Need a present for a bookworm? There’s a local tome for every type of reader.
by Leah LeMoine
(Prices were accurate at press time, but are subject to change. Verify with each vendor.)
The Second Ending
$18
Michelle Hoffman’s time as an arts and entertainment writer at The Arizona Republic paid off – her debut novel, about a piano prodigy lured back to the ivories for a TV competition show – is beyond reproach, zippy and fun while still being smart and soulful. penguinrandomhouse.com
In a Not So Perfect World
$17.99
Fans of the fake relationship trope in rom-coms will delight in Neely Tubati Alexander’s second novel, which finds video game designer Sloane on a steamy trip to Turks and Caicos with her neighbor, Charlie, in an attempt to make his ex jealous. neelytubatialexander.com
The Nurse Murders
$16.99
He may live in Seattle now, but Phoenix is still a creative muse for former Arizona Republic reporter Jon Talton. The latest in his Gene Hammons mystery series finds the gumshoe racing to solve the murder of a young, red-haired nurse before the killer strikes again. jontalton.com
Off the Air
$18
KJZZ senior field correspondent Christina Estes drew on her years as a TV journalist to write this whodunit about the murder of a controversial talk show host. It’s a fascinating peek into the competitive world of TV news, with lots of fun references to Phoenix institutions. christinaestes.com
The Murderess
$28.99
Most Phoenicians know about the infamous Winnie Ruth Judd, “The Trunk Murderess” accused of killing her two best friends in 1931. Laurie Notaro brings her story to life in this well-researched and captivating novelization of one of the Valley’s most notorious crimes. laurienotaro.com
