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As Halloween approaches, this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers choices have a macabre theme — death. One depicts the rise and fall — the birth and death — of a famous American family fortune, and the next predicts the demise of a major cable news channel. Then, Bill O’Reilly presents the latest in his acclaimed “killing” series of books, and a popular talk radio host analyzes the forces that are destroying America. And the fiction selection, written by a No. 1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense, centered on a murder — or maybe two.
“12 Months to Live,” by James Patterson & Mike Lupica (Little, Brown and Company)
In this legal thriller, Jane Smith, a criminal defense lawyer with a perfect record of wins, is defending a client of a murder that he claims he never committed, when her physician gives her a death sentence: She has 12 months to live — unless someone kills her first. In addition, Jane receives information from her investigator-partner that her client may have murdered before. A “perfect thriller” said Noreen, reviewing for Amazon. “Story is engaging from start to finish. Many surprises, but all believable storylines, even the ending. I didn’t want the story to end.” [Fiction]
“Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune,” by Anderson Cooper & Katherine Howe (Harper)
“Astor” is a follow-up to Anderson Cooper and Katherine Howe’s previous work, the New York Times bestseller “Vanderbilt,” and traces the family’s roots from patriarch John Jacob Astor’s immigration from Germany to the United States, where he established himself in the highly competitive beaver fur trade. From those humble beginnings, the name Astor became a dominate force in New York City as he began investing in land on Manhattan island. The result is still seen today, from downtown’s Astor Place, to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and even the Astoria neighborhood in the borough of Queens. “I can be challenged about getting involved in a book because I need to be immediately interested,” said Rdb, reviewing for Amazon. “This book takes off right away. It’s one that occupies more time than I can give. I don’t like putting it down. Kudos Anderson.” [Nonfiction]
“The Fall: The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty,” by Michael Wolff (Henry Holt and Co.)
What was for three decades the most powerful media and political force in the United States is now in decline, and author Michael Wolff attempts to analyze the cause of the network’s crackup in “The Fall.” The book is the result of years of unprecedented access to the Murdoch family and key players in the world of Fox that take the reader behind the scenes of the now-crumbling empire. Rupert Murdoch’s “cavalcade of stars that Roger Ailes assembled reached a neglected part of the TV audience,” wrote Wayne Klein, reviewing for Amazon. As Michael Woolf documents, it also cost them ratings when the network agreed to fire their biggest star Tucker Carlson as part of the settlement associated with the Dominion lawsuit.” One warning may be in order, however. The author also wrote three books highly critical of former President Donald Trump. [Nonfiction]
“Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts,” by Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard (St. Martin’s Press)
This is the 13th in O’Reilly’s “killing” series of books and tells perhaps the darkest two years in American history — the Salem witch trials. During that brief, pre-constitutional period more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft. Thirty were found guilty, and of those 20 were eventually executed. “Bill has done it again!” wrote Tiffani Stinson, reviewing for Amazon. “This book delves into all things evil in history. This book really lays out what really happened during the Salem witch trials. Also talks about the strange stuff that helped during the making of the movie ‘The Exorcist.’” [Nonfiction]
“What’s Killing America: Inside the Radical Left’s Tragic Destruction of Our Cities,” by Jason Rantz (Center Street)
Progressive policies, such as the defund the police movement, low or no cash bail laws, refusal to prosecute shoplifting under a given amount, are destroying America’s cities, argues author Jason Rantz. And what was once an issue centered on the East and West coasts is now invading Democrat-run cities in America’s heartland. The author appeared on Newsmax TV’s “Wake Up America” after his book’s release to react to a poll suggesting Seattle tops the nation for percentage of residents who are considering fleeing the city. “It’s happening because we have a crime, homelessness and drug crisis, and they all seem to overlap for some obvious reasons,” he said. “Then you have a city council and mayor’s office that is reluctant to do anything because they might have to admit that their policies have been a failure.” The book earned high marks from readers. “It is scary how complacent our society has become and how demonized we are for speaking the truth,” said Kourtney Smith, reviewing for Amazon. “Jason does an amazing job stating indisputable facts and undeniable examples (I live near Seattle and am living this sad truth). I have already bought two books and will be buying more to give as gifts. Keep up the good fight for us, Jason! You have the voice we need/want!!!” [Nonfiction]