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It’s about that time to break out a fresh stack of books for summer reading. Whether your list is impressively lengthy or on the shorter side, we have local recommendations to suit every literary style. Not only do these authors live here in Westchester County, but the tomes themselves are delightful for summer days spent on the patio or under a beach umbrella. Happy reading!
In the Shadow of Gotham
Stefanie Pintoff
Find it on: Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Stephanie Pintoff is a Hastings resident whose novel, In the Shadow of Gotham, won both the Washington Irving prize and the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. The story is set in 1905 in the town of Dobson, which is said to be based off of Irvington and Dobbs Ferry. The spooky tale follows Detective Simon Ziele, who moves north of Manhattan to escape the grief of his late wife. Instead of finding a simple life, he’s met with the brutal murder of a young girl, a case to which he lends his expertise. Throughout this captivating tale, Detective Ziele is on the hunt for a killer while juggling his own complications.
One for the Books
Joe Queenan
Find it on: Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Tarrytown resident Joe Queenan is the author of 10 books, an American satirist, and a critic whose work appears in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The New York Times. One for the Books is a memoir about his upbringing and the vital role books played in helping him escape his childhood. Additionally, Queenan dives into the culture of reading and how books are presented and perceived in today’s society. Join Queenan on his comedic tale through life and his love for books.
Still Here Thinking of You
Joan Potter, Susan Hodara, Vicki Addesso, and Lori Toppel
Find it on: Amazon or Barnes & Noble (e-book)
Four Westchester women from different backgrounds came together and formed a writer’s group. The topic at hand? Their mothers. This book is the unexpected outcome of four women dissecting their relationships with their mothers. Afterward, not only did they understand each other on another level, but their attitudes towards their mothers shifted, helping them see the complicated relationship in a new light.
Related: Ann Leary Crafts Best-Selling Novels From Katonah
The Other Family
Wendy Corsi Staub
Find it on: Amazon or Barnes & Noble
Wendy Corsi Staub is a New York Times bestselling author and has published more than 90 novels. She writes suspense novels under her name and numerous pseudonyms. This novel, The Other Family, follows a seemingly perfect family that moves into a Brooklyn brownstone. The brownstone’s previous owners died in a triple homicide that remains unsolved. As the daughters, and even the dog, dig into the past, a secret close to home emerges, leaving everyone blindsided.
This Is Where I Leave You
Jonathan Tropper
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Jonathan Tropper first made his mark in the literary scene back in 2000 with the release of his debut novel, Plan B. The New Rochelle author, who gains inspiration from his hometown, has since released six novels with a few film adaptations. This Is Where I Leave You follows Judd Foxman reuniting with his family after his father passes and his wife has a public affair. Foxman and his family sit shiva for seven days and nights in the same house. During this time, grudges, secrets, and everything in between gets revealed. On top of that, his ex-wife shows up…pregnant.
We Were Mothers
Katie Sise
Find it on: Amazon or Barnes & Noble
A bestselling author, TV host, and jewelry designer are just a few titles that fit the life of Katie Sise. Her move from Manhattan to Westchester was the starting point of her literary journey. Soon after, her debut novel, We Were Mothers, was released. The top pick for summer reading is about a missing woman – whose husband is unfaithful – in a seemingly small, picturesque town. Throughout the book, a slew of secrets emerge that break up two perfect families. Since her first release, Sise has gone on to release seven suspense and mystery novels. She makes her way around Westchester participating in different author talks.
Related: Independent Bookstores in Westchester County
