Today's Featured Books

LitNuts regularly shares information about online literary and cultural events, but in-person book festivals are also a great way to connect with authors and other booklovers. Check out this list of upcoming book festivals to find one near you. 

“So many books, so little time.” ~Frank Zappa

Monsters walk among mortals, gods pull strings from the shadows, and heroes fall to their own obsessions in this dark fantasy of survival, vengeance, and uprising, where the line between hero and villain is a matter of perspective. "A thought-provoking masterpiece in a class of its own." ~Readers' Favorite. From $5.99 - SHOP NOW /

The world’s population is going crazy. Every destructive thing they do is hilarious. Every murder is creative and hysterical. High school sweethearts Matt and Kyra are trying to reunite with Matt’s mother as a historic blizzard hits their town. The three of them must battle their way through a nightmarish landscape to survive. What is causing humanity to lose its sanity? Why are some people unaffected? Will they also lose their minds? 4.0 stars, 284 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

This book isn’t for everyone. But it may be for you if you’re always on edge, waiting for the next “bad thing” to happen. If calm never lasts, your moods swing, and exhaustion clings no matter how much you sleep. If you’ve been told you’re "too sensitive" or "overreact" to hurtful things. If you live a life plagued by anxiety, self-doubt, and the constant feeling that you’re failing at being "normal." If you feel like you’ve tried to push through, toughen up, or numb yourself, your nervous system may actually be stuck in survival mode. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /

New release: Idyllic small-town life in the Valley is suddenly disrupted by secrets and lies as mystery surrounds four sisters—Rose, Willow, Fern, and Mara—each shaped by their demanding mother and kind-hearted father. Rose hides a storm of needs she can’t voice. Willow wears her virtue like armor. Fern drinks deeply from the cup of rebellion. And Mara is a dreamer who sees what others miss. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

"A moving read of tragedy, trying to prevent it, and coping with life after." -Midwest Book Review. In this memoir, Madeline Sharples charts the near-destruction of one middle-class family whose son committed suicide after a seven-year struggle with bipolar disorder. She also tells of her and her family's redemption, how she considered suicide herself, and ultimately, her decision to live and take care of herself as a woman, wife, mother and writer. 4.2 stars, 298 reviews. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /

 Humorous Historical Fiction - FREE!
 

If you haven't already picked up these two FREEBIES from Maria Luisa Lang, today is the day! Both novels blend well-researched depictions of life in ancient Egypt with the humor and insights of a time-traveling cat. Don't miss out on these fun reads! 

• The Pharaoh's Cat, Book 1 in the series, 4.4 stars, 296 ratings
• The Eye of Nefertiti, Book 2 in the series, 4.3 stars, 183 ratings

"Conflict, humor, history, romance, time travel, suspense...I fell in love with this book." ~Susan Barton, eBook Review Gal

The Pharaoh's Cat

Book 1 of The Pharaoh's Cat Novels
Genres: Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fiction
4.4 stars, 296 ratings on Amazon
4.21 stars. 268 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $7.99
Ebook: FREE

Suddenly talking and walking upright, a stray tomcat in ancient Egypt becomes the young Pharaoh's intimate and, when accused of murder, time travels to New York City and learns how to raise Pharaoh from the dead.

The cat is a quick-witted, wisecracking narrator as well as a free-spirited, ever-curious protagonist, and the story he tells is an exotic, imaginative, spell-binding tragicomedy. The novel interweaves feline and human, past and present, natural and supernatural. It contains numerous surprises, twists and turns, intriguing characters (both human and animal), and fascinating revelations about ancient Egyptian history and culture.

Praise for The Pharaoh's Cat
"Who would have thought that ancient Egypt could be so funny?" ~Koko's Book Blog

"A wealth of rich history here, brought to life by a talented storyteller." ~Don Sloan, justfreeandbargainbooks

"The humor is virtually non-stop, the underlying story is very touching." ~Joss Radillo, Koko's Book Blog

The Eye of Nefertiti

Book 2 of The Pharaoh's Cat Novels
Genres: Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fiction
4.3 stars, 183 ratings on Amazon
4.25 stars, 165 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $8.35
Ebook: FREE

Now a New Yorker, the Pharaoh’s cat travels back in time to free Egypt’s legendary Queen Nefertiti from a horrific curse, discovering firsthand why her mummy has never been found and her famous bust is missing one eye.

