Article By:Cher Collins
Contributing Writer

Is it me, or do the back-to-school ads start a little too early nowadays? Seems like school kids
just got out for summer break and the sales for backpacks and sneakers are already hitting
inboxes and TV by mid-July. Well, the good news is that there is another whole month of hot
summer book releases to enjoy before September schedules fill up. Here are a few books to
consider as we wrap up the dog days of summer.
Most notably for this writer is Jodi Picoult’s latest book, By Any Other Name. Later this month,
Picoult delivers one of her best books to date, in my humble opinion. Playwright Melina Green
has researched and written a play about her ancestor, Emilia Bassano. Not having much luck in
getting it produced in the modern, male-dominated theater world, her best friend submits the
play to a festival under a male pseudonym. Centuries earlier in 1581, Emilia was a gifted
storyteller in her own right, but could not rise above societal attitudes towards women. Despite
her hard work and creative spirit, she knew that anything she created would never see the light
of day. Emilia reluctantly becomes the mistress of brutal Lord Chamberlain, who oversees the
theater productions in England. Her exposure to the actors and playwrights of the day inspires
Emilia to secretly get her play noticed. A young, dissolute actor, William Shakespeare, agrees to
pay for Emilia’s works and publish them as his own. Based on a true-to-life Bassano, Picoult
weaves a tale of necessary deception as two women-centuries apart- struggle to have their
voices heard. Some Shakespearean purists may not appreciate the author bringing the Bard’s
authorship into question, but the research into Bassano’s story may reveal truths not previously
known. Picoult never shies away from hot topics and this one is sure to get her readers talking,
and maybe gain some new fans with the Shakespearean setting. There is always a twist with
Picoult’s books, but they never fail to leave readers entertained and enlightened. Picoult has
reached new heights with her latest. By Any Other Name hits shelves on August 20th, so be
sure to get on the reserve list soon!
British thriller writer Fiona Barton hits American charts once again with her second standalone,
Talking to Strangers. When Detective Elsie King’s investigation into the recent murder of a
woman begins, her gut instinct tells her it was an online date-gone-bad. The townspeople are
divided about the case-some blame the woman for her own death; others garner support for
more safeguards for online dating. Enter Kiki Nunn-the hard-hitting investigative journalist who
is determined to get to the bottom of the case herself. Kiki will stop at nothing to solve the
case-even if she has to confront the suspected killer. Kiki and Elsie are stubborn and committed
to solving the case, but approach the truth from very different angles. Author Barton was once a
journalist and now trains and works with journalists all over the world. Her insight to the
newswoman experience is featured here. Barton is sure to gain some new fans with her latest.
Anyone else tuning into the second season of ABC’s Will Trent? Well, Trent is the Georgia
Bureau of Investigation’s Special Agent created by bestselling author Karin Slaughter. Book 12

in the Will Trent Series, This is Why We Lied hits shelves on August 20th. Fans will be delighted
to learn that Will and Sara are off on their picture perfect honeymoon at McAlpine Lodge.
Hoping to unplug and escape, the newlyweds find themselves investigating the murder of the
lodge’s manager, Mercy McAlpine. In the midst of a storm, the only access road to the lodge is
washed out. The murderer is on the premises. Interviews with the McAlpine Family don’t seem
to add up and Trent soon discovers that no one is telling the truth. Now trapped themselves, Will
and Sara must untangle decades of family secrets and reveal the killer before someone else
dies. Trigger warnings are needed here. Slaughter delves into substance abuse and domestic
violence a bit. She doesn’t shy away from honest portrayals of this family’s instability. Slaughter
fans will appreciate her balancing the hard stuff with the power to rise above hardships and
heal. And Trent’s sharp wit is always a welcomed addition to a dark and suspenseful book.
Best-selling authors Danielle Steel, William Kent Krueger and Brad Thor have new books
coming out this month. Jennifer Armentrout’s fourth (and final) in her popular Flesh and Fire
Series will be released this month. Born of Blood and Flesh concludes the paranormal romance
prequel series to her Blood and Ash books. There is plenty of guilty-pleasure reading time this
summer. Enjoy it while you can!