Controversial Romance Novelist Missing:
Faleena Hopkins, best known for trying to trademark the word “Cocky” in 2018 and author of Cocky Roomie and Cocky Biker, was arrested after fleeing from officers in Grand Teton National Park. However, the self-published author has been reported missing by friends and family since January 30, 2023, according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
Kirsten Stewart to Star in Susan Sontag Biopic:
The Twilight star will be taking on the role of the essayist and novelist, Susan Sontag, in a movie based on Benjamin Moser’s 2019 biography, Sontag: Her Life and Work, according to Variety.
M.C. Beaton’s Mysteries Bring Murder and Mayhem:
M.C. Beaton, writing with R.W. Green, recently released two fun-filled, thrilling cozies, titled Death of a Traitor and Devil’s Delight, to keep readers warm during these cold winter months and to transport them to the quaint British Isles!
Matthew McConaughey Has Kids’ Book in the Works:
People Magazine reported that the actor, producer has a debut children’s picture book in the works, titled Just Because, which will be published by Viking Books and is slated for a September 12, 2023 release.
The 2023 Walter Scott Prize Long List Revealed:
The long list for the 2023 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has been revealed. Robert Harris, who won the prize in 2014 for his novel An Officer and a Spy, made the list for his latest novel Act of Oblivion. Simon Mawer, who took home the 2016 prize for Tightrope, was also nominated this year for his novel Ancestry. Other authors who were nominated include, William Boyd, Lucy Caldwell, Elizabeth Lowry, Paddy Crewe, and more!
Reimagine Female Empowerment With Inspiring Book:
For ages, women have been assigned archetypes, harmful labels, and stereotypes. In her new book, Insubordinate, international leadership expert Jocelyn Davis reclaims the names women have been assigned, transforming them from harmful to powerful.
Viral TikTok Turns Thriller Into Bestseller:
According to the BBC, author Lloyd Devereux Richards’ 2012 thriller, Stone Maidens, hit the number 1 spot on Amazon after his daughter’s TikTok went viral where she told followers: “I’d love for him to get some sales.” The author has since announced that he is working on a sequel.
Oprah’s February Book Club Pick:
Oprah Winfrey’s February 2023 book club selection is Susan Cain’s Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole! This nonfiction book is an account of people whose personalities are marked by sadness, introversion, and a sensitivity to beautiful things in the world.
Stranger Danger Is Just an Invitation Away:
In her twisty-turny signature style, bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s newest thriller, The House Guest, takes readers inside the life of a woman whose entire existence is turned inside out. Ryan gets real with The Big Thrill about her inspiration, the manipulation of vulnerable people and shares an exclusive synopsis of her upcoming novel.
More Royal Drama Coming:
According to Sky News Australia, Prince Andrew’s former wife Sarah Ferguson is allegedly set to disclose new revelations about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a publicity tour for her new book, A Most Intriguing Lady.
2023 Gotham Book Prize Finalists Revealed:
The 2023 finalists for the Gotham Book Prize was recently revealed. Some standouts from the list include Hernan Diaz’s Trust, Dwyer Murphy’s An Honest Living, Bushra Rehman’s Roses in the Mouth of a Lion, and Xochitl Gonzalez’s Olga Dies Dreaming. Find the full list here.
