Author Series returns to Ocean House

WESTERLY — The celebrated "Ocean House Author Series," hosted by novelist and Ocean House co-owner Deborah Goodrich Royce, will return this month when novelist Lisa Unger comes to Watch Hill to discuss her new book, "Close Your Eyes and Count to 10" — a riveting thriller about an extreme game of hide-and-seek on a remote island that turns deadly — on April 23. The series, which offers "a rare opportunity for guests to connect with top writers in an intimate and elegant setting," according to a news release, "features an impressive roster of bestselling and award-winning authors." Unger, the co-president of the International Thriller Writers organization, is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels, with books published in 33 languages and millions of copies sold worldwide.

Regarded as a master of suspense, Unger received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in "The Best American Mystery" and "Suspense," and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Daily Telegraