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When I was picking titles for today’s Book Pix, I was struck by a curious symmetry: Both of these big new releases pull back the curtain on what went on behind the scenes of hit TV shows, but the stories they tell couldn’t be more different. Whether the stories are harrowing or heartwarming, we readers are clearly hungry for the truth.
And speaking of the truth, in this week’s unlocked edition of Worth the Read, I’m getting candid about Freida McFadden, breaking down what works (and what doesn’t) about her books, and sharing my review of her latest thriller, The Witch.
Yours,
Genevieve
Books Content Manager @ Pix
Current 📖: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Every pick is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Has Freida McFadden jumped the shark?
…And it was with all this in mind that, earlier this year, as I struggled through The Divorce, I wondered if Freida had jumped the shark. Here we were again in the suburbs, our protagonist’s husband was a jerk, and weird, bad things kept happening. Its big twist was so outlandish, I actually scoffed out loud. I didn’t like any of the characters, so I wasn’t rooting for anyone.
This was so disappointing, because I genuinely enjoyed Dear Debbie, her January release. There, I could see McFadden pushing herself to further explore dark comedy, and she was nailing it. But now she was just coasting.
Was she getting tired? Had she finally run out of ideas?
Then I saw her last 2026 release: The Witch, a dual-timeline supernatural tale about a woman who suspects her family’s estate is haunted by an ancestor who was executed for witchcraft.
Whoa. Was the queen of suburban suspense finally pushing herself into new realms?
There was only one way for me to find out.
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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.
In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood
by Collin Gosselin
Millions of us watched Collin Gosselin grow up as one of the sextuplets on the hit reality show Jon & Kate Plus 8, but behind the cameras, his childhood was anything but picture-perfect. In his explosive new memoir, Collin shares allegations of abuse at the hands of his mother and tells his harrowing story of survival and the dark side of reality TV fame.
I'll Believe in Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry Season 1 (The Annotated Scripts)
by Jacob Tierney
Calling all Heated Rivalry fans! Jacob Tierney, creator of the smash-hit TV adaptation of Rachel Reid’s beloved hockey romance, is sharing it all: annotated scripts, never-before-seen content, and juicy details about everything from casting and costumes to those steamy love scenes. Psst: Even if you’re not into the show, this would make a great gift for the Heated Rivalry superfan in your life.
Hotel Spotlight
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The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York
The Vibe: Unparalleled digs
The Location: Upper East Side, NYC
Instaworthy Accommodations:
From Turkish marble bathrooms with Santa Maria Novella amenities to high ceilings and stunning Central Park views from selected accommodations, all 189 rooms and suites at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York, invite you to vacation in elegance. Conveniently located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, The Pierre is across the street from Central Park and just a short walk from Museum Mile, home to some of the city’s finest collections of art, history, and design from around the globe. When you’re done exploring, head back to The Pierre for a leisurely meal at Perrine that’s sure to delight the senses or unwind with a cocktail at Two E Bar & Lounge.
Page to Screen
Yaga
Based on Kat Sandler’s hit play, Yaga puts a modern spin on the legend of Baba Yaga, following a private investigator (Noah Reid) searching for a missing young man (Hudson Williams in his first role since Heated Rivalry) in a coastal town full of dark secrets and ancient magic. Also starring Carrie-Anne Moss and Clark Backo, this supernatural mystery premieres October 23 on AMC+.
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Island House Newport
The Vibe: Seaside ease
The Location: Newport, RI
Instaworthy Activities:
Opened in 2025, Island House Newport offers a modern, apartment-style stay in the heart of Newport, designed for flexibility and comfort. Coastal-inspired rooms and suites feature kitchenettes or full kitchens, open living areas, and thoughtful touches like premium linens and in-room coffee. Ideal for families and groups, many suites can be combined for customizable layouts, creating a true home-away-from-home feel. Guests can enjoy complimentary bikes, beach chairs and towels, and access to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Fitness Center, all just steps from Bellevue Avenue, the Cliff Walk, and Newport's top attractions.
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