From Bill:

The Sinners cover I don't understand why Ace Atkins doesn't seem to be as well known as John Grisham. His plotting and dialogue are just as good, and his series protagonist, Sheriff Quinn Colson is a complex, fully-realized character, a veteran of U.S. wars in the Mideast who has returned to Tibbehah County, Mississippi to fight corruption. In the new Colson mystery, The Sinners (G.P. Putnam's Sons $27), Atkins tells us the story of the Pritchard brothers, a pair of no-good hellraisers whose pot-growing organization might just start to compete with the Dixie Mafia. Sheriff Colson winds up dealing with them, a crooked trucking company that smuggles everything (including humans), the local Madame, and the FBI. The book just went on sale—come join us on Friday, July 27th at 7:00 p.m. when Ace Atkins visits to discuss the story and sign copies.


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STAFF PICKS – Two from Abbe:

Clock Dance cover Anne Tyler is the master of the quiet, domestic drama tinged with a quirky humor. Clock Dance (Knopf $26.95) may be her most amusing novel to date. The cast of ordinary, yet oddball characters in a slightly sketchy neighborhood will charm and delight you. A bittersweet, funny and poignant story of an older woman finding her voice in the world.


Clock Dance cover Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce (Scribner $26). Buck up! Stiff upper lip! WWII London may seem an odd backdrop for such a charming and cheerful read. Emmeline Lake, who dreams of being a war correspondent, finds herself the assistant to an imposing, slightly terrifying advice columnist of a women's magazine. This warm, funny novel celebrates friendship, courage and kindness. Carry On!


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READER REVIEW

I'd sworn never to read another Civil War book. Then came Charles Frazier's new Varina. With this magnificent, unconventional fictional bio of Mrs. Jefferson Davis, I think Frazier surpasses even his best-selling classic Cold Mountain. In his hands, "V"--Varina Howell Davis--is no stiff portrait fading on some old plantation wall, but a vivid, compassionate, indomitable woman who, knowing long before secession that the Cause was and should be foredoomed, lived out the consequences with courage, humor and, sometimes, blinding insight. The novel's form is a jittterbug dance back and forth through V's lifetime, anchored by repeated returns to V's reunion and reminiscence with a black man she had taken in as a toddler. Few writers could bring all this off. Frazier seems to do it, both in prose and dialogue, without effort and beautifully--and taught me much I'd never known about our saddest conflict.—Ann

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NEW FICTION IN PAPERBACK

Made for Love by Alissa Nutting (Ecco $15.99). "Provocative and irreverent...an absurdly hilarious musing on love and marriage."—W Magazine. Named a Best Summer Read by multiple reviewers.
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg (Ballantine $16). "I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with these lovable people in Berg's world of unabashed optimism. Sometimes that's just what's needed."—Minneapolis Star Tribune
How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry (Penguin $16). "A charming cast of characters centers around Nightingale Books... Tender but not trite, everyone goes home at the end of the day with a book (and most likely with a love)."—Broche
The Address by Fiona Davis (Dutton $16). "An unforgettable, centuries-spanning tale of life and love in The Dakota, NYC's most famous apartment house."—SouthernLiving
Hope Never Dies: An Obama Biden Mystery by Andrew Shaffer (Quirk $14.99). Part noir thriller and part bromance. "Obama and Biden are the ultimate crime-fighting team."—Washington Post
The Red-Haired Woman by Orhan Pamuk (Vintage $16). Set in present-day Turkey, a fable of fathers and sons and the desires that come between them. "The novel is full of page-turning suspense, passion, and parallels to Greek mythology."—Mamie
Provenance by Ann Leckie (Orbit $15.99). Returns to the world of her Imperial Radch science fiction trilogy. "The intricacies and oddities are a delight.... A thrill for fans of heists and capers."—Washington Post
A Boy in Winter by Rachel Seiffert (Vintage $16). On a gray November morning in 1941, a small Ukrainian town is overrun by the SS. "Seiffert has unleashed literature's unique power to analyze history's scroll, to let fiction judge."—NYT Book Review
Arbitrary Stupid Goal by Tamara Shopsin (Picador $17). "Captures a remarkably innocent time in a remarkably complex America. This true-life-based novel transported me to a subtly-cultured New York of the 70s and 80s."—Matt
Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (Picador $16). Named a Best Book of the Year and Best Summer Read. "Hello, Rachel Khong. Kudos for this delectable take on familial devotion."—NPR
Who Is Rich? by Matthew Klam (Random House $17). A provocative satire of love, sex, money, and politics that unfolds over four wild days at a beachside arts conference. Named a Best Book of 2017 by NYT and WAPO.

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JAKI SHELTON GREEN APPOINTED NINTH NC POET LAUREATE

picture of Jaki Shelton Green Governor Roy Cooper has announced that poet, teacher, and community arts advocate Jaki Shelton Green will serve as our ninth poet laureate. Green is the first African American and the third woman to serve as the state's ambassador for poetry and the spoken word. Succeeding Shelby Stephenson, she will be installed during a public celebration later this summer. Find out more at NCArts.org.


