Books

Q&A with Elle Cosimano: Inside the Finlay Donovan Mystery Series

Elle Cosimano, the Virginia-based mastermind behind the wildly popular Finlay Donovan thriller series, opens up about her writing style, her genre-bending approach, and upcoming collaborations. In this candid conversation, she reveals what drives her storytelling and how she hopes to remind readers why they fell in love with books in the first place. Read on […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

Shelley Sackier Interview

Inspired in Scotland, now based at Reservoir Distillery in Richmond, Sackier’s shares her story of whiskey. Make it a Double by Shelley Sackier. Pegasus Books. pp.304. $27.95. Konstantin Rega: So how did you get into the world of whiskey? Shelley Sackier: Basically, the first time I laid eyes on a […]

by Konstantin Rega

Fall Books

Here are some notable Southern books coming out this Fall season. Currently living in Virginia, Barbara Kingsolver returns with a dynamic retelling of Dicken’s David Copperfield. Demon Copperhead (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, $32.50) will be out October 18. Her publisher says: “Demon Copperhead is set in the mountains of southern […]

by Staff

Cooking Up Classics

Brian Noyes cooks up comfort in The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook. Photographs © 2022 by Ronni Lundy Following the success of his first cookbook in 2018, bakery owner Brian Noyes will release a long-anticipated follow-up, The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook (Clarkson Potter) in August. “These are classic and, hopefully, familiar dishes […]

by Konstantin Rega

Celebrating the Queen

Virginia was her most visited state. SAC Matthew ‘Gerry’ Gerrard RAF MoD/Crown copyright 2016 38GpPO-Official-20160611-079-526 View of Buckingham Palace and the Mall during the Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations. Her Majesty’s official 90th Birthday celebrations ended with an impressive display of 15 different types of aircraft, five of which are being provided by squadrons celebrating their […]

by Konstantin Rega

Literary Hub with Grub

Arlington’s Busboys and Poets satisfies the body and the mind. Michael Ventura / Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo M2H39F M2H39F USA Washington DC Food Busboys and Poets restaurant bar cafe and bookstore From book club meetings to poetry slams, Busboys and Poets—a combination bookstore, bar, restaurant, and event space—has become a […]

by Konstantin Rega

Founding Trip Advisor

Armed with Jefferson’s travel tips, writer Derek Baxter hits the road in his new book. (Engraving by Jane Braddick Peticolas, 1825) In Pursuit of Jefferson by Derek Baxter. Sourcebooks. pp.416. $27.99. When two of Jefferson’s compatriots asked his advice on traveling through Europe, he responded by pouring the insights […]

by Staff

Amanda Quain interview

Georgiana Darcy gets the Pride & Prejudice retelling she deserves in this YA romance. Accomplished by Amanda Quain. Wednesday Books. pp.320. $18.99 Konstantin Rega: When did you move to Virginia? Amanda Quain: I moved to the DMV area a year after college and then to Arlington two years later. And I […]

by Konstantin Rega

Bookworm’s Paradise

Chincoteague Island’s Sundial Books charms with its small town appeal. “When we opened in 2007, there were three other bookstores in Chincoteague,” says coowner Jane Richstein of Sundial Books, “now it’s just us.” But even through the past two years, says Richstein’s husband and co-owner, Jonathan, “the community as a whole stepped […]

by Konstantin Rega

Abigail Cutter Interview

Inheriting a haunted house and reading Civil War soldiers’ letters inspired this gothic novel. Long Shadows by Abigail Cutter. She Writes Press. pp.344. $16.95. Konstantin Rega: How long have you been in Virginia? Abigail Cutter: I’m a long time Virginia resident and really love the Shenandoah Valley. I was born […]

by Konstantin Rega

3 Micro Reviews

We’ve picked three books that are sure to spark an interest for every type of reader. A BRAVE AND CUNNING PRINCE by James Horn (Basic Books) As a youth, Chief Opechancanough of the Powhatan tribe was taken to Spain—where he was a favorite of King Phillip II—and then to Mexico by Spaniards exploring […]

by Konstantin Rega

Sophia A. Nelson Interview

Nelson’s latest book explores 21 life lessons to be a better you. Be the One You Need by Sophia A. Nelson. Health Communications. pp.368. $17.95. Konstantin Rega: When did you come to Virginia? Sophia A. Nelson: I initially came here as a first-year law student at Washington and Lee […]

by Konstantin Rega

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Brook’s sixth novel dives into the life of the great racehorse Lexington and his trainer Jarret. (Painting by Edward Troye) Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Viking. pp.416. $28 “To be alive is to be in perpetual conflict,” is Sartre being a classic cynic but also a truth-teller. Conflict is everything […]

by Konstantin Rega

TJ Klune Interview

We talk to the bestselling YA author about his teen superhero romance series and other works. Heatwave by TJ Klune. Tor Teen. pp.384. $18.99. Konstantin Rega: When did you move to Virginia? TJ Klune: Before, my partner and I were living in Tucson, Arizona. We moved here in 2013, for my job. […]

by Konstantin Rega

Amy Wright Interview

From fond farm memories to how essays can connect people. Paper Concert by Amy Wright. Sarabande Books. pp.188. $16.95. Konstantin Rega: Where in Virginia did you grow up? Amy Wright: I was born in Wytheville on a dairy farm that has been in my family for a century—at the base […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Crocodile Bride

Pedersen’s debut examines the myth and reality of female roles in the South. The Crocodile Bride by Ashleigh Bell Pedersen. Hub City Press. pp.296. $26. Deep in the Black Bayou, a ravenous crocodile feasts on everything from human bones to the surrounding physical landscape, and even the odd diamond ring […]

by Lauren Carpenter

Virginia in the Spotlight

Roanoke author Beth Macy’s book got Hollywood’s attention. Antony Platt HULU Dopesick Dopesick — “Breakthrough Pain” – Episode 102 — OxyContin is on the market but faces a potential threat, Purdue’s vast influence reaches the town of Finch Creek, Bridget steps outside her DEA authority, and the criminal investigation of OxyContin begins. Dr. Samuel […]

by Staff

Katharine Schellman Interview

A 1920s murder mystery with a twist. Last Call at the Nightingale by Katharine Schellman. Minotaur Books. pp.320. $27.99. Konstantin Rega: Which part of Virginia did you grow up in? Katharine Schellman: I was born in the Northern part, in Arlington. Then I went to school in Williamsburg at William […]

by Konstantin Rega

My Name is Yip

English writer Paddy Crewe explores the South with a character who doesn’t need to speak to be heard. My Name is Yip by Paddy Crewe. Harry N. Abrams. pp.368. $28. Paddy Crewe’s debut novel, My name is Yip, is very much like its namesake: not at all what it immediately appears to […]

by Matt Cantor

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Potomac Overlook Regional Park

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Eight Virginia schools received the National Blue Ribbon 2024 award for their high performances. The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in Hampton, and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Central Academy Middle […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

The University of Virginia has climbed to No. 4 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, advancing one position from last year. The university maintained its No. 24 overall ranking, tying with Emory and Georgetown universities. UVA’s commitment to accessibility and student success stands out in several key metrics. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife—the perfect prescription for nature lovers. Some spots to add to your itinerary include: This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

by Stacy Watkins

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Q&A with Elle Cosimano: Inside the Finlay Donovan Mystery Series

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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Q&A with Elle Cosimano: Inside the Finlay Donovan Mystery Series

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Events

Independence Day Celebration

4th of July Family Forest Bathing

Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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weekly newsletter: VL Today

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