Michelle Richmond is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Marriage Pact, Golden State, The Year of Fog, No One You Know, Dream of the Blue Room, Hum, and The Girl in the Fall-Away Dress. Her books have been published in 30 languages. A native of Alabama, she makes her home in Northern California and Paris.
Professional Book Nerds Podcast – What to Read in July
The professional book nerds are back with their list of what to read in July: Episode #133, “July Books We Can’t Wait to Read.” If you like psychological thrillers, you’ll find plenty to love in this podcast, including The Marriage Pact. Other psychological thrillers and suspense the Professional Book Nerds are recommending include The Lying Game by Ruth Ware, Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris, Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips, and Watch Me Disappear by Janelle Brown. Also discussed: Policing the Black Man by Angela Davis, The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell, and In the Days of Rain: A Daughter, A Father, A Cult, by Rebecca Stott.
Librarians across the United States announce their favorite ten books each month–the ones they’ll be talking about and lending to their patrons. I’m delighted that The Marriage Pact is on the list for July, along with new titles by two fabulous writer friends, Joshilyn Jackson (The Almost Sisters) and Janelle Brown (Watch Me Disappear). Also on the list: The Lying Game, by Ruth Ware, Final Girls, by Riley Sager, Down a Dark Road, by Linda Castillo, When the English Fall,b y David Williams, The Wilding Sisters, by Eve Chase and Wired, by Julie Garwood.
Here’s what librarian Becky Bowen from Kenton Public Library in Independence, KY, had to say about The Marriage Pact in her Library Reads write-up:
“Newlyweds Jake and Alice are understandably nervous about starting married life together. So, when given the opportunity to join the exclusive group known as “The Pact” –whose stated goal is to keep married couples happy and together forever, they jump at the offer. However, things quickly take a sinister turn and readers will be hooked as Jake and Alice struggle to find their way out.”
Librarians across Canada have their own top-ten list, Loan Stars. The Marriage Pact is on their list too–along with another favorite of mine this month, Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips.
Huge thanks to librarians for believing in the Marriage Pact!
I have more exciting news about the Marriage Pact to announce in August, so stay tuned!
Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact.
The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact. And most of its rules make sense. Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter. . . .
Never mention The Pact to anyone.
Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples. And then one of them breaks the rules.
The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life. And The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule. For Jake and Alice, the marriage of their dreams is about to become their worst nightmare.
“A twisting, suspenseful, keep-you-up-all-night thriller…It’s a deep, insightful, nearly voyeuristic view into the modern marriage…a smart, engrossing, scary read!”?—?LISA UNGER, New York Times bestselling author of The Red Hunter
“A brilliant premise for a novel of psychological suspense, tautly plotted and deftly written.” –JP DELANEY, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Before
“Richmond quickly moves beyond the expected with this imaginative tale of a worldwide, cultish movement called The Pact…With strong writing, intriguing characters, and a compelling conceit, this psychological thriller seems destined for the top of summer reading lists. Recommended as a fresh voice for readers of Gillian Flynn or Ruth Ware.” ~LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review:
“Gripping, thought-provoking, irresistible.” Dean Koontz
