Want the Secret to Surviving the Holidays?
"Want the secret to surviving the holidays? Sneak away from the family to read this pulse-pounding novella," says #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner.
So, what’s new with me? Nothing much. In my writing life, I finished my 22nd novel. Well, finished might be overly optimistic but let’s say a first draft. My holiday novella CHRISTMAS PRESENTS releases in a month. I’m planning the March 2024 book tour, and working on a short story. In my personal life, we had to evacuate for a hurricane (which mostly missed us). We’re in the second month of a home repair project that was supposed to take two days. And—oh—a minor dental thing unexpectedly had me laid up last week. Plus, our daughter Ocean is applying to college!! What??
So, yeah, the reign of chaos continues.
But as usual, I have lots to share so I’ll get right to it:
“I’m squealing like someone just handed me a puppy with a bow around its neck.” — CrimeReads
Scary Christmas
I can’t wait to share my Christmas novella with all of you on October 24th! It’s a little bit dark, a little bit sweet, and adorably stocking-stuffer sized. I may be biased but I cannot think of a better gift for the mystery lover in your life — even if that’s you. Folks have had such nice things to say about it. I hope you love it, too.
Pre-Order Now:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Bookshop | Kobo
Early Praise:
CrimeReads Most Anticipated Crime Fiction of Fall 2023
E!News Books Perfect for a Spooky Season Read
SheReads Most Anticipated Thrillers, Mystery & Suspense of Fall 2023
The Real Book Spy Fall 2023 Must-Read Thrillers
"Want the secret to surviving the holidays? Sneak away from the family to read this pulse-pounding novella by Lisa Unger. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS is the perfect mix of thrills and chills to delight any suspense reader."
—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Compelling.”
—Library Journal
“Christmas is coming early this year, and I can’t wait!!! And, in case you were wondering if anything could be better than a Lisa Unger mystery set at Christmas… it’s set in a bookshop!! I’m squealing like someone just handed me a puppy with a bow around its neck.”
—CrimeReads
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six
Since it was released last month, the trade paperback edition of SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX has been receiving some wonderful new accolades, including:
Indie Next List Paperback Pick for September
Shelf Awareness Paperback Pick
Goodreads Readers Highly Recommended Paperbacks
What? You haven’t read it yet? Let me remind you that it was featured in People Magazine with Chris Evans — and now he’s my bestie (okay, not really). But still. Now is the perfect time to pick up your copy.
Buy Now:
Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Bookshop | Google Play | Kobo | Libro.fm
The New Couple in 5B
THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B was recently named a Spotlight Title and one of the most requested books on NetGalley. It’s a thrill to know that so many people are looking forward to this book. Lovely bookstagrammers, booktokers, and reviewers, if you haven’t already request your review copy.
March seems far away. But as I mentioned, I’m already at work on the tour. Stay tuned for cities and dates. I can’t wait to share this one with you!
Pre-Order Now
There is nothing nicer you can do for an author than to pre-order the book. It lets everyone know that readers are excited. Thanks!
Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | Bookshop | Google Play | Kobo | Libro.fm
Best American Mystery and Suspense
When Steph Cha asked me to be a guest editor for this anthology, I jumped at the chance. It was an honor and a thrill to be a part of this iconic collection, and I loved reading the best short fiction published last year. I think Steph and I put together something unique and special. Hope you love it. On sale October 17th. Learn more.
What I’m wrestling with:
The week before I was supposed to turn my novel in, Hurricane Idalia started bearing down on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This, in recent years, has become a fairly common occurrence. So instead of feeling anxious, worried, etc, I really just felt annoyed. I knew we were going to have to evacuate. Again. I was on the phone with my friend, and I lamented: “I have a book due!” To which my friend said, “Lisa! It’s a hurricane!”
In other words, Mother Nature rules. (She also happens to be pretty angry at the moment, and who can blame her.)
In my life, and in my career, my somewhat (haha) hard-driving nature has served me. It keeps me focused on my work, striving to always get better with each novel or short story, to give my readers more than I gave last time. It keeps me out there, on the road and in social media talking, connecting, engaging. The truth is that I do what I love, and my focus on it is one of the driving forces of my life.
But occasionally we have to bow to the forces of nature. Hurricanes happen. Medical stuff knocks us over. Home repairs drag on. And when we rage against those things, not willing to admit defeat or at least temporary derailment, we cause ourselves more pain than is necessary.
So the next time you get tripped up by forces beyond your control — ask for help, treat yourself with kindness, and accept the circumstances with grace. I did none of that — but I’m sure you’re much smarter than I am.
“I never once met a writer who ever stopped writing the book,” he went on to say. “Usually, your editor just wrestles it away from you at some point.”
What I’m working on:
While speaking with a friend, I mentioned that I didn’t attend a conference (sorry, Bouchercon) because I was on deadline. He laughed and said, “like always.” Meaning, that in the writing life, you’re always on deadline, writing, or rewriting. There’s always a bit of a ticking clock going in the back of your mind, some milestone approaching. “I never once met a writer who ever stopped writing the book,” he went on to say. “Usually, your editor just wrestles it away from you at some point.” Very true. Even so, I was on deadline, and —drumroll — just turned in my 22nd novel. It will be a long time and multiple drafts before I get to share it with you. But writing it was a thrill ride; so I hope you’ll feel the same in the reading.
Because my life is a continuum of reading, writing, and researching, I’m already thinking about the next novel. And I’m finishing up a short story that will be published Halloween 2024. So, onward.
If the last time you read this was in college, or if you haven’t read it at all, there so much wisdom here about women and writing fiction, and it remains relevant almost one hundred years later.
What I’m reading:
I just finished an early read of Caz Frear’s FIVE BAD DEEDS coming this December. If you love twisty, dark, emotional layers beneath an idyllic suburban façade of a Liane Moriarty novel, and all the hand-wringing suspense of a Harlan Coben, this book is for you. Sharp dialogue, layered characters, and excellent writing.
I found myself rereading “A Room of One’s Own,” the extended essay written by Virginia Woolf in 1929 based on two lectures she delivered at the University of Cambridge. I read this when I was much younger, a New School student with dreams of being a writer. And the central theme, that a woman must have money and a room of her own to write, has always stayed with me. Re-reading it now, at this stage of my career, when I’ve written twenty-two novels, essays, short stories, and more, and have been a full-time working writer for more than twenty years, it resonated deeply with me in new ways. So many new layers jumped out at me. If the last time you read this was in college, or if you haven’t read it at all, there is a great deal of wisdom here about women and writing fiction, their place in society, and the struggle for equality that continues to this day. It remains relevant almost one hundred years later.
You probably know I’m an evangelist for THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt, certainly her masterwork. But I have never read THE SECRET HISTORY — which is odd since it’s such a favorite for so many of my author pals. So that’s what I’m starting this week.
What I’m watching:
I am embarrassed to say that I haven’t yet read The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. But we are watching the Hulu. NYC, publishing, dark pasts, good girl (?) Nella, bad girl (?) Hazel, threatening notes, workplace drama and trauma? I am here for it. This is a wild, propulsive, and layered thriller that is keeping me riveted.
Can we just talk about The Handmaid’s Tale? I mean — wow. The book by Margaret Atwood is an all-time favorite, and probably one of the most important works of contemporary American fiction. The Hulu series, which departs from the original book completely after the first season, is simply put, brilliant. Magnificently acted, stunningly shot, and perfectly written, this show is a deep and wild exploration of women in the world — mother, sister, friend, wife, slave, victim, warrior, avenger. I am really late to this, I know, but it’s in turns moving, brutal, and beautiful.
When I was laid up last week, I reverted to my comfort zone of watching older movies that don’t tax the mind especially. If you’re looking for some popcorn entertainment: Spy with Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, and Jude Law is hilarious and also surprisingly good on the spy thriller level. I also watched Anna a 2019 thriller about a Russian model/spy; it’s propulsive, sexy, and cool, starring Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren Cillian Murphy (now a huge star because of Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer), and Luke Evans.
“Like your bedroom, your writing room should be private, a place where you go to dream.”
What I’m researching and thinking about:
Ouch! This Esquire article by my former publicist Sophie Vershbow about blurbs was some serious food for thought. How much attention do you pay to book blurbs? Personally, I take this very seriously. A lot of big writers took the time to support me early in my career, and now I do my best to help others. Meanwhile, I still have to tap authors I admire to ask for an early read and some kind words. Ms. Vershbow and others seem to think the system is broken.
I love this article about Stephen King’s advice on the importance of the writing room (a room of one’s own), the schedule, and how creating is like dreaming. A refresher for anyone who has read ON WRITING — which I consider mandatory reading. My favorite take-away: “Like your bedroom, your writing room should be private, a place where you go to dream.”
Where to find me:
October 19th at 5pm ET
Inaugural Annual Book Club Party. A happy hour gathering for area book clubs to discuss SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX. Join us for drinks, appetizers, a lively discussion, giveaways and prizes. And if you can’t make it in person, no problem, join us via Zoom.
Tombolo Books (live and virtual). St. Petersburg, FL
Register now
October 24th at 4pm ET
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. In conversation with Mary Kay Andrews.
Book Passage (virtual). San Francisco, CA
Learn more
October 26th at 6pm ET
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. In conversation with Otto Penzler.
Mysterious Bookshop (live). New York, NY
Learn more
October 27th at 8pm ET
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. In conversation with Barbara Peters.
Poisoned Pen (virtual). Scottsdale, AZ
Learn more
As always, it is a joy to share all this fun news with you. Thanks for being here, and thanks for reading. Please don’t forget to click below and like and leave a comment.
Can't wait to read!~ Recently, I went on a writer's retreat at the Gladstone Library, Wales. All the way I thought that I should have brought a book (not just the Kindle), and then, to my surprise, there was one paperback in my room––The Stranger Inside. 😊😊 I loved it.