“Who is Maud Dixon?” by Alexandra Andrews

Florence is a struggling writer working in the publishing world of New York City. When she’s fired, she’s not sure what to do until she receives an assistant job with the famous novelist Maud Dixon, whose real identity is a secret. Florence thinks her dreams are about to come true!

In her new job, she has her own space, writing time, and is learning everything she can from the famous, yet secretive author. Florence starts to discover clues and puzzling information that makes her wonder about the novelist’s real identity. When the pair leave for a research trip to Morocco, little does Florence know that her whole life is about to change.

While exploring, they are involved in a serious car crash. Florence wakes up in a Marrakech hospital with no memory of the accident and no sign of her employer. What should she do? And who would really know if she assumed the bestseller’s pseudonym? Andrews’ debut novel is an engaging thriller filled with twists and turns. It’s the perfect pick for book clubs who like discussing unexpected events and mysteries.

“When the Stars Go Dark” by Paula McLain

How do you move forward from pain?

Anna is a missing persons detective in San Francisco when a personal tragedy sends her back to her childhood home in Mendocino, California. The day she arrives, she sees a flyer about a missing local teenager which seems oddly reminiscent of an unsolved murder from the past. Quietly and obsessively, Anna becomes involved in solving the case with her childhood friend, Will, who is now the town’s sheriff. When another girl is taken from her home, will Anna solve the case or will her personal struggles take over?

When the missing girls and the past case connect, she begins to heal. But are her eyes open? Is Anna paying attention or is darkness taking over?

Best-selling author McLain writes a gripping novel that is both a suspenseful mystery and an emotional journey of healing. It’s based on a true crime from the ’90s so readers will flash back to a time before cell phones and social media as Anna pieces together the missing links.

For more amazing new 2021 mystery/thriller books, check out “Piece of My Heart” by Mary Higgins Clark & Alafair Burke; “Dial A for Aunties” by Jesse Q. Sutanto; “Mimi Lee Reads Between the Lines” by Jennifer J. Chow; “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” by Elle Cosimano; “A Double Life” by Charlotte Philby; “The Wrong Family” by Tarryn Fisher; “If I Disappear” by Eliza Jane Brazier; “Northern Spy” by Flynn Berry; and “The Disappearing Act” by Catherine Steadman.

Are you looking for your next great read? Email me at [email protected] or fill out the MyReads form at www.deschuteslibrary.org.