Hi, {{first_name | friend}}!
When I was a kid, nothing was more exciting than an interactive book. Whether the experience came from the story itself—like solving mysteries with Encyclopedia Brown—or from the collectibles tucked inside (hello, Pony Pals cards and Jewel Kingdom jewelry), there was nothing better.
So it's fun to see these kinds of books making a comeback for adult and YA readers. Below, I'm highlighting two of them, plus another childhood favorite—Little House on the Prairie—which arrives on Netflix this week.
And if you missed this past week's Worth the Read, be sure to check it out for a look at the six July releases I'm most excited about, plus an early preview of our full roundup of the month's best new books!
Yours,
Genevieve
Senior Books Content Manager @ Pix
Current 📖: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Quick links
6 Standout July Releases
#4. The Death Row Club by V.A. Vazquez
Thriller | Out 7/14
I’ve actually already read this one, which means I can confidently tell you it’s a total page-turner! The daughter of a serial killer thinks she’s finally found people who understand what she’s been through when she’s invited to an exclusive weekend getaway for the adult children of murderers. Then someone turns up dead. Yeah...not a great look for her.
This is one of those thrillers that bites off a lot and somehow manages to chew it all. It takes on true crime, family legacies, and trauma, but does so in a super-digestible way. Best of all, there’s a twist that genuinely made me gasp, which is, like, when does that ever happen these days?! If you like Freida McFadden or Alex Michaelides, toss this one in your beach bag ASAP.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
The Advenire
The Vibe: Pioneer-chic
The Location: St. George, UT
Instaworthy Activities:
Set in the heart of downtown St. George, The Advenire is Southern Utah’s first four-star luxury boutique hotel, blending modern comfort with a refined desert aesthetic. The 60 uniquely designed guest rooms weave local heritage into contemporary style, while suites with private terraces elevate the stay. Guests can unwind on the rooftop terrace with a whirlpool, fire bowl, and lounge seating, dine at Wood Ash Rye—the on-site restaurant with a seasonally rotating menu—or sip craft cocktails at the bar. Minutes from Zion National Park and Snow Canyon, The Advenire is a polished home base for outdoor adventures and downtown exploration.
Books of the Moment
Some books define the moment because they’re new, and others because they’ve found their way back into the conversation. From buzzy releases to older titles gaining fresh attention through adaptations, rediscovery, and word of mouth, these are some of the stories everyone’s talking about right now. This week: Interactive mysteries!
The Killer Isn't Alice: The 46,600 Suspect Murder Mystery Puzzle
by Iris Starling
After months on the Amazon bestseller list, this previously self-published mystery puzzle book was scooped up by Little, Brown for republication this September. Even more impressive, the world rights have sold in more than 15 countries. What does that mean? Basically, everyone is betting big on this immersive, interactive mystery that readers are already loving. If you want to sharpen your brain—or are looking for a fun activity to do with friends—consider adding The Killer Isn't Alice to your TBR.
Six of Crows: A Darker Shore, Letters from Ketterdam
by Leigh Bardugo
If you've been waiting for an excuse to return to the Grishaverse, here it is. Leigh Bardugo's newest story unfolds through letters, case files, and other found documents, inviting readers to solve a mystery alongside two investigators in the aftermath of Crooked Kingdom. Even cooler, the experience extends beyond the page with brand-new illustrations, an original musical score, and collectible in-world artifacts.
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Page to Screen
Little House on the Prairie
Netflix's new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie premieres July 9, and from everything we've seen so far, it looks cozy, heartfelt, and beautifully shot—everything we want it to be! Whether you grew up with Laura Ingalls Wilder's books or are meeting the family for the very first time, this looks like the kind of comfort watch that might just inspire a re-read.