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Gentlemen, brace yourselves for a new literary journey as we usher in the dawn of a new year! January is upon us, and with it comes the promise of thrilling reads that will captivate your imagination. As the frosty air wraps around, there’s no better time to unwind with a compelling book and a comforting beverage. So, my fellow book enthusiasts, wrap yourself in the warmth of your favourite new sweater, brew a steaming cup of coffee (or prepare something a little stronger), and prepare to immerse yourself in a realm of literary wonders. The Bookish Gent presents an enticing selection of upcoming reads crafted specifically for the discerning reader. Without further ado, let’s embark on the literary odyssey that January has laid out for us!
The Fury, by Alex Michaelides
‘There were seven of us in all, trapped on the island.
One of us was a murderer . . .’
On a small private Greek island, former movie star Lana Farrar – an old friend – invites a select group of us to stay. It’ll be hot, sunny, perfect. A chance to relax and reconnect – and maybe for a few hidden truths to come out.
Because nothing on this island is quite what it seems.
Not Lana. Not her guests. Certainly not the murderer – furiously plotting their crime . . .
‘But who am I? My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard.’
Sold? Me too!
Argylle, by Elly Conway
When a Russian tycoon endeavours to reclaim his nation’s former glory, he sets off a chain of events that propels the world into chaos. The only hope lies in the hands of Frances Coffrey, the CIA’s renowned spymaster. However, she can’t do it alone and must enlist the aid of Argylle, a troubled individual possessing the precise skill set required to avert disaster. In an unconventional twist for a debut novel, Argylle hits the shelves just a month ahead of its big-budget film adaptation. Adding to the intrigue, the movie introduces writer Elly Conway, who stumbles upon the unsettling revelation that her spy novels are mirroring reality a bit too closely. With her feline companion, she unwittingly plunges into a covert world she initially believed to be of her own invention.
Intrigued?
The Bullet Swallower, by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
In 1895, Antonio Sonoro, a ruthless man facing dire circumstances in a drought-ravaged town, plans to rob a treasure-laden train with his brother Hugo. When the heist goes wrong, Antonio’s quest for revenge puts his life, family, and eternal soul at risk.
Jumping to 1964, renowned Mexican actor and singer Jaime Sonoro discovers a revealing family history that unveils dark secrets. Confronted by a mysterious figure from Antonio’s past, Jaime must uncover the truth behind his grandfather El Tragabalas, The Bullet Swallower, to escape the consequences of ancestral sins.
A sweeping family saga, The Bullet Swallower explores border politics, intergenerational trauma, and the legacies of racism and colonialism. With lush prose, the novel delves into the weight of ancestral sins and the possibility of overcoming the shadows of the past.
Rabbit Hole, by Kate Brody
A decade ago, Teddy Angstrom’s sister Angie vanished, a mystery that still haunts the family. When Teddy’s father Mark takes his own life, she discovers his involvement in a Reddit community fixated on Angie. Teddy dives into the same online obsession, stirring trouble with her boyfriend, half-brother, and colleagues at the high school where she teaches.
Her investigation takes a dark turn with the enigmatic Mickey, a charming sleuth who becomes Teddy’s unsettling ally. Spellbound by Mickey, Teddy’s moral compass falters, leading to erratic behaviour. Blending outrageous humour with heart-wrenching character study, Rabbit Hole is a gripping mystery exploring grief’s impact and a scathing commentary on internet voyeurism—an addictive page-turner akin to a late-night Reddit binge.
Northwoods, by Amy Pease
Eli North is spiraling.
His post-Afghanistan trauma worsens daily, drowning in alcohol with a shattered marriage and career. Barely holding a job with the local sheriff’s department, Eli’s lifeline is his overwhelmed mother. As Shaky Lake grapples with an opioid epidemic, a sinister underbelly emerges beneath the idyllic surface of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
The discovery of a teenage boy’s body in the lake propels Eli into an investigation leading to a wealthy enclave, a dubious pharmaceutical salesman, and a missing girl. With his mother and an FBI agent, Eli confronts more than a killer.
Will solving the case offer Eli redemption, or will the dark secrets of the Northwoods persist, leaving destruction in their wake?
New Year, New Books
There we have it gents, our literary journey sails on with January’s captivating reads. Whether you’re exploring the cosmos, solving perplexing crimes, or delving into intricate human relationships, these books assure a world of discovery. Settle into your favourite chair, and let the pages whisk you away to uncharted realms. May these reads spark your imagination, challenge your perspectives, and infuse the joy of reading into the new year. Here’s to an unforgettable January brimming with literary escapades! 📚✨