This week, it’s the new autobiography from Barbra Streisand; a tense murder mystery; women’s fiction with a supernatural twist; a fictional take on a sensational true crime; and a comic look at sports fandom.
My Name is Barbra
By Barbra Streisand
Viking
Talk about an unlikely superstar: Barbara Streisand (yes, she was born with two a’s) was a poor urchin with a funny face who grew up in a crowded walkup on Brooklyn’s Pulaski Street. But she had two things going for her: a powerhouse voice and an indomitable will.
Fueled by both, the newly renamed Barbra rocketed to Broadway stardom at age 19, won an Oscar for her first film at 25, then began a quest for artistic influence that led to multihyphenate roles as writer-director-star of films like “Yentl,” “The Prince of Tides,” and “The Mirror Has Two Faces.”
In this epic autobiography, the showbiz legend tells all: her lifelong yearning for the father she barely knew; her troubled relationship with a vain and distant mother; her meteoric rise and many romances, which ended happily ever after with James Brolin; and decades of global acclaim as a singer, actress, and political activist.
In “My Name is Barbra,” Streisand rejects the diva reputation that’s dogged her throughout her career, and defends her right to stand among the great auteurs of cinema, like William Wyler.
At nearly 900 pages, this book is an investment of time, but one with a rich return. As someone who has always admired more than liked Streisand, I must say I enjoyed the person I met in this book, who is funny, warm, and as generous as she is demanding.
Girls Like Us
By Cristina Alger
Putnam
FBI agent Nell Flynn, on medical leave since an on-the-job shootout, goes home to Long Island to bury her father, a cop tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.
As she settles up Martin Flynn’s small estate, a body turns up in the dunes of tony Southampton, and Nell is drawn into the case. Acting as a behavioral consultant, she works alongside her dad’s colleagues to determine if the murdered woman was the victim of a serial killer.
But as the investigation progresses, Nell discovers disturbing evidence that points away from the usual suspects, to the bastions of influence of power.
This crime drama takes hold on page one and never lets go.
Soul Dancing
By Gail Priest
RedAdept Publishing
Caught between life and death, 90-year-old Shirlene Foster must decide where she belongs—in this world, or the next.
As the story begins, Shirlene is literally dying—sorry to leave her ailing husband, Stan, but longing to see the son she lost many years ago, in an auto accident.
Just as she moves into the light, Shirlene is yanked back to life—straight into the body of a young, beautiful woman about to give birth.
That woman is Rain DeLuca, who has a history of drug and alcohol addiction, but cared enough about her baby to stop using during pregnancy. But in the throes of labor, Rain shuffled off this mortal coil—in essence, opening a vacancy for Shirlene, who gets a second chance at living, but isn’t sure she wants it.
What’s it like to prepare for eternity, and be suddenly restored to vibrant youth and vitality? Shirlene’s dilemma is complicated by her love of the infant, Arlene; her growing affection for Arlene’s uncle, Cameron, who wants to give the child a home; her simultaneous loyalty to Stan; and other complications.
Gail Priest has written a provocative novel about love, loss, and the enduring quality of devotion.
Lovely Rose Gold
By Stephanie Wrobel
Berkley
This pulp thriller borrows heavily from the case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who conspired to kill her abusive mother, served time in prison, was released in 2023, and now, strangely, has become a red-carpet celebrity.
Her fictional counterpart is Rose Gold Watts, who was similarly victimized, but testifies against her mother, Patty, and sends her to prison. Five years later, when Patty is released, Rose Gold actually allows her to move in with her and her infant son, Adam.
The story, told by two narrators in alternating chapters, shows covert deadly intentions on both sides, in a page-turner that picks up intensity as it goes.
This beach read will keep you guessing.
Fangirl Down
By Tessa Bailey
Avon
Up-and-coming pro golfer Wells Whitaker has hit a serious career skid. He’s lost his game, his fans, and his Nike sponsorship. These days, he’s better known for boozing and brawling than for athletic performance.
He’s about to hang up his cleats when he learns that his No. 1 fan—and sole remaining supporter—is in even bigger trouble: her Florida pro shop has been leveled by a hurricane.
Beautiful Josephine Doyle wasn’t a fair-weather fan. Known as “Wells’ belle,” she stuck with her favorite ornery golfer until the bitter end, when he stiffed her on a lesson and quit the PGA tour.
Now Wells is at her door, hoping to do her a good turn. First, he begs the commission to put him back on the tour. Then, he hires Josephine as his caddy. Instant sparks fly (warning: steamy scenes ahead), and the bad boy of the links becomes a winner once more.
This is a whip-smart book that crackles with sexy dialogue, like the screwball comedies of legend. Chick-lit fans will adore it.
Marjorie Preston is a business writer, editor, ghostwriter and compulsive reader, who gobbles up books like potato chips. For more information (and more book reviews), visit marjorieprestonwriting.com.
