Palace of the Drowned: A Novel by Christine Mangan

 

 Palace of the Drowned: A Novel by Christine Mangan. Flatiron Books, 2021. Adult fiction, mystery

Frankie Croy can't seem to get past her writer's block long after an early successful novel. She has a very public mental breakdown after a negative review is published and goes to 1966 Venice to rest and write. When she is approached by a young woman who claims to have met her before, Frankie can't quite remember. Gilly becomes a strong presence in Frankie's solitary life. Can Gilly be trusted? Will the relationship destroy Frankie's decades long friendship with Jack? What about the swirling images and memories in Frankie's mind?  The suspense and atmospheric, moody setting of the great flood in Venice in 1966 make great reading. Readers will find themselves fascinated by it all! 

There must have been something in the water during the pandemic when writers seem to have concentrated on writing about writers! See review of The Plot: A Novel also.

If you enjoyed the creepy first novel, Tangerine, by this author, you'll love this new one! Mangan writes complicated characters and no one is better at time and place descriptions.

The Plot: A Novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

 

  The Plot: A Novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Celadon Books, 2021.

                                             Adult fiction, suspense and mystery.

Jake Finch Bonner is a not very talented or motivated writer who is teaching writing at a small college. When a bright student, Evan Parker, shares the brilliant plot he has planned for a novel, Jake waits for its publication. Nothing happens. Jake learns of Parker's death and decides the plot was just too good not to be published. Of course, he writes the novel under his own name and it is a success. But, when Jake is accused of being a thief, this tale really takes off. Does someone out there know his secrets? Is Evan Parker alive? Who is Jake's biggest fan?  There are twists and turns everywhere and readers will enjoy every one! 

Lauded by everyone from Stephen King to a Book of the Month selection choice by amazon.com, this tale is truly gripping. Just set aside some reading time when you start it! Jake's college is Ripley which brings to mind The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. His middle name makes readers think of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Such inclusions are all part of the fun.

When We Were Vikings: A Novel by Andrew David MacDonald

 

 When We Were Vikings: A Novel  by Andrew David MacDonald. Scout Press, an imprint of Simon and Schuster, 2020. Adult fiction.

Zelda, 21, lives with her older brother, Gert. Zelda is not "normal" by any means yet she is courageous, smart, and clever. She sees a doctor weekly, goes to be with peers at the community center, makes lists of things, uses a computer, gets a job at the local library, and loves anything and everything Viking. Gert, on the other hand, is quite brilliant, but not really motivated. When Gert gets involved with some creeps, it is Zelda who must summon strength to go on a quest to save them. MacDonald never talks down about Zelda and readers find out more about the background of the siblings. Zelda will probably spur readers to reach within themselves and be legendary, too. 

Run, Brother, Run: A Memoir of a Murder in My Family by David Berg

 Run, Brother, Run: A Memoir of a Murder in My Family by David Berg. Scribner, 2013. Nonfiction (memoir). 

For years, David Berg has been a successful lawyer in Houston. Those of us who do not know him would never suspect that his own family has been the victim of betrayal, tragedy, and murder. This is the true crime story of the death of his older brother, Alan. It is a family story about a father who made a blunder as a young man and how that changed the entire family's dynamics. It is also a Houston story with fascinating tidbits about Racehorse Haynes and Percy Foreman, both legendary lawyers in the city. Berg tells the details about his own growing up and interactions with his brother, his father, and others in a clear no-nonsense narrative that involves Charles Harrelson, father of actor Woody Harrelson, and the one who killed Alan Berg. It is storytelling at its best and definitely a look back at an older Houston. Like Blood and Money by Tommy Thompson, the book is a must read for local nonfiction readers.