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NC LITERARY REVIEW FEATURES LOCAL AUTHORS

NCLR cover The award-winning North Carolina Literary Review comes out just once a year, in the summer. It is produced at East Carolina University and published and distributed by the University of North Carolina Press. The new 2018 issue ($15) features work by many of our favorite writers, including Fred Chappell's analysis of Angela Davis-Gardner's novels, an essay by Margaret Maron, an article about Vivian Howard, an interview with Alan Gurganus, and an essay by Bland Simpson.


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OUR NEW SCENTED CANDLES EVOKE BOOKS AND READING

picture of a Frostbeard candle Quail Ridge is a great place to shop for thoughtful gifts, like our latest offering - literary themed soy candles from Frostbeard Studios. Hand-mixed and poured in small batches, and using natural and synthetic non-toxic fragrance oils, these candles will evoke memories of your favorite books and reading spaces. The Shire, with its scents of clover, moss and pipe tobacco, and Sherlock's Study, with aromas of cherrywood, tobacco and rain, are just a sampling. They come in 8 oz. glass jars ($18) or 4 oz tins ($9). Soy wax is eco-friendly and burns cleanly. Come check out these, and our entire selection of distinguished gifts and accessories.


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DAV PILKEY COMES TO THE HUNT LIBRARY IN SEPTEMBER

If your child is a fan of the Captain Underpants or Dogman series, you'll want to pre-order Dogman 5: Lord of the Fleas to get your tickets to see author Dav Pilkey at NC State's Hunt Library on Saturday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. Find out more and pre-order on our website!

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JOB OPENINGS AT QRB

Quail Ridge Books is looking for qualified and talented team players to fill the positions of Marketing Manager, Sales Floor Manager, and Children's Department Assistant Manager. Visit QuailRidgeBooks.com/JobOpenings for more information. Resumes may be sent to [email protected].

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NC BOOKWATCH

NC Bookwatch with host D.G. Martin airs on UNC-TV on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Coming up, D.G.'s guests are Julian Pleasants with Home Front: North Carolina During World War II, and Stephanie Powell Watts with No One is Coming to Save Us, her debut novel about an extended African-American family and their colliding visions of the American Dream. Find the full cable schedule and a link to watch online here.

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WHERE'S WALDO?

Where's Waldo graphic In Raleigh, of course! Throughout July, Quail Ridge Books, Shop Local Raleigh, and Candlewick Press invite kids (and grownups) to join the search for the iconic red-stripe-shirted and bespectacled character, hiding on the shelves of 30 local independent businesses including QRB. Start your search by picking up a Waldo Passport at any business, and then get it stamped wherever you spot Waldo. Win small prizes with 10 stamps and be eligible for grand prizes with 20 stamps. Plan to attend the Where's Waldo Grand Finale Party here on July 29, where grand prizes will be awarded. Visit ShopLocalRaleigh.org for details and a list of participating businesses. Where you shop matters!


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QRB EVENTS

TONIGHT, JULY 18, 7:00 p.m. Sharon O'Donnell, Please Don't Let Me Be the Oldest Mom in the PTA: Stories about Mid-Life Motherhood. This is the must-have book for all moms who had a child after the age of 35--a group the medical profession not-so-kindly calls "advanced maternal age." O'Donnell will share her humorous and poignant stories of having a child at 38, and how she discovered that breastfeeding and AARP membership aren't really that far apart!

THURSDAY, JULY 19–SUNDAY, JULY 22. It's the annual North Hills Summer Sidewalk Sale, and QRB is just one of the stores participating. Come browse for great finds and bargains in the shade under our tent:

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2:00 p.m. Tony Williamson performs from his CD Heritage. The mandolin player, singer, and songwriter is the recent recipient of the North Carolina Heritage Award. Described as "a visionary musician, composer, musical instrument expert, teacher, and mentor," he blends multiple genres but remains rooted in bluegrass. His most recent CD is appropriately titled Heritage. Come listen to this legendary North Carolina musician performing live. Add to calendar

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 7:00 p.m. Scott Reintgen, Nyxia Unleashed. Reintgen, a favorite local author of fiction for young adults, brings us book two of the Nyxia Triad, a science fiction chronicle called "a high-octane thriller" by Legend author Marie Lu. In this sequel to Nyxia, Emmett Atwater and the Genesis spaceship survivors are caught between the powerful forces of Babel and the Adamites. Will the team make it out alive before it's too late? For ages 12+. This is not a reserved seating event, however the signing line is ticketed. With QRB purchase of Nyxia Unleashed, receive a ticket to the signing line, where Scott will sign and personalize your copy. Add to calendar

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2:00 p.m. Robert Beatty, Willa of the Wood. Reserved Seats are sold out, but signing-line tickets are available. We are delighted to welcome back Robert Beatty, Asheville author of the #1 NYTimes-bestselling Serafina and the Black Cloak, with the first of a new series of mystery and magic for ages 8+. Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, this is the story of Willa of the Wood, a brave and curious young night-spirit filled with the powers of the ancient forest! With QRB purchase of Willa of the Wood, you'll receive a ticket to the after-program signing line. A small number of general unreserved seats may be available. Add to calendar

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 7:00 p.m. Middle Grade Author Panel: We welcome three local middle grade authors for an engaging discussion of their new novels for ages 8+. These books explore friendship and family, feature kids flying and eating flying bugs, and help discover what in life is worth fighting for. Cindy Baldwin is here with Where the Watermelons Grow, Rebecca Petruck brings us Boy Bites Bug, and A.M. Morgen shares The Inventors at No. 8. The panel will be moderated by local young adult author, Brenda Rufener. Add to calendar

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 7:00 p.m. Ace Atkins, The Sinners (Quinn Colson #8). When he's not busy continuing (thankfully!) Robert Parker's beloved Spenser series, top crime writer Ace Atkins is quite busy with his own Quinn Colson series about the real Deep South, for which he has received three Edgar Award nominations. Join him in discussing The Sinners, the brand new mystery in the series the Washington Post calls "a joy ride into the heart of darkness." Add to calendar

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 10:30 a.m. A Special Storytime with Aggregate Theatre's Matthew Hager. Enjoy a very special storytime to preview the upcoming children's shows from this new local children's theatre. During August, Aggregate Theatre Company will present four shows where the audience watches from all four sides of the stage, so that every child is up close and feels a part of the experience. The shows will be The Three Billy Goats Gruff, the Musical; Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Ridinghood; The Imagination Show; and Giselle la Trent the Gazellephant. Our preview is geared toward ages 5+, and will be fun for all! Add to calendar

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Local musician Bruce Emery will be playing acoustic guitar during the middle of the day for everyone's enjoyment. Bruce is the creator and publisher of the Skeptical Guitarist and the Guitar/Ukelele From Scratch instructional book series, and he has several music CDs. Add to calendar

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2:00 p.m. You've searched for Waldo during July among Raleigh's small local businesses, and you've collected 20 or more stamps on your Waldo Passport. You're eligible to win prizes at the Where's Waldo Grand Finale Party! We'll celebrate with activities and refreshments, and conduct the drawings for prizes donated by each business. Co-sponsored with Shop Local Raleigh. Participants must be present to win. Add to calendar

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BOOK CLUBS & MEETINGS (Everyone welcome)

TONIGHT, JULY 18, 7:00 p.m. Treatment Tales. Head for the Edge, Keep Walking by Kate Tough. Treatment Tales is a discussion group for younger adults 18–29 who are living with cancer, from diagnosis to remission, to discuss shared experiences as well as books of interest to the group. New members are always welcome to drop in. Contact Elizabeth at [email protected] for more info.

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 7:00 p.m. FOREVER YOUNG: YA FOR ADULTS. Reader's Choice: Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst or Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 10:00 a.m. SINGLES. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.

MONDAY, JULY 23, 7:00 p.m. CONTEMPORARY FICTION. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 7:00 p.m. SCI-FI/FANTASY. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin. The club's selections include a focus on strong female protagonists and diverse themes such as gender.

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 7:00 p.m. TRIANGLE ORIGAMI FOLDERS UNITED (TOFU). Open to any skill level.

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 4:30 p.m. THE QRB BOOK CLUB. The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan.

THE FREAKIN' AWESOME BOOK CLUB, for young adults with developmental disabilities, meets Sundays at 4:45 p.m. at QRB or in members' homes. Currently reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. Contact facilitator Marlyn Wells at [email protected] for more information.

TEEN WRITERS COLLECTIVE: Meets at Whole Foods Community Room in Ridgewood Shopping Center, usually on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Suggested entry level is rising high school freshman+. Contact Cris Crissman at [email protected] for more information.

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Quail Ridge Books
33 Years of Independent Bookselling
919-828-1588
QuailRidgeBooks.com

“It is natural and harmless in English to use a preposition to end a sentence with.”~~Kingsley Amis

For inquiries concerning QuailMail contact editor Kent Bryant at [email protected].

Links to browse or shop the books:
The Sinners by Ace Atkins
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce
Varina by Charles Frazier
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Made For Love by Alissa Nutting
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry
The Address by Fiona Davis
The Red-Haired Woman by Orhan Pamuk
Provenance by Ann Leckie
A Boy in Winter by Rachel Seiffert
Arbitrary Stupid Goal by Tamara Shopsin
Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong
Who Is Rich? by Matthew Klam
Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey
North Carolina Literary Review
Home Front by Julian Pleasants
No One is Coming to Save Us by Stephanie Powell Watts
Where's Waldo? books
Please Don't Let Me Be the Oldest Mom in the PTA by Sharon O'Donnell
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
Nyxia Unleashed by Scott Reintgen
Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty
Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin
Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck
The Inventors at No. 8 by A.M. Morgen
Head for the Edge, Keep Walking by Kate Tough
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling