Two Lit Mamas First Circle Press

The Mamas get festive for the last episode of 2023 with a holiday-themed short story collection for 8–12-year-olds filled with murder, mystery, and mayhem. If you enjoy a holiday haunted house, listen in as the Mama’s say good-bye to 2023 with a book chat about creepy funhouses, famous cat burglars, and conspiracies meant to silence the most benevolent among us. Happy Holidays!  
Book Chat:
The Very Merry Murder Club edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
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Stuff your mouth with turkey while the Mama’s share their opinions on funny, sexy, and murdery Grown Up books that made the top of their lists in 2023. Heather went for fantasies filled with dragons and angry gods, while Margie nabbed myths, space murders and, of course, zombies. 
You can’t go wrong when a nerd and an outcast team up – that’s when the Two Lit Mamas are at their finest. Happy Thanksgiving! And, don’t forget to hit your local bookstores on Small Business Saturday or you’ll end up on the Mamas’ naughty list.


The Mamas’ Top Just-for-Fun Reads
Heather’s Faves:
Circe by Madeline Miller 
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Margie’s Faves:
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
The Push by Ashley Audrain
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Holiday Gift Guide Grown Up & YA Recs:
Heather’s Picks:
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
Accountable by Dashka Slater
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Fourth Wing  and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Margie’s Picks:
Eat Your Heart Out by Kelly deVos
Into The Light  by Mark Oshiro
The Only Girl in Town by Ally Condie 
Daughters of Sparta and The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood
Starter Villain by John Scalizi
The Midsolar Murders by Mur Lafferty

www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas have once again donned their pointy hats and elf ears for another Holiday Gift Guide Extravaganza-ganza-ganza! As a special treat, they've also included an highlight reel for 2023. Get out your pen or open an app so you can make your list. Don't forget to check it 500 times. Happy Shopping!

2023 Highlight Reel
Heather's 2023 Faves:
 Area 51 Files by Julie BuxbaumGnome is Where Your Heart is by Casey LyallA Rover’s Story by Jasmine WargaFalling out of time by Margaret Peterson HaddixPurple Carrot by Rebecca MullinMargie's 2023 Faves: 
Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten White, Wretched WaterparkHoller of the Fireflies by David Barclay MoorePie in the Sky Remy LaiDust and Grim by Chuck Wendig Super Puzzletastic Mysteries - edited by Chris GrabensteinOur Series Faves with New Books in 2023
City  Spies, James Ponti, latest release  City of the Dead  (book 4)Show me a sign series - Ann Clare LeZotte, Sail Me Away HomeAmari and the Night Brothers by BB Alston,  Amari and the Great Game
2023 Holiday Gift Guide 
Margie's List:
Wrecker by Carl HiaasenAlex Wise vs. the End of the World  by Terry J. Benton-WalkerEnlighten Me by  Minh Lê  (Author), Chan Chau  (Illustrator)The Labors of Hercules Beal by  Gary D. SchmidtField of Screams by Wendy Parris Heather’s List
Dog Town by Katherine ApplegateWow in the Wow series by Guz Raz and Mindy ThomasThe Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamilloGrace and Box by Kim HowardThe Golden Glow by Benjamin FlouwHot Dog by Doug Salati

bookopolis.com
twolitmamas.com

Episode 77: Ghost Stories for Spooky Season


It’s the Mamas’ favorite time of the year when they happily scare themselves silly with ghost stories that are not only bone-chilling but also life affirming. The Mamas start the book chat by chanting Bloody Mary’s name three times in the dark so watch out – she might be coming for you with a hearty Clamato drink garnished with chicken wings. You’re welcome. After the Mamas gush over middle grade ghosts, they dig into a sweet grown up ghost story with even more bone-chilling, life affirmations. Drink it down, just don’t spew it as your head slowly rotates 180 degrees. Happy Halloween!


Middle Grade Book Chat:
The Clackity and The Nighthouse Keeper by Lora Senf
The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies


Grown Up Book Chat:
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune


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The Mamas want to help get your Middle Schoolers off screens with game-themed novels for 8-12 year olds! Join the book chat as the Mamas share two new fantasy/sci-fi novels that will appeal to gamers: one book is set in a haunted woods and includes three sixth-graders who play a game to save the town, and the other book is set in a floating fun park that is taken over by androids and only the owners’ son and friends realize it. Both books are sure to satisfy your little gamers as much as they did the Mamas. And, if you know a few adults who struggle with putting down the gaming controls, the Mamas have a grown-up, gaming-themed book that will give their screen-weary eyes a break too. Now, get out of that gaming chair, take your dog for a walk, and bring the Mamas along.
Middle Grade Book Chat:
The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien
Futureland: Battle for the Park by H.D. Hunter
Grown Up Book Chat:
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin


www.twolitmamas.com

The Mamas shine in their diamond episode, geeking out over their favorite genre, mysteries. First, the Mamas fangirl about TV cozies, then they chat it up with two new mystery novels for kiddos, ages 8-12: one that Margie recommends for the classroom and one that Heather recommends for family car trips. At the end of the 75th episode, the Mamas discuss a new grown up murder mystery that honors three generations of strong women. Put on your sleuthing caps!       
Middle Grade Book Chat:
Linked by Gordan Korman
No One Leaves the Castle by Christopher Healy
Grown Up Book Chat:
Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon


www.twolitmamas.com