Authors bring so much more to their community than just their books. Maybe it’s the excitement of thinking that this creative genius could be a neighbor, a colleague, or sitting right next to us at a coffee shop (back when we could do such things). Or maybe we just enjoy reading a story that takes place in a familiar setting (“They just drove down Blackstone Boulevard!”). Here’s a list of local writers – from Rhode Island and nearby – worth giving a read.
The true-crime thriller Shallow Graves by award-winning journalist Maureen Boyle connects Providence to New Bedford much like I-195 brings the two cities together. In 1988, bodies started piling up along the route and Boyle delves into solving the mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
If you’ve never been to India, you can experience the incredible color and light of this land through the photography of Christine Chitnis in her book, Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan. For those missing travel, this hardcover is a nice bandage.
Parasite Life by Victoria Dalpe made the list for its retelling and modernizing of the vampire myth. The story is haunting and intriguing, and resonates with you long after you’re finished. Plus, who doesn’t love a villain named Hugh?
For the children on your book list, A Girl Named Rosita tells the story of award-winning (as in EGOT) Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer Rita Moreno. Barrington resident Anika Aldamuy Denise tells the story of Moreno’s trail-blazing career with great joy, accompanied by Leo Espinosa’s wonderful illustrations.
Although he’s since moved to the other coast, Brian Evenson spent 12 years in Rhode Island teaching Literary Arts at Brown. His collection of stories, Songs for the Unraveling of the World, is creepy and disturbing in a way that will have you squealing with glee. Best read in the daylight.
If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with strong female leads, check out the three book series An LA Rock Star Romance. Written under the name Elle Greco, as Karen Greco she also writes urban fantasy and has the Hell’s Belle book series. With this writer and frequent contributor to our magazines, you’ll never run out of page-turners.
The interconnected stories in J.M. Holmes’ How Are You Going to Save Yourself takes place in Pawtucket and nearby Providence. The book delivers a raw, unflinching look at growing up Black and male. Underrated but definitely worth the read.
You know Robert Isenberg from the pages of Hey Rhody and sister publications – now read longer form work in his latest novel, The Woman in the Sky. Follow the adventures of Elizabeth Crowne as she uses her wits to solve some very strange mysteries at the beginning of the 20th century.
With two novels under her belt, Vanessa Lillie is the real deal. Both Little Voices and her latest, For the Best prove that she has a handle on writing suspense-filled thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end and pondering long after you’re through.
Although Paul Tremblay now resides “just outside of Boston,” he lived in Providence while attending Providence College, and one of his most disturbing short stories takes place at the Arcade in downtown Providence. Check out the short “It Won’t Go Away” from his collection Growing Things and you’ll be glad that most book events have gone virtual these days.
Exes by Max Winter feels like a New England winter: the story is bleak and desolate as Clay Blackall attempts to make sense of his and his brother’s past. The journey is not an easy one, but his travels through familiar experiences and locations will keep you connected.
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