John Grisham’s Latest Thriller Hits the Shelves!

What became of Mitch and Abby McDeere after they exposed the crimes of Memphis law firm Bendini, Lambert & Locke and fled the country? The answer is in The Exchange, the riveting sequel to The Firm, the blockbuster thriller that launched the career of America’s favorite storyteller. Fifteen years later, when a mentor in Rome asks him for a favor that will take him far from home, Mitch finds himself at the center of a sinister plot that has worldwide implications — and once again endangers his colleagues, friends and family.

Grand Central Inks Stephanopoulos

Ben Sevier at Grand Central Publishing has acquired world rights to The Situation Room, a new book by political journalist and Good Morning America cohost George Stephanopoulos, written with Lisa Dickey. Grand Central calls the book a “fast-paced, gripping account” that explores the “behind-the-scenes history of the White House Situation Room as told through the crucible moments that have tested the mettle of American presidents.” A May 2024 publication has been set.

“Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism” by Rachel Maddow

Inspired by her research for the hit podcast Ultra, Rachel Maddow traces the fight to preserve American democracy back to World War II, when a handful of committed public servants and brave private citizens thwarted far-right plotters trying to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis.

3 Bestselling Authors Talk the Past, Present, and Future of Thriller Villains

Barrymore Out, Burton In as Host of 2023 National Book Awards

Actor, podcaster and reading advocate LeVar Burton will be the host of this year’s National Book Awards ceremony. Drew Barrymore was originally slated to host the awards show, but that offer was rescinded by the National Book Foundation after she announced she’d return to doing her talk show during the Writers Guild of America’s strike. The National Book Awards finalists were announced earlier this month, and the winners will be revealed at the ceremony on November 15.

Denver’s Tattered Cover Bookstore Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Colorado’s legendary indie bookstore, Tattered Cover Book Store filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday and will close three locations by November. “This structure of seven stores is not sustainable,” CEO Brad Dempsey told the Denver Post. Store closures are expected to begin next week, and at least 27 of the company’s 103 employees will be let go.

Bestselling Author of “Icebreaker” Hannah Grace Talks About Her Hit New Romcom

Wildfire follows two characters who think their hookup is a “one-time thing,” until they find themselves working at the same summer camp — making it hard for them to respect that whole “don’t date your coworker” rule. BookTrib had a chance to speak to Hannah about writing successful romance books, complex characters and her new bestseller.

Also Making News This Week

Sequel to “The House on the Cerulean Sea”

Somewhere Beyond the Sea tells the story of Arthur Parnassus, who hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live on the peculiar Marsyas Island. But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.

Casey McQuiston, Author of Red, White & Royal Blue, Announces Next Book

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston’s upcoming romantic comedy, The Pairing, two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they’re over each other — except they’re not.