Close to Shore: The Terrifying Shark Attacks of 1916 by Michael Capuzzo
Genre Snapshot: Non-fiction, History
Did you know that the 1975 movie Jaws was based off of true events? Close to Shore recounts the shark attacks along the East Coast that inspired the movie. Close to Shore is much scarier than the movie though. You might want to wait till you’re not at the beach to read about how some sharks have the capacity to swim hundreds of miles up freshwater rivers. Or how most shark attacks occur within 10 feet of shore… Remember in Jaws when they use explosives to try and kill the shark? Yeah, that happened too! Michael Capuzzo expertly weaves suspense and history together and certainly made me not want to go back in the water.
Other books by Michael Capuzzo: The Murder Room : The Heirs of Sherlock Holmes Gather to Solve the World’s Most Perplexing Cold Cases
Genre Snapshot: Fiction, Thriller
I just read Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier for the first time last year and I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect balance of romance and suspense, so when I saw that this was a modern retelling of Rebecca I was intrigued. With a twist to the narrative, and an unruly step-daughter, Lisa Gabriele does a wonderful job of reinventing a classic. This was a fast read for me and I feel like it would be a good beach thriller to take on vacation.
Similar works: The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene, We Could be Beautiful by Swan Huntley
The Witches of New York by Ami McKay
Genre Snapshot: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Set in New York City in the 1880’s this lyrical novel is the story of two self-proclaimed witches, Adelaide and Eleanor, run a tea shop in the city. They cater to wealthy clients offering teas, potions, and palm readings until their routine is overthrown by young Beatrice Dunn who comes to them seeking work. Beatrice seems to not know that she possesses real power until she starts hearing and seeing strange things. On top of all that there are forces at work trying to suppress witchcraft and someone might be after Beatrice. Will Eleanor and Adelaide be able to help Beatrice come into her power and keep her safe?
Other books by Ami McKay: The Birth House, The Virgin Cure, Half Spent Was the Night
The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber
Genre Snapshot: Historical Fiction, Mystery
In 1830, Scotland, Lady Keira Darby faces society censure and suspicion after the death of her husband reveals that he made her draw dissected corpses for the Anatomy textbook he was writing. Scandal breaks out when it is discovered that he was an associate of Burk and Hare the grave robbers who turned to murder to procure more bodies to sell. Keira flees to her sister’s estate hoping for privacy, but at a lavish ball that her family insists she attend, a member of the Ton is killed and people suspect Keira. She works with Sebastian Gage a gentleman investigator to find out the real killer and clear her name. Atmospheric with gothic vibes this historical fiction book will have you eagerly picking up the next in the series; Mortal Arts.
Other books similar to: Lady Julia Grey series by Deanna Raybourn, Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris, Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
Great post! I want to read all of these except Close to Shore because I’ve already read it.