind—and the friends and family she thought she knew. Soon, shining a light into the darkness to learn what really happened the night Kara died is the only way she can bring the nightmare to an end . . .

Reprinted with permission from Kensington Books.

New Release: RABBIT HOLE by Kate Brody

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RABBIT HOLE by Kate Brody

A twisty debut exploring the dark side of true crime fandom and the blurry lines of female friendship, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, My Favorite Murder, and Fleabag

Conspiracy theories from Reddit seduce a disaster-prone woman into an obsession with solving her older sister’s cold-case disappearance

Ten years ago, Theodora “Teddy” Angstrom’s older sister, Angie, went missing. Her case remains unsolved. Now Teddy’s father, Mark, has killed himself. Unbeknownst to Mark’s family, he had been active in a Reddit community fixated on Angie, and Teddy can’t help but fall down the same rabbit hole.

Teddy’s investigation quickly gets her in hot water with her gun-nut boyfriend, her long-lost half brother, and her colleagues at the prestigious high school where she teaches English. Further complicating matters is Teddy’s growing obsession with Mickey, a charming amateur sleuth who is eerily keen on helping her solve the case.

Bewitched by Mickey, Teddy begins to lose her moral compass. As she struggles to reconcile new information with old memories, her erratic behavior reaches a fever pitch, but she won’t stop until she finds Angie—or destroys herself in the process.

A biting critique of the internet’s voyeurism, Rabbit Hole is an outrageous and heart-wrenching character study of a mind twisted by grief—and a page-turning mystery that’s as addictive as a late-night Reddit binge.

Dr. Keith Ablow Releases 24 Ways to Change Your Life in 2024

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Dr. Keith Ablow, founder of www.pain2power.com, the life coaching and consulting platform he started in 2019, is offering 24 Ways to Change Your Life in 2024 (https://keithablow.com/twenty-four-ways-to-improve-your-life-in-2024/).

Dr. Ablow is a New York Times bestselling author of 16 books, including several novels. He wrote Living the Truth: Transform Your Life Through the Power of Insight and Honesty, which was translated into several languages and published around the world.

Dr. Ablow graduated Brown University with a degree in neurosciences, awarded with highest honors. He also graduated the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  He is a New York Times bestselling author and has appeared on over 1,000 national television broadcasts, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, 20/20, Inside Edition, Fox & Friends, Dr. Oz and Oprah.  He has worked to empower leaders, including Presidential Cabinet members, Fortune 500 CEOs, multibillionaire entrepreneurs and professional athletes, across the United States.

Those interested in receiving life coaching or corporate consulting directly from Dr. Keith Ablow can email info@keithablow.com.

BookBud.ai Launches Pioneering Online Bookstore Exclusively Featuring AI-Generated Books

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In an unprecedented move that’s set to redefine the literary landscape, BookBud.ai, an Archieboy Holdings, LLC. company, proudly announces the launch of the Internet’s first online bookstore and library hybrid dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence generated books. This innovative platform promises to revolutionize the way readers access and enjoy literature, with a focus on breaking the conventional norms of online publishing.

“BookBud.ai offers an unrivaled journey of discovery where every title is available to read online,” says Dr. Bo Bennett, the founder and creator of the site. “This groundbreaking approach ensures that a world of knowledge and entertainment is available to everyone, free of charge, promoting an era of limitless learning and exploration.”

When asked about how BookBud.ai compares to a service such as Amazon’s book selection, Bennett responded, “Amazon is a retailer where authors can go to sell their books. BookBud.ai is a one-stop-shop where authors can go to create; format in ebook, print, and audio; publish; sell; and promote their book. This can all be done with little to no technical skills, very little money, and just a few hours time. The world of publishing is facing a paradigm shift and BookBud.ai is at the forefront.”

At the heart of BookBud.ai’s commitment to excellence is the use of the most advanced, commercially available AI technology. The platform offers a diverse collection of non-fiction books, each crafted with unparalleled accuracy and depth. The cutting-edge algorithms ensure that the information is up-to-date, tailored, and curated to cater to a wide array of interests, providing a reading experience that surpasses that of an average book.

In addition to providing readers with a vast selection of AI-generated books, BookBud.ai empowers aspiring authors. The platform allows anyone to create their own book using its advanced services and add it to the bookstore, as well as distribute it among the top online ebook retailers. This opens up a world of opportunities for budding writers to showcase their work and for readers to discover new and unique voices.

BookBud.ai invites readers, authors, and enthusiasts from around the world to be part of this revolutionary journey. Whether you’re a voracious reader seeking a vast library of knowledge or an aspiring author looking to make your mark in the literary world, BookBud.ai offers an unprecedented platform to satisfy your literary cravings and unleash your creative potential.

Visit BookBud.ai (https://www.bookbud.ai/bookstore) today to browse the collection, discover your favorite new book, or start your journey as an author.

About BookBud.ai

BookBud.ai is a pioneering online bookstore and library hybrid dedicated to offering an exclusive collection of AI-generated books. With a commitment to breaking the barriers of traditional publishing, BookBud.ai provides unlimited access to a diverse range of books and empowers aspiring authors to create and share their work with the world.

Sneak Peek: Death by Irish Whiskey by Catie Murphy

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Death by Irish Whiskey by Catie Murphy

Dublin limo driver Megan Malone finds her relationship on the rocks when a double murder at the whiskey festival draws her in – despite promising her girlfriend she’d quit sleuthing for good…

Perfect for fans of Carlene O’Connor, Sheila Connolly, and Rob Osler alike, Catie Murphy’s acclaimed Dublin Driver Mystery series is a charming blend of Irish humor, compelling whodunnits, and the allure of the Emerald Isle.

“There is so much to like about the cozy perfection that is Catie Murphy’s [Dublin Driver series] from the lush Irish travelogue to the precise balance between comic relief and crime.”—Bookpage STARRED  REVIEW for Death on the Green

The competition for best whiskey in Ireland will be a publicity bonanza for the winner, and that means there are celebrities involved—like boxer Angus McConal and Megan’s friend Niamh, an up-and-coming actress who’s teamed up with Megan’s uncle, the retired Sligo harbormaster. But rivalries and revelries turn out to be a bad blend when McConal dies at a whiskey tasting. Megan promised her girlfriend she’d quit her amateur sleuthing, but with Niamh and her uncle as suspects, she’s over a barrel . . .

With her relationship on the rocks, Megan gets in even deeper when a second entrant in the competition is killed—and her investigation starts zeroing in on a suspect. Now she just needs proof . . .

THE C-CLASS SUPERVILLAINS FINALLY TAKE OVER IN “MINOR THREATS LL: THE FASTEST WAY DOWN”

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THE C-CLASS SUPERVILLAINS FINALLY TAKE OVER IN PATTON OSWALT, JORDAN BLUM, AND SCOTT HEPBURN’S “MINOR THREATS ll: THE FASTEST WAY DOWN”
Everyone’s favorite c-list supervillains return in April 2024 in Minor Threats: The Fastest Way Down! The hit superhero saga from Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, and Scott Hepburn picks up right where it left off with the same creative team: written by Oswalt and Blum, illustrated by Hepburn, colored by Ian Herring, and lettered by Eisner-nominated letterer Nate Piekos. Joining the squad on issue #1 are variant cover artists: Michael Allred, Joëlle Jones, Hepburn (foil variant), David Mack (1:10 retail incentive variant), Martin Simmonds (1:25 retailer incentive variant), and one more variant cover artist who will be revealed at a later date.

Frankie Follis, AKA the costumed criminal Playtime, has won. Twilight City’s greatest hero, The Insomniac, and its greatest villain, The Stickman, are dead, allowing Frankie to unify the super crook underworld and assert herself as the Queenpin of Redport. But Frankie is feeling the pressure from every side. Rival gangs are challenging her authority, Scalpel, her consigliere, is pushing her to legitimize her empire, and the act of murdering The Insomniac has broken something deep inside her. Frankie is about to learn the hard way… heavy is the head that wears the supervillain crown.

“We’re thrilled to get the chance to return to Twilight City and continue Frankie’s story,” said Blum. “It’s important to us that every chapter has its own unique crime-fiction flavor. If volume one was our ‘survive the night’ thriller then volume two is our ‘Godfather part 2’ sprawling epic. It’s one thing to name yourself the Queenpin of super-crime, it’s another to defend it. Playtime will learn that with great power… comes rival Holiday-themed gangs, vengeful teen sidekicks, haunting superhero ghosts and unearthed secrets that will threaten everything she’s built.”

“The higher you climb in the world of crime, the harder people want to see you plummet,” said Oswalt. “Frankie learns this lesson in real time — but can she find a way to avoid the fall?”

Minor Threats is perfect for fans of Black HammerThe BoysSin City, and other noir superhero stories.

Minor Threats ll: The Fastest Way Down #1 (of 4) arrives in comic shops on April 3, 2024. This issue and all its brilliant variant covers are now available to pre-order for $4.99 at your local comic shop.

Be sure to follow Dark Horse Comics on social media and check our website, www.darkhorse.com, for more news, announcements, and updates!

Praise for Minor Threats and From the World of Minor Threats: The Alternates:

“It’s wonderful: it reminds me of Astro City, of Brat Pack, of In Pictopia; it conjures the superhero (and super villain) magic in a way that I thought was over and done. Lovely job.” –Neil Gaiman

“I was hooked from the first page! Minor Threats is delicious, villainous dark pop that churns up the world of the marginalized and serves up a decadent and dangerous feats, all presented in glorious bombastic visual eye-fuckery that has re-ignited my love of comics. At last, something cool in a world where nothing is cool.” –Taika Waititi

Minor Threats is exactly what one would expect from Patton Oswalt—it’s intelligent, funny, and twisted. I’m also worried about him.” –Judd Apatow

Minor Threats is a hardcore blast from the bad brain of Patton Oswalt. I love the full-on collision of his grimy, superhero underworld; with eye-poppingly gorgeous splash pages of art by Scott Hepburn. A naughty peek under the cape that you’ll devour like contraband.” –Edgar Wright

Minor Threats #1 was one of the best times I have had reading a new comic. Oswalt, Blum, and company have created a near-perfect comic book that is referential without over-saturation.”–Multiversity Comics

“In a desert of cynical, shallow Watchmen wannabes, Minor Threats is an oasis: a deconstruction of the superhero genre made from a place of love instead of being disgusted by or apologetic about its own existence. It melds the dark and melodramatic with the goofy and bizarre with beautiful precision.”–Gatecrashers

The Alternates is the rare comic spinoff that not only continues the magic of its flagship series, but manages to work as something unique and accessible. Unsurprisingly, Patton Oswalt, Jordan Blum, and Tim Seeley all nail the script, hooking you into the characters and the narrative immediately. Coupled with Christopher Mitten and Tess Fowler’s ambitious and scrappy art, this issue is great, plain and simple.”–Comicbook.com

“This B-squad has A+ potential.”–AIPT Comics

HAPPY 2024

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Wishing all our readers a wonderful and fabulous New Year!!

Sneak Peek: The Messy Life of Jane Tanner By Brenda Novak

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The Messy Life of Jane Tanner By Brenda Novak

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookstore on the Beach, the third and final book in the Coyote Canyon triology following Talulah’s Back In Town and The Talk of Coyote Canyon.

When your life is chaotic, what’s one more complication?

Jane Tanner’s friends are settling down, while she’s been settling for less. She longs for adventure and the big city but caring for her ailing grandfather means she’s shackled to her small town. She’s excited her vintage gift shop is finally up and running but it’s not enough.Longing to fulfill at least one dream—to become a mother before her biological clock ticks out—Jane drunkenly propositions the worst possible candidate for Dad. Kurt Elway is Off-limits with a capital O. He’s a good friend, but he’s too young, too busy running his family’s ranch. Plus, he and Jane’s sister, Kate, used to date. That kind of off-limits. Unbeknownst to Jane, Kurt’s pining for her. When he’s fully on board to father her baby, she sees him in a new light. Then lingering baggage between Kate and Kurt suddenly surfaces and Jane is reminded of just how messy life is. But…so is parenting. Maybe it’s time to embrace the mess?

GEN AND STRAY DOG ARE BACK IN “USAGI YOJIMBO: THE CROW”

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Usagi returns for a 40th Anniversary celebration in a new comic story arc featuring fan-favorite characters Gen and Stray Dog in Usagi Yojimbo: The Crow. Dogu Publishing and Dark Horse Comics present Stan Sakai’s continuing adventures of Miyamoto Usagi as the rabbit ronin travels through 17th century Japan with his cousin. The five-issue series features art and story by Sakai, with colors by Hi-Fi Colour Design.

This newest Usagi adventure sees Usagi and Yukichi finally making it out of the frozen mountains, where they come across a merchant being attacked by brigands. They rescue the supposed merchant only to discover much later that he is really a criminal with a huge bounty on his head! Of course, wherever there is a huge reward you will find bounty hunters Gen and Stray Dog…and other unscrupulous trackers.

Main cover art for the series is provided by Sakai, with colors by Emi Fujii, and variant covers by Arita Mitsuhiro. A additional variant cover for issue #1 will be revealed soon–stay tuned!

Usagi and his cousin fight for survival when Usagi Yojimbo: The Crow #1 (of 5) arrives in comic shops April 4, 2024. Pre-order the first issue today for $4.99.

Be sure to follow Dark Horse Comics on social media and check our website, www.darkhorse.com, for more news, announcements, and updates!

Stay up to date with everything Usagi Yojimbo and much more on social media by following Dogu Publishing on social media for the latest information.

Praise for Usagi Yojimbo:

“Sakai delivers on the action, humor, and layers it all with his signature mix of Japanese mythology and anthropomorphic animals.”—ComicsVerse

“Usagi Yojimbo continues to be the best adventure comic in the world today.”—Newsarama

“I don’t think there’s much that I could write about Stan Sakai’s masterwork series that hasn’t been said… you are going to fall in love with this world, with this storyteller who will keep you guessing and enthralled.”—Fanbase Press