Audacity Book Club: August Read

By Nic Daniels

TW: Grief, Death, brief descriptions of child abuse/abandoment

Hello, audacious readers!

While I’m excited for fall, I’m sad to see Hot Love Summer come to an end. Luckily, this next book is a perfect pick to bridge the seasons. Last month, we fought for love and music in 1960’s New York with The Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon. This month, we’re back in the present day, looking for love in suspicious places with Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson.

Phoebe Walsh is moving from North Carolina to Florida for two reasons, and two reasons only: 1) to clean out her childhood home after her father passes and 2) finish her PhD dissertation on true crime, a subject that’s always fascinated her. Unfortunately, having a passion for true crimes stories has left Phoebe more than skeptical of strangers.

So, when her neighbor, Sam, casually offers to help her move her desk the first day she arrives, she’s quick to warn him off. Surely, he’s trying to find an excuse to get into her house and kill her instead of just helping someone struggling to lift a piece of furniture. The world is not as good-natured as her brother, Connor; there has to be an ulterior motive. But as Phobe and Sam get to know each other over the summer, she can’t help but wonder what if he’s not a serial killer like she initially assumed? What if—dare she say it—he’s just a good guy?

Love in the Time of Serial Killers is a summery rom com that dares you to trust your gut and let life surprise every now and then. This book is available wherever books are sold and in your local library or Libby app. I hope you enjoy it, and I will see you soon for the full review. You can also see me and the rest of the Audacity Team in person on August 24th for the Staycation Writer’s Retreat! If you’re a writer looking to expand your skills or defeat writer’s block, this is perfect for you, and I hope to see you there!

Until then, don’t forget to read audaciously!