Order of Ava Reid Books
Ava Reid is an American author of historical fantasy and dark folkloric fiction novels. She is known for blending myth, political intrigue, and psychological depth, often centring her stories on complex female characters navigating oppressive systems. Her work draws heavily on Eastern European folklore and history, weaving atmospheric world‑building with themes of power, identity, trauma, and transformation. (more…)
OrderOfBooks April 2026 Newsletter
Welcome to April! And don’t worry – no April Fools jokes in here. (more…)
Reader Mailbag: How Many Books Do You Read Each Year?
In the March 2026 newsletter, I asked readers how many books they read each year.
Here are the responses: (more…)
Order of Catriona Ward Books
Catriona Ward is a British author of horror and psychological fiction novels. Her novels blend gothic atmosphere with emotional depth, often exploring trauma, memory, and the blurred lines between truth and perception. Her work is praised for its haunting imagery, unexpected twists, and the way she builds tension through character rather than shock. (more…)
Order of Chelsea Bieker Books
Chelsea Bieker is an American author of literary fiction and contemporary fiction novels. She is known for emotionally charged, character‑driven stories that explore motherhood, trauma, resilience, and the complicated bonds that shape family life. Her work often blends stark realism with a sharp sense of place, particularly the landscapes and communities of California’s Central Valley. Bieker’s debut novel Godshot introduced her as a powerful new voice, followed by her award‑winning story collection Heartbroke and her national bestselling novel Madwoman, which deepens her interest in generational wounds and the search for identity. (more…)
Order of Graeme Simsion Books
Graeme Simsion is an Australian author of romantic comedy and contemporary fiction novels. He is known for warm, character‑driven stories that blend humour, emotional insight, and a keen sense of human quirks. His breakout novel The Rosie Project introduced readers to Don Tillman, a genetics professor whose unconventional approach to love made the book an international bestseller. Simsion’s work often explores relationships, second chances, and the unexpected ways people find connection, including his co‑authored novel Two Steps Forward (with Anne Buist), which follows two strangers walking the Camino trail. (more…)
Order of Gillian Anderson Books
Gillian Anderson is an American author of science fiction and contemporary fiction as well as non‑fiction books. In addition to her acclaimed acting career, including her iconic role as Dana Scully on The X‑Files, she has built a writing profile centred on imaginative, emotionally driven stories that explore power, identity, and the complexities of human connection. Her co‑authored Earthend Saga blends global mystery with speculative elements, while her novel A Vision of Fire (with Jeff Rovin) introduced readers to her interest in psychological tension and world‑spanning intrigue. Anderson has also written nonfiction, including WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere, which focuses on empowerment and personal growth. (more…)
Order of Gina Chung Books
Gina Chung is an American author of literary fiction and speculative fiction. She is known for blending emotional realism with surreal or science‑tinged elements, often exploring themes of family, loss, identity, and the strange ways humans try to connect with the world around them. Her work balances sharp humour with tenderness, and she frequently uses the uncanny to illuminate everyday anxieties. Chung’s debut novel Sea Change introduced her distinctive voice through a story that mixes personal grief with speculative touches, while her story collection Green Frog showcases her range across shorter forms. (more…)
Order of Genevieve Gornichec Books
Genevieve Gornichec is an American author of historical fantasy and myth‑inspired fiction. She is known for reimagining Norse legends with a focus on women’s perspectives, emotional depth, and the quieter, more intimate corners of myth. Her work blends folklore, character‑driven storytelling, and a modern sense of voice, bringing a new dimension to figures often overlooked in traditional retellings. Gornichec’s debut novel The Witch’s Heart introduced her as a fresh voice in mythic fantasy, followed by The Weaver and the Witch Queen, which continued her interest in friendship, fate, and the power of storytelling. (more…)
Order of Mona Awad Books
Mona Awad is a Canadian author of darkly comic fiction novels. She is known for her sharp, unsettling blend of dark humor, psychological tension, and surreal or uncanny elements. Her work often explores beauty, desire, obsession, and the pressures placed on women, moving between realism and the grotesque with a distinctive, playful edge. Awad’s breakout novel Bunny earned wide attention for its mix of satire and horror, while All’s Well continued her interest in characters caught between pain, performance, and fantasy. (more…)