just finished: The latest by Liz Nugent, Little Cruelties, which comes out Tuesday. It’s the story of three brothers who grew up competitive, resentful, and bitter thanks to their mother’s parenting style (the title refers mostly to her). If you’re looking for a good dysfunctional family story in time for the upcoming holidays, then look for this one in your local bookstore!

currently reading: I’m about a third of the way through Moonflower Murders, so basically I’m just about to start the book within the book. If you read Magpie Murders, then you know what I mean. And this one is just as fascinating as the first, so I can’t wait to get back to it! I’m also listening to Instant Karma, about a high school overachiever whose karaoke incident leads to her having the ability to bestow instant karma on those around her. It’s lots of fun, and I can’t wait to see how it ends. I’m also reading Without a Brew, the next in Ellie Alexander’s Sloan Krouse mysteries. So it’s back to Leavenworth, Washington, to have out in the brew pub Nitro. Now it’s also a B&B, and there is a really obnoxious advertising guy checking in. Is it bad that I’m hoping he’s the guy who gets murdered in this fun microbrew cozy?

up next: Secret Santa, a horror story described as “The Office meets Stephen King.” What’s not to love about that? I’ve got a new soft blanket and a kitty ready for snugs, so I am ready to settle in and read all the books this winter!