Added to all this is an ingenious use of the Tarot and Italian opera, making for a fabulous story that will transport readers to different locations in the past and present.

Praise for The Eye of Nefertiti
"Detail and realism about ancient Egypt that only someone with both knowledge and passion can bring." ~Vikki Heaven, Escapology Reviews

"Wwonderfully funny." ~Wendy Scott, Multi-Award Winning Author

"Mystery, adventure, and even a touch of romance...I loved every minute of it." ~Socrates Book Review

"Clever and humorous." ~Charity Rowell-Stansbury, On My Kindle Book Reviews

About the Author
Maria Luisa Lang was born in Rome and now lives in New York City. She has an art degree from the City University of New York, and her artwork has been exhibited in New York galleries. She is also an amateur Egyptologist, and her fascination with ancient Egypt inspired her to write two novels set there. You can learn more and follow Maria via Goodreads or her Amazon Author Page.

Just a friendly reminder...to enter our Library of America Giveaway for a chance to win The Rachel Carson Collection, The Joan Didion Collection, or a $75 Amazon.com Gift Card. If you've already entered, you can earn bonus entry points by visiting the LitNuts.com website or Facebook page. Deadline for entry is Oct. 31, 2025.

"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." ~Rachel Carson

"A pleasant intro to the moon and its phases for young readers." ~BlueInk Review. Bernie is a young boy captivated by the mysteries of the moon. He decides to speak to Mr. Moon, and the Moon replies, taking Bernie on a magical journey of discovery, learning about the Moon, and heeding Mr. Moon's advice, resulting in a heartwarming outcome. "Promotes kindness, curiosity, and optimism." ~Readers' Favorite. 5.0 stars, 8 ratings. From $12.99 - SHOP NOW /

New release: Do you feel like the world you once knew is falling apart before your eyes? Polarization, rising authoritarianism, political chaos, and a constant sense of loss make difficult to find meaning and hope. This book is your roadmap to a path toward action, community, and renewed hope. "A groundbreaking manifesto on social transformation." ~Int'l Review of Books. 4.8 stars, 14 ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Miss Congeniality meets The Golden Girls in this hilarious mystery set in southern Louisiana. With a price on her head and a leak at the CIA, assassin Fortune Redding undertakes her most difficult mission ever…in Sinful, LA. Armed with her considerable skills and two ladies the locals dub The Geritol Mafia, Fortune decides to solve a murder. 4.5 stars, 42K+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

New release: Surviving the ER World of Worst-Case Scenarios. Kathryn Kyker used to faint at the sight of blood, but decades as an ER social worker left her detached from life. Surprised by Nothing is a reflective, compassionate memoir on reclaiming joy, curiosity, and human connection amid the high-stakes realities of health care. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /

Kalen McDonald is a normal man in every way but two: Kalen has had visions since childhood, and Kalen is a serial killer. More specifically, he murders other killers, each death a temporary elixir for the pain of a past loss. When a new killer arrives on the scene, Kalen will need to rely on his finely crafted skills to save the person he loves most. 4.4 stars, 500+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

Eleven-year-old Ava O’Brien tells her parents a terrifying story: classmates blindfolded and led into a hidden basement, masked figures performing dark rituals, and a suffocating presence that still haunts her dreams. They want to believe it’s imagination, but as cracks spread through their small-town life, they realize Ava may be telling the truth—and evil is closer than they ever feared. 4.2 stars, 100+ ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

This provocative book explores the nature of reality, identity, and control. and invites readers to question everything from culture to consciousness, inspiring a deeper inquiry into freedom beyond the matrix. Challenging accepted truths, it reveals reality as a coded simulation shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. For seekers ready to face uncomfortable truths and awaken beyond illusion. From $9.99 - SHOP NOW /

Stanley, Joe, and Andre travel with Eve to the south of France to visit her home village. Pursued by the puppet master, the candyman, and others, they wonder if they will ever make it out of the enchanted forest. Along the way, Joe recalls his youth as a human, and the dark night that turned him into a vampire. From England to France to Transylvania, and from the Roman Empire to the American Civil War, this third book of the TransCrypted series takes you on a magical journey through time and space. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Warriors of the Continuum Trilogy, an epic action/adventure fantasy series from author Roger P. Heath:

