What is Beverly Swerling reading?

The current featured contributor at Writers Read: Beverly Swerling, author of City of Promise: A Novel of New York's Gilded Age.

Her entry begins:

Reading fills my life.

In terms of feeding my incessant hunger for stories, I’ve recently finished three books I hated to see end: There was the literally incomparable Room by Emma Donoghue, a book entirely dependent on characterization that nonetheless achieves breathtaking suspense. And Sixkill by Robert B. Parker, a bittersweet pleasure because while it displays the mastery of the ensemble cast that was to my mind RBP’s particular genius, it left me feeling it was perhaps the book he’d been working on when he died; maybe not quite finished. I sensed a presence not entirely him. The grim reaper hovering over his shoulder, or other hands on the keyboard trying to be him and not quite managing? I don’t know. But something. Also, not long ago I finished the rollicking thriller, The Power Behind the Throne by Sally Nicoll. Perfect if you’re having London withdrawal symptoms now that “the wedding” is over. Or if you’re fed up with the whole thing and want to speculate on what...[read on]

Among the early praise for City of Promise:

“With a fast-paced, complex plot showcasing opulent Fifth Avenue mansions, Wall Street pandemonium, deals both fair and underhand, and the rising influence of the ethnic gangs, Swerling expertly interlaces the stories of a Gilded Age couple and their magnificent city. Compulsive reading that informs and entertains.”
--Sarah Johnson, Booklist

“Clearly, if Swerling had been my history teacher, I would have paid closer attention … These private and national escapades play out in a great swirl of plots and counter plots … riotously entertaining.”
--Ron Charles, The Washington Post

“Enthralling … Swerling’s swashbuckling tale brings old Manhattan vividly to life, throbbing with restless energy and populated with a diverse and intriguing cast of characters both real … and richly imagined … [An] evocative and entertaining saga.”
--Publishers Weekly

View the City of Promise book trailer, and learn more about the book and author at Beverly Swerling's website and blog.

Writers Read: Beverly Swerling.

--Marshal Zeringue