Welcome back, book lovers! Here at FIRST for Women, when we’re not hard at work bringing you stories about health, nutrition, beauty and lifestyle, we like snuggling up at home with a really good book. And this week, FFW Book Club returns with an array of riveting reading recommendations for November 8 to November 21. From mystery to memoir, fantasy and more, we have something for everyone!
If you’re in the mood to solve a charming whodunit alongside a handsome private investigator, dive into Lucy Score’s The Dead Guy Next Door. More of a romantasy reader? Claire Legrand’s A Song of Ash and Moonlight combines spellbinding adventure and intrigue with juicy enemies-to-lovers drama.
Are you a fan of Dirty Dancing or Gilmore Girls (or both!)? Then we highly suggest Kelly Bishop’s candid new memoir The Third Gilmore Girl, which chronicles her extraordinary life in show business from Broadway to Stars Hollow. Another buzzing release on our radar is bestselling author Laura Dave’s latest novel, The Night We Lost Him. Executive Editor Patty Bontekoe raved about Dave’s new book: “The twists just kept coming!” We’re also recommending acclaimed author Elizabeth Strout’s Tell Me Everything—which brings readers back to Crosby, Maine and all the lovable characters from her beloved books, Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again.
Keep scrolling here for the entire list of FFW Book Club must-read recommendations for November 8 to November 21!
Mystery
‘The Dead Guy Next Door’ by Lucy Score
“Recently, after binge-listening to my favorite true crime podcast, I was in the mood for a lighthearted whodunit,” says Maggie Dillard, FIRST Senior Associate Editor. “My friend suggested the first book in Lucy Score’s beloved Riley Thorn series—and it didn’t disappoint!” After getting divorced and fired from her job, Riley Thorn lives a pretty uneventful life in a mansion with a pack of elderly roommates. Until the day a handsome private investigator, Nick Santiago, comes knocking on her door asking questions. Then she has a clairvoyant vision about the murder of her across-the-hall neighbor. When her violent vision comes true, Riley jumps at the chance to help find the murderer. But when she and Nick begin spending more time together, their feelings of reluctance toward love end up turning into sparks that make them an unstoppable force. What follows is a funny and romantic mystery brimming with action and lovable characters. “I enjoyed reading about Riley and Nick’s adventures, and I found myself giggling as I turned each page,” says Maggie. “I already can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!” (Bloom, 2024)
Fantasy
‘A Song of Ash and Moonlight’ by Claire Legrand
“Nothing beats the feeling of escaping into a fantasy book world,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “And Claire Legrand’s latest stuns!” The curse on the Ashbourne and Bask families is finally broken. But Farrin, the eldest Ashbourne daughter, is still struggling daily and trying to hide her powers. So when Ryder Bask, who she was raised to loathe, becomes an unlikely ally, they uncover new truths and dangers. Says Carissa: “Packed with tension and a romance that keeps you guessing, this was a riveting ride.” (Sourcebooks, 2024)
Romance
‘Magical Meet Cute’ by Jean Meltzer
“A strong female character, a little bit of magic, Jewish representation…this rom-com has it all,” says Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor. Faye Kaplan used to have a buzzing legal practice, but she prefers her peaceful new life as a potter in Woodstock, New York. After another failed singles event at the synagogue, Faye soothes her mind with some drunken pottery—and she crafts up the ideal man. So when a swoony stranger named Greg shows up the next day, Faye wonders if this is fate—or magic. Says Courtney, “The tender thought and care that went into each of these characters will stick with me.” (Mira, 2024)
Thriller
‘We Used to Live Here’ by Marcus Kliewer
“I was browsing the library, and the title of this novel caught my eye. After I read the description, I had to know what happened next!” says Tammy French, FIRST Copy Director. As a young couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the deal they got on an old house. Then, one day while Eve is home alone, she hears a knock at the door. A man is there with his family, claiming he lived there years before and asking if they can look around. Eve reluctantly agrees. But soon, strange things start happening and Eve begins to lose her grip on reality. Is Eve imagining things or is this real? “This book was creepy right to the last page,” raves Tammy. “Netflix also announced a movie version—I’m looking forward to it!” (Atria, 2024)
Historical fiction
‘The Chelsea Girls’ by Fiona Davis
“As a native New Yorker, I love the nostalgia of my city,” shares Julia Dennison, FIRST Digital Director. “And Fiona Davis whisked me away to the glamour of 1950s NYC in this novel—a tribute to the famed Chelsea Hotel.” Through the politics of McCarthyism, Broadway and the bohemian art scene, the story follows the two-decade friendship of playwright Hazel Riley and actress Maxine Mead. “With residents like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, the Chelsea has cemented itself in our collective imagination,” says Julia. “This book lets you live it!” (Dutton, 2019)
Literary fiction
‘Tell Me Everything’ by Elizabeth Strout
“Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again are two of my favorite books, so I was eager to dive into her newest story,” shares FIRST Editorial Assistant Sienna Sullivan. Strout brings readers back to Crosby, Maine, and to a beloved cast of characters in this heart-tugging tale. The plot follows town lawyer Bob Burgess, who is somehow enmeshed in a local murder investigation. He then befriends another local, Lucy Barton. Meanwhile, Lucy meets the iconic Olive Kitteridge and they strike up a friendship. “This story was full of hope, meaning and love—and every character felt so relatable and tangible.” (Random House, 2024)
Suspense
‘The Night We Lost Him’ by Laura Dave
“This book sucked me in from the first chapter, when hotel magnate Liam Noone is pushed off the cliff at his cottage,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. The death is ruled an accident, but Liam’s son, Sam, isn’t so sure. Sam shares his concerns with his estranged sister, Nora, and soon the two are uncovering decades worth of secrets about the family, the business—and their dad. “I loved how the siblings’ relationship deepened as they spent time trying to figure out what happened to their dad,” says Patty. “And the twists kept coming!” (S&S/Marysue Rucci, 2024)
Memoir
‘The Third Gilmore Girl’ by Kelly Bishop
“From her roles as Baby’s mother in Dirty Dancing to the iconic matriarch Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, I have always been a fan of Kelly Bishop,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. In her new memoir, Bishop reflects on her early life as a dancer and her time on Broadway, where she won a Tony for her role in Broadway’s original cast of A Chorus Line. Filled with funny, wise anecdotes from her personal life, her career and, yes, some behind-the-scenes Gilmore Girls gems, this warmhearted memoir is not to be missed. “Reading this felt like sitting across the table from a dear friend,” says Melissa. “I couldn’t put it down!” (Gallery, 2024)