• Warriors of the Continuum Part One: Arrival: 4.45 stars, 49 ratings on Goodreads
• Warriors of the Continuum Part Two: Deception: new release September 15, 2025 
• Warriors of the Continuum Part Three: Life: coming January 2026

★★★★★ "More than just a journey through space and time—it’s a meditation on what makes us human." ~Readers' Favorite

Warriors of the Continuum Part One: Arrival

Hidden from most across the vastness of the Continuum, the strength of Kaos grows and his influence spreads. But in one particular time of the Continuum, the ancient Iyes tribe know of this threat from old, understanding it means a return of the ice and ultimately the destruction of them and their Land.

Now, as told in their millennia-old Story, their tribe’s shaman must make the Request for Warriors to come to their aid and fight for their Land’s salvation. Yet their ancient enemy is also moving. Hidden eyes are watching.

Across the Continuum, other events unfold. Beth and Jessica make a fateful encounter with a young explorer, changing their lives forever. A shadow meets a dragon to hand over a great prize. And a bookseller hears a Story, crossing a story of his own.

Arrival tells of reluctant Warriors struggling to understand themselves, the world into which they have been thrust, and the scale of the challenge fate has set before them.

Praise for Arrival

★★★★★ "‘A superbly plotted, fantasy adventure with a strong cast of memorable characters. Perfect for fans of The Lord of the Rings." ~The Wishing Shelf

★★★★★ "Heath weaves science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical depth into a richly layered narrative." ~Readers' Favorite

"An impressive and thought-provoking entry into the fantasy adventure genre." ~The Book Review Directory

"Mixes action, adventure, and deep thinking about life and the universe." ~Book Nerdection

Warriors of the Continuum Part Two: Deception

Hounded by adherents of Kaos, god of the Dark, the reluctant Warriors strive to protect the Iyes tribe, while desperately seeking truths within the shadows of the harsh land into which they’ve been thrust. Who truly are the Ka, these ancient enemies of the Iyes? Where is the Kade, the supposed source of the enemy’s power? And the Geddon, the Land’s Armageddon—what is this ultimate threat hanging over them, over all Life in the Continuum?

In seeking answers, the words of the god of the Light, IY, haunt them. “Fighters on the battlefield will not win this war.” The Warriors realize they must engage with both the power of the Land, the A’ven, and with the unpredictable allies of IY, the daemons. And they must learn to co-exist with the soul of an ancient Warrior beside them. And for those left in another age, who also see the rising of the Dark? How can they help their friends prevent the unfolding chaos? Maybe with the aid of a traitor?

Book 2 of the trilogy tells of a great deception...one hiding secrets in plain sight. A game is being played...but by whom, and why?

Praise for Deception

"A story of growing darkness in a fantasy world full of secrets. Fans of epic high fantasy novels will love it!' ~The Wishing Shelf

"Suspenseful storytelling, strong character growth, and an atmospheric setting." ~The Book Review Directory

Warriors of the Continuum Part Three: Life

Krull, the chosen of Kaos, grows in power as he pursues all that his master desires: the Kade, the hidden life holding back the Geddon, and the daughters of the Ensi. All these, Krull has been commanded to deliver to ensure the cleansing of the world, a world he would then inherit. And with the Neti feeding him the merciless power of Kaos, might he even become a god?

Stepping into the path of the rising terror, the Guardian and the Warriors strive to prevent the Land’s Armageddon, aided by an uneasy alliance with the daemons, the Ensi, and one named Jalu. But how can the Dark be defeated when, at every turn, it seems much remains concealed from them, much unsaid?

Such as those gods watching from the Void. Such as the truth of the Geddon.

Such as the truth of Life.

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Demon of Oakhaven: Painted in Death, a new release and the first book in the Will Anderson and Casey Murphy Detective Thriller Series from author Mark Harrington.

★★★★★ "Sharp, dark, and brilliantly visual." ~Amazon Review

The Demon of Oakhaven: Painted in Death

In the peaceful lakeside town of Oakhaven, murder leaves a mark—white-painted skin, a rough red “O,” and a body arranged like a grim piece of art.

