The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian

A special thank you to Edelweiss and Doubleday for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Alexis, a doctor, met her now boyfriend, Austin, in the ER. He came in with a bullet wound having been shot by a junkie in a bar. Austin also happens to work in the same hospital for the people who manage the institution's money.

Six months later, the couple travel to Vietnam for a bike tour—Austin wants to pay his respects to where his father and uncle fought in the war. When Austin fails to return from a solo ride, Alexis goes out to look for him. She comes across his energy gel packages that he dropped on the road when he was being abducted by Douglas—the same man he was at the bar with when he was shot.

Struggling with her loss, dealing with the FBI and Austin's family, Alex uncovers a string of strange lies that not only connect back to the very hospital where she met Austin, but that test her loyalties and ultimately expose the danger she's in.

Chris Bohjalian is a brilliant writer. Each of his novels are vastly different, yet they are equally as rich in character and plot development. This book is no exception. The attention to detail is what really makes this book a standout despite the slow start. Stick with it, it is worth your patience.

Through vivid descriptions, he captures the beauty of Vietnam and I found the setting utterly fascinating. The story also takes place in New York, another vibrant backdrop.

The Red Lotus is a timely release (coronavirus/year of the rat). It is an engaging tale of mystery with a strong female lead and readers will be left guessing until the very end. If you love medical dramas, I highly recommend picking up this character-driven thriller/mystery, you won't be disappointed.

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CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the author of twenty books, including The Flight Attendant, The Guest Room, The Sandcastle Girls, Skeletons at the Feast, The Double Bind, and Midwives which was not only a number one New York Times bestseller, but an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

Bohjalian's work has been translated into more than thirty languages, and three novels have become movies (Secrets of Eden, Midwives, and Past the Bleachers) and The Flight Attendant has been optioned for a televisions series.

Chris lives in Vermont with his wife.

Wingspan by Chris Bohjalian

A special thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Originally Wingspan was produced as a one-act play starring Grace Experience and K.K. Glick. It is the story of Emily, a young flight attendant who is about to embark on her first transatlantic trip. The only problem is that Emily is afraid of flying. Accompanying her on the flight is Karen, a veteran attendant. who is trying to help navigate her fears during a turbulent flight.

The two strike up a conversation and Karen discovers that a fear of flying is not Emily's only secret.

This is Bohjalian's first play and I don't suspect it will be his last. He is a master at dialogue and creating complex and interesting characters. Emily is both vulnerable and strong, she doesn't allow herself to get swallowed up by her fear.

Bohjalian's piece is a commentary on issues women face and the backlash that looms as a result of their decisions.

CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the author of twenty books, including The Guest Room; The Sandcastle Girls; Skeletons at the Feast; The Double Bind; and Midwives which was not only a number one New York Times bestseller, but an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

Bohjalian's work has been translated into more than thirty languages, and three novels have become movies (Secrets of Eden, Midwives, and Past the Bleachers) and The Flight Attendant has been optioned for a televisions series.

Chris lives in Vermont with his wife.

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

A special thank you to Edelweiss and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Chris Bohjalian's Instagram there is a post where a reader asked him why he always wears a suit and tie to an author event and his response was that it was a way of showing respect and thanks to his readers. I was touched by his post and thought it showed a tremendous amount of class. In return, I would like to thank Chris Bohjalian for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of The Flight Attendant.

In The Flight Attendant, we have a flawed, self-sabotaging unreliable narrator—Cassandra Bowden is a flight attendant with a taste for adventure and alcohol.  Being a binge drinker, Cassie suffers from self-loathing and the odd blackout. Waking up in a hotel room in Dubai after a one night stand with a dead body is beyond blacking out. Could she have actually killed him? Afraid to involve the authorities, Cassie starts lying to cover up any speculation that she could be involved. With each lie she tells, she increasingly looks more guilty. How far will she go before the truth comes out that she was with the passenger who was found dead in his hotel room?    

Each of Bohjalian's novels is vastly different from the last, yet equally as rich in character development and plot, and this book is no exception. He weaves an engaging tale of regret, murder, and mystery through strong female characters. I highly recommend picking up this character-driven thriller/mystery, you won't be disappointed.

CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the author of twenty books, including The Guest Room; The Sandcastle Girls; Skeletons at the Feast; The Double Bind; and Midwives which was not only a number one New York Times bestseller, but an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

Bohjalian's work has been translated into more than thirty languages, and three novels have become movies (Secrets of Eden, Midwives, and Past the Bleachers) and The Flight Attendant has been optioned for a televisions series.

Chris lives in Vermont with his wife.