The Book Report
December 17, 2022
Holiday Shipping:
TODAY is LAST DAY for PRIORITY SHIPPING to arrive by Christmas
Local Peeps (West Knoxville) : Deliveries will be made through December 20, 2022. If you live in the Knoxville area, email or PM us to see if we can work something out for local delivery. :-)
A few notes of interest:
The shop will be closed from December 19-December 27,2023.
After December 20, 2022, local deliveries will be suspended until February (This could change; I’ll keep you updated here and on our FB page.)
Indie Bestseller Lists are updated each Tuesday. :-)
The blog page (K’s Blog) and our Book Reviews pages have gone live. I’ll be posting full book reviews on the review page.
Our 1st-ever virtual bookclub will meet January 24, 2023 from 7:00-8:00 PM. The book we’ll be discussing is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I loved doing book clubs with my kiddos; I’m doubly excited about this one! Sign up here, so we can send you a link to the meeting. You can also join our Book Club Facebook Page for additional discussion opportunities. Book Club is free and you do not have to buy the book from us. If you do, you’ll save 15% off of retail price ( This is for purchase of on-hand stock only. We’ll send you a code when you sign up for bookclub).
I’m working on our Regional/Local Writers section. If you have any suggestions regarding authors to include, send me an email or PM. ( East TN and Eastern NC are the areas of interest)
NEW
The only new items of note are stamped metal bookmarks from Frolicking Leaves. Since the weather seems to be cooperative this weekend, I’ll post a few more pictures of the bookmarks “in action.”
That’s all I have for now. Until next week, then.
Here’s wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday!!!!
Karen :-)
The Book Report
December 10, 2022
Holiday Shipping Dates: Last day for shipping for holiday arrival
Chanukah: Dec. 8 was last day for Priority Mail
Christmas/Kwanza
December 10: Standard/Media Mail
December 17: Priority Mail
Local Delivery:
West Knoxville (Email us if you live in another area close-by to see if we can work out a local delivery. :-) )
Available through December 20
New on the Website
Books:
Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens: New: Bargain book: $10.00
Angela’s Christmas by Frank McCourt: New: Bargain book: $9.00
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote: New: Bargain book: $9.50
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci: New: Bargain book: $4.00
YA books:
You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen M. McManus: New: Bargain book: $10.00
Merlin, book 10: Shadows on the Stars by T.A. Barron: New: Bargain book: $4.50
Adult Fiction:
Livid by Patricia Cornwell: New: $26.10
A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett: USED: $4.00
World Without End by Ken Follett: USED: $5.00
Gifts:
Self-adhesive bookplates from Australia; 4 designs to choose from; NEW: $12.00
Enamel pin; NEW: $12.00
Ceramic mug; handmade in USA; Sale: $32.50
Notes on books I have recently read or am currently reading:
Bones Under the Ice by Mary Ann Miller; On Sale Date: March 21, 2023
I really liked this book. Miller does a fine job of having her protagonist, Sheriff Jhonni Laurent tease out all the little threads of the crime and tie them up into a neat finish/solution.
For a debut novel, I found the writing to be clean and clear while the pacing was fast enough not to get bogged down into too much minutiae. Sheriff Laurent was likable as were her two sidekicks; however, in the next novel of the series, I am hoping to see some depth out of the her. I think Miller has set it up so that the reader sees more of who Jhonni is as a person, not just as a law enforcement chief in the subsequent novels. Let’s hope Miller follows through. When Bones Under the Ice comes out in March, it will be on our shelves that’s for sure.
Deadly Depths by John F. Dobbyn; On Sale Date: August 1, 2023
This book starts out like National Treasure meets NCIS New Orleans and ends up like Indiana Jones. At least, that’s what kept popping in my head as I read my way through the book. It’s based on a real shipwreck and circumstances surrounding the shipwreck, which made for a nice device upon which to spin a yarn. The writing was clean, clear, with a very nice pace, and for a while there, I couldn’t put it down. But there came a point when Dobbyn seemed to be drawing things out too much, and I will confess, I skipped several chapters ( about seven) to get to the solution of the puzzle/ end of the adventure. I didn’t miss those seven chapters at all. When it comes out in August, I might add it to our inventory, as it was not a poorly written book and had some interesting bits to it. However, it won’t be on my first round of summer purchases.
Jennie’s Boy by Canadian writer Wayne Johnston; On Sale Date: February 7, 2023
I am currently reading this memoir, and so far it’s intriguing. It’s about the writer’s most “memorable and outrageous year” of his childhood. Johnston’s family moves around quite a bit, and Johnston himself is a very sickly child. He ends up spending most of his days with his grandmother, and this is the writer’s “tribute to grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and those who were simultaneously protective of him and fed up with having to make allowances for him.” As I make my way further, I’ll let you know my thoughts. Right now, we’re “taxi-ing to the runway” so to speak, but I have a good feeling about it. :-) ( It’s up for the February Indie Next List )
Holiday Bundles
Outlander Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces)
Waypoints by Sam Heughan (Hardcover)
$36.00
Braiding Sweetgrass
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
$34.00
Art Bundle: Watercolor and Etching
Etch Art
Art Maker: Watercolor Masterclass
$15.00
The Book Report
December 3, 2022
Holiday Shipping Dates: Last Day for Shipping
For Chanukah:
December 3: Standard/Media Mail
December 8: Priority Mail
Christmas/Kwanza
December 10: Standard/Media Mail
December 17: Priority Mail
Local Delivery: West Knoxville (Email us if you live in another area close-by to see if we can work out a local delivery. :-) )
Available through December 20
New on the Website:
Madly, Deeply—the diaries of Alan Rickman (NEW book)
“Madly, Deeply is a rare invitation into the mind of Alan Rickman--one of the most magnetic, beloved performers of our time. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon. Madly, Deeply features a photo insert, a foreword by Emma Thompson, and an afterword by Rima Horton.”
The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly (NEW book)
The Paris Detective by James Patterson (NEW book)
The Winners—SIGNED by Frederick Backman (NEW book) ONE COPY
“The Winners returns to the close-knit, resilient community of Beartown for a story about first loves, second chances, and last goodbyes. Over the course of two weeks, everything in Beartown will change…As it beautifully captures all the complexities of daily life and explores questions of friendship, loyalty, loss, and identity, this emotion-packed novel asks us to reconsider what it means to win, what it means to lose, and what it means to forgive.”
A Book of Days—SIGNED by Patti Smith (NEW book) TWO COPIES ONE COPY (as of 12.6.22)
Racing the Light—Robert Crais (USED—like new condition)
“Adele Schumacher isn't a typical worried mom. When she hires Elvis to find her missing son, a controversial podcaster named Josh Shoe, she brings a bag filled with cash, bizarre tales of government conspiracies, and a squad of professional bodyguards. Finding Josh should be simple, but Elvis quickly learns he isn't alone in the hunt—a deadly team of mysterious strangers are determined to find Josh and his adult film star girlfriend first.
With dangerous secrets lurking behind every lead, Elvis needs his friend Joe Pike more than ever to uncover the truth about Josh, corrupt politicians, and the vicious business cartels rotting the heart of Los Angeles from within. And when Elvis's estranged girlfriend, Lucy Chenier, and her son, Ben, return, he learns just how much he has to lose...if he survives.
Written with the heart, humor, and relentless suspense for which Crais is famous, Racing the Light delivers Elvis Cole's most dangerous case yet.”
Lullaby Town—Robert Crais (USED—like new condition: paperback)
“Hollywood's newest wunderkind is Peter Alan Nelson, the brilliant, erratic director known as the King of Adventure. His films make billions, but his manners make enemies. What the boy king wants, he gets, and what Nelson wants is for Elvis to comb the country for the airhead wife and infant child the film-school flunkout dumped en route to becoming the third biggest filmmaker in America. It's the kind of case Cole can handle in his sleep -- until it turns out to be a nightmare. For when Cole finds Nelson's wife in a small Conneticut town, she's nothing like what he expects. The lady has some unwanted -- and very nasty -- mob connections, which means Elvis could be opening the East Coast branch of his P.I. office . . .at the bottom of the Hudson River.”
Free Fall—Robert Crais (USED—like new condition: paperback)
"A thoughtful and powerful page turner."--People Elvis Cole is just a detective who can't say no, especially to a girl in a terrible fix. And Jennifer Sheridan qualifies: Her fianc , Mark Thurman, is a decorated LA cop with an elite plainclothes unit, but Jennifer's sure he's in trouble--the kind of serious trouble that only Elvis Cole can help him out of. Five minutes after his new client leaves his office, Elvis and his partner, the enigmatic Joe Pike, are hip-deep in a deadly situation as they plummet into a world of South Central gangs, corrupt cops, and conspiracies of silence. And before the case is through, every copy in the LAPD will be gunning for a pair of escaped armed-and-dangerous killers--Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. "Elvis Cole provides more fun for the reader than any L.A. private eye to come along in years."--Joseph Wambaugh "Elvis lives, and he's on his way to being crowned the king of detectives."--Booklist
The last big shipment of books before the holidays arrived last evening and I’ll be working today to get books up on the website.
My reading list is quite long, but I’m currently reading a suspense/thriller due out in March. It’s a debut novel, and although I’m only halfway through it, I really, really like it! If the writer Mary Ann Miller can maintain the quality of writing thus far throughout the rest of the novel, I can see it being a really great book. Some reviewers have compared Miller’s writing to J.A. Jance and C.J. Box. I have not read either author, but Bones Under the Ice reminded me of Sue Grafton’s books, which I devoured! Juxtaposed along my more recent reading endeavors (The Body Falls, City Problems )Miller’s Bones Under the Ice is the best yet.
Holiday Bundles
Outlander Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces)
Waypoints by Sam Heughan (Hardcover)
$36.00
Braiding Sweetgrass
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
$34.00
Art Bundle: Watercolor and Etching
Etch Art
Art Maker: Watercolor Masterclass
$15.00
HOLIDAY DEALS
November 25-28, 2022
DEAL #1
Purchase audiobook credit bundles and receive 10% discount!
If you are an audiobook aficionado, consider making the switch from Audible to libro.fm.
DEAL #2
Looking for a book K’s Beach Reads doesn’t have on-hand? Through our partnership with bookshop.org, we have access to tens of thousands of new books! Shop our bookshop.org lists, or search for that special title; your purchase through our bookshop.org Storefront supports our little store.
And now through Monday, November 28, FREE SHIPPING for bookshop.org orders! Shop now
The Book Report
November 27, 2022
On Their Way!
A Book of Days by Patti Smith
Released 11/15/22: Penguin Random House Publishing
Patti Smith’s new book, A Book of Days, out November 15, 2022, features “more than 365 images and reflections that chart Smith’s singular aesthetic—inspired by her wildly popular Instagram.” As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and this latest work of Smith’s has 365 pictures where each photo is a vignette into Patti Smith’s world. Together, they share with readers a rich, complex story of a woman, her family, her hopes, and dreams. A bonus is the introduction where Smith explains her “process”. It’s a rare treat to get into the mind of the artist.
K’s Beach Reads has two signed copies on the way. $28.99
The Paris Detective by James Patterson
“The most revered detective in Paris puts his skills to the test in three thrilling cases from the creator of Alex Cross and Detective Michael Bennett. French Kiss : Very handsome and charming French detective Luc Moncrief joined the NYPD for a fresh start--but someone wants to make his first big case his last. Welcome to New York. The Christmas Mystery : In the heart of the holiday season, priceless paintings have vanished from a Park Avenue murder scene. Now, dashing French detective Luc Moncrief must become a quick study in the art of the steal--before a coldblooded killer paints the town red. Merry Christmas, Detective. French Twist : Gorgeous women are dropping dead at upscale department stores in New York City. Detective Luc Moncrief and Detective Katherine Burke are close to solving the mystery, but looks can be deceiving”
Paperback $ 15.29 (MSRP: $16.99) Reserve yours now.
The Body Falls by Andrea Carter
Solicitor Benedicta, aka Ben, O’ Keefe returns home from a sixth month job in Florida. Home ,of course,is Inosohwen, Ireland, County Donegal, and it contains all the things she loves—her practice, her Mini, her cat, Guinness—and all that she’s afraid of—aging parents, and undoubtedly,Sergeant Molloy. This is book five in the Inishowen Mystery Series featuring Ben O’Keefe and Sergeant Malloy as the pair best suited to solve the crimes. If you like Agatha Christie, Louise Penny, or Lisa Gardener, this may be your cup of tea.
Hardcover. $25.16 (MSRP: 27.95) Reserve yours now.
The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
“There's chaos in Hollywood at the end of the New Year's Eve countdown. Working her graveyard shift, LAPD detective Ren?e Ballard waits out the traditional rain of lead as hundreds of revelers shoot their guns into the air. Only minutes after midnight, Ballard is called to a scene where a hardworking auto shop owner has been fatally hit by a bullet in the middle of a crowded street party. Ballard quickly concludes that the deadly bullet could not have fallen from the sky and that it is linked to another unsolved murder--a case at one time worked by Detective Harry Bosch. “ (Los Angeles Times)
Paperback. $16.19 (MSRP: $17.99) Reserve yours now.
HOLIDAY BUNDLES
Outlander Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces)
Waypoints by Sam Heughan (Hardcover)
$36.00
Braiding Sweetgrass
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
$34.00
Art Bundle: Watercolor and Etching
Etch Art
Art Maker: Watercolor Masterclass
$15.00
The Book Report
November 19, 2022
New News:
We have now completed the onboarding process for becoming a Bookshop Affiliate, and I am excited to announce that we can now offer you access to tens of thousands of titles! When you purchase a book from our Bookshop link, K’s Beach Reads receives a portion of that sale.
Of course, items we have on hand are eligible for limited local delivery, while Bookshop is not. Those are shipped directly to you.
On Their Way!
A Book of Days by Patti Smith
Released 11/15/22: Penguin Random House Publishing
Patti Smith’s new book, A Book of Days, out November 15, 2022, features “more than 365 images and reflections that chart Smith’s singular aesthetic—inspired by her wildly popular Instagram.” As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and this latest work of Smith’s has 365 pictures where each photo is a vignette into Patti Smith’s world. Together, they share with readers a rich, complex story of a woman, her family, her hopes, and dreams. A bonus is the introduction where Smith explains her “process”. It’s a rare treat to get into the mind of the artist.
K’s Beach Reads has two signed copies of A Book of Days on the way: $28.99
The Body Falls by Andrea Carter
Released 11/1/22: Oceanview Publishing
Solicitor Benedicta, aka Ben, O’ Keefe returns home from a sixth month job in Florida. Home, of course, is Inishowen, Ireland, County Donegal, and it contains all the things she loves—her practice; her Mini; her cat, Guinness—and all that she’s afraid of—aging parents, and undoubtedly, Sergeant Molloy. This is book five in the Inishowen Mystery Series featuring Ben O’Keefe and Sergeant Molloy as the pair best suited to solve the crimes. If you like Agatha Christie, Louise Penny, or Lisa Gardener, this may be your cup of tea.
On Order. Hardcover. $25.16 (MSRP: 27.95) Reserve yours now.
Editorial Review: “Carter’s well-crafted fifth Inishowen mystery (after 2018’s Murder at Greysbridge) finds lawyer Benedicta “Ben” O’Keeffe returning home to Glendara, Ireland, the day before a charity bicycle race. Money is to be raised for assisted living residences managed by Bob Jameson, the altruistic race organizer. Unfortunately, torrential rains wash out bridges, and streams overflow their banks, inundating the town and cutting it off from all outside access. The cyclists, along with the townsfolk, are trapped, and the race is postponed. Much worse, Jameson’s body is discovered when the storm dislodges it from its perch on an unlikely hillside and it rolls onto the hood of a passing car. Everyone is stunned and alarmed, and everyone is a suspect. With scant resources, Ben and police sergeant Tom Molloy, her laconic but sincere on-again, off-again beau, work together to unknot a baffling tangle of business and personal relationships that tie residents of Glendara to the Jameson family. Carter keeps the suspense high en route to the exciting climax. Fans of Gerald Elias’s Daniel Jacobus series will want to check this out. Agent: Noa Rosen, Susanna Lea Assoc. (Nov.)”
Publishers Weekly
City Problems by Steve Goble
Release date June 23, 2023 by IPG( Independent Publishers Group): Oceanview Publishing
“Ed Runyon, a former sheriff’s deputy haunted by past missing child cases that went horribly wrong, is struggling to launch a PI agency and still live in the Ohio farm country he loves. His love life is in shambles, too, as his partner turns to someone else. His best friend got roughed up by a rogue cop, so Ed is in a fighting mood.
Ed finds a new focus when he is hired to find a runaway chess aficionado who is keeping secrets from his homophobic, religious parents. Finding kids is the reason he became a PI, so Ed is determined to succeed and put the demons and other problems behind him. But Jimmy Zachman made a bad move and ran into far more trouble than he was already in, and the hunt for him leads Ed to a deadly and desperate confrontation. Everything comes down to determination—and one very risky move. Ed must find Jimmy at all costs.”
Perfect for fans of John Sandford and Robert Crais.
Personally, I like The Body Falls better, but City Problems is an entertaining and quick read.
Trade Paperback $15.29 ( reg. $16.99) Reserve yours now.
Holiday Bundles
Outlander Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces)
Waypoints by Sam Heughan (Hardcover)
$36.00
Braiding Sweetgrass
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
$34.00