Detective Will Anderson has encountered this before. Now, the killer is active in broad daylight on Ravenwood University’s campus, leaving behind not only bodies but also front-page editorials mocking law enforcement and daring them to catch him.

Paired with Detective Casey Murphy—new to the division, sharp-witted, and unshaken by much—Will must unravel the pattern before another young woman disappears. But every move they make seems to be exactly what the killer wants. Because in Oakhaven, the past doesn’t just haunt—it hunts. And this predator is keeping score: "The bodies are my canvas. The blood is my paint. And every stroke brings you closer to your last breath, Detective."

★★★★★ "A bold and emotionally charged thriller." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Gritty, suspenseful, and full of twists." ~Amazon Review

Devil at Rocky Pointe: The Final Stroke

On this course, par is survival.

When a wealthy board member is found dead on the 18th green of an elite country club—a broken golf club through his chest and a Roman numeral scrawled in red across his glove—Detectives Will Anderson and Casey Murphy know this isn’t just another murder. It’s a scorecard.

As more bodies appear, each marked with a number and tied to a long-buried corruption scandal, it becomes clear the killer is keeping track—and par is never enough.

Meanwhile, Will’s wife, Kristen—still recovering from her own brush with a past killer—begins to notice disturbing patterns from home. Their twin daughters are drawn into the mystery through digital breadcrumbs left by a figure calling himself The Vicar, whose sermons blend scripture, justice, and murder into a chilling creed.

With each stroke, the killer moves closer to the truth buried at Rocky Pointe—and closer to Will’s family. But when the course is rigged and the game is personal, it might be too late to catch up.

A gripping psychological thriller where justice is ritual, guilt is currency, and survival means beating the killer at his own game. Perfect for fans of James Patterson, Karin Slaughter, and Michael Connelly.

Free online: Chicago Storytelling at the Newberry Library. Join via Zoom to kick off the library's fall programming season with Chicago Storytelling—a celebration of the Windy City featuring presentation of the 2025 Pattis Award and conversations with photographer Sandra Steinbrecher and authors Scott W. Berg and Larry A. McClellan. Saturday, September 20, 1 p.m. CT.

"Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty." ~Scott W. Berg

The tyrant who took everything. The knight who fights back. Immortal warrior-mage Adrian Zartun destroyed Gerald Caelen’s family. Now Gerald must battle dark magic, deadly enemies, and join a small band of warriors, wizards, and a mysterious assassin to rescue a captive prince. Every choice will be tested, and not all heroes will survive. 4.8 stars, 21 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Starting over meant coffee and clean sheets…until Monday Jones landed in a haunted inn marked by a strange symbol, and is drawn to a ghostly innkeeper, alive only three nights a month, who needs her help. Now demons hunt her, spirits need her aid, and her midlife plans after divorce are toast. Ghost-whispering, demon-dodging, soul-saving chaos with mystery and a side of sarcasm when warranted. FREE - SHOP NOW /

A rich fantasy realm. Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Award and the Readers’ Favorite bronze medal, this is a stand-alone prequel in The Ember Files Series. “Fast-moving and fun for sorcery-loving YA fans, this quick read bounces from prison break-ins and romantic dabbles to fairy magic and soul-smashing battles, woven neatly with focused and animated storytelling.” ~Self-Publishing Review. 4.4 stars, 16 ratings. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW /

Abe thought he was ready for the apocalypse. He’d watched the movies, read the books, and prepared accordingly. But when the monsters arrived, he realized Hollywood didn’t get all the facts right. "A delightful approach to the zombie genre!" ~Amazon Review. 4.1 stars, 159 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

Jared Cole can see souls. But when he bonds to a psychic boy, their link releases an ancient parasite that twists good people into crazed killers. As the carnage spreads, he faces a terrifying truth: breaking their connection might be the only way to stop the slaughter—but it could kill them both. 4.5 stars, 111 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

"A transformative tale of personal reinvention from a masterful storyteller." ~Kirkus Reviews. Be inspired by Susan, an unforgettable character who must overcome obstacles in the surprisingly still-wild American West. "A thoughtful, well-paced adventure, raising the stakes, right till the end." ~BookLife. 4.2 stars, 27 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /