Fiction Five: Hilarious new reads
From pop culture satire to madcap adventures, you'll find laughter, wit and fun in April's new books.
Reboot by Justin Taylor
Washed-up former teen heart-thob David Crader is a recovering alcoholic, deadbeat dad and occassional videogame voice actor. When his ex-wife and former co-star of the teen drama Rev Beach calls him to L.A. David thinks this might be an opportunity for a reboot of his life.
Hollywood, the internet and a fractured nation have other plans. David soon realizes this seemingly innocuous revival of an old Buffy rip-off could be the spark that sets ablaze a nation gripped by far-right conspiracy, climate catastrophe and mass violence.
"Justin Taylor’s apocalyptic Reboot pulls off a feat few novels of our online present manage: reading it actually feels like tapping into the internet’s best celeb gossip, fiercest fandom outrages, and wildest conspiratorial rabbit holes." —Publishers Weekly
“A hilarious portrait of how our culture’s insistence on making everything a reference to something else has destabilized reality and our ability to make meaning.” —Isaac Butler, National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author of The Method
Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies by Chatherine Mack
Bestselling mystery author Eleanor Dash wants to finish her Italian book tour and kill off her main character in her Vacation Mysteries series, Connor Smith.
However someone just tried to kill her main character in real life. Well, the handsome con man who started portraying Connor about 10 years ago. Now Eleanor is dragged into trying to solve the case and keep him alive.
There are so many people who are in the way and possible suspects – other mystery writers, rabid fans, a stalker and even Eleanor's ex. Everyone has a theory, but not everyone has an alibi.
"Quick, captivating, and oh-so-much-fun! This delicious mystery is as spellbinding as Knives Out, featuring a spectacular sun-drenched setting and an utterly engaging cast who all possess a motive for murder.”―Elle Cosimano, New York Times bestselling author of the Finlay Donovan series
“A brilliant concept so smoothly well-executed, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is a hilarious, sharp mystery that I couldn't tear myself away from. With laugh-out-loud insight into the world of publishing set in a fabulous locale, this witty novel is the definition of fun. Catherine Mack has penned a fast-paced, addictive story like no other.”―Samantha M. Bailey author of Woman on the Edge
The Husbands by Nolly Gramzio
When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There’s only one problem — she’s not married. She’s never seen this man before in her life. But according to her friends, her much-improved decor and the photos on her phone they’ve been together for years.
As Lauren tries to puzzle out how she could be married to someone she can’t remember meeting, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb and abruptly disappears. In his place a new man emerges and a new, slightly altered life re-forms around her. Realizing her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, Lauren confronts the question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’ve taken the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and start actually living?
"Richly characterized, philosophical, and funny. I enjoyed all the husbands, even (especially?) the terrible ones. A time-bending gem about the way we live now." —Gabrielle Zevin, New York Times bestselling author of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
"Brilliant, hilarious, surprising and wise. I devoured it."
—Naomi Alderman, New York Times bestselling author of The Power and The Future
Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun
"Cochrun (Kiss Her Once for Me) maps out the road trip of a lifetime in this funny, poignant, and frequently tear-jerking queer rom-com. Logan and Rosemary were childhood best friends--until a devastating falling out. Now they're adults, and even though both women followed in the footsteps of their beloved mentor, queer English teacher Joe Delgado, and came back to teach at their former high school, they still aren't speaking.
"When Joe's cancer becomes terminal, he demands they help him fulfil his final wish of driving from Oregon to his cottage in Maine. He insists it has to be both of them, so impulsive Logan and uptight Rosemary grudgingly agree to try to tolerate each other for the six days Rosemary's itemized itinerary says it will take to cross the country. But Joe has secrets, and so do both Logan and Rosemary. Soon they're miles off course, and on their way to a destination they never expected.
"Cochrun conjures the feeling of infinite possibility that comes from summer on the open road while exploring the intricacies of love and the grief of an unfulfilled life. Complete with a beautiful romantic reunion, this unforgettable, heart-tugging romance is Cochrun's best yet." – Publishers Weekly
“Funny and wise, sexy and smart and tender, this story has it all. A dazzling romance about letting go, second chances, and embracing the unexpected." —Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn't Care
Young Rich Widows by by Vanessa Lillie, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan & Kimberly Belle
1985, Rhode Island – A private jet carrying four partners of a Providence law firm crashes outside New York City, killing all aboard. The crash leaves behind lots of questions and four widows who want to find the truth.
Justine: a former fashion model adjusting to suburban life
Camille: a beautiful, young second wife, maybe a gold digger
Meredith: a stripper who was in a relationship with the firm's only female partner
Krystle: a founding partner's wife who wants the firm to be a legacy for her sons
While the crash is initially ruled a tragic accident, something's not adding up. The partners weren't supposed to be in New York that day, and a very large sum of cash burned up with the plane.
"A fun, campy thriller that will have readers laughing out loud and grabbing their hairspray... This cleverly crafted and highly entertaining, female-driven mob thriller is a fantastic collaboration between suspense superstars ... a quick read filled with eighties nostalgia and over-the-top antics. Be prepared to have lots of fun." ― Booklist
"Funny, heartwarming and action-packed thriller you don't want to miss." ― New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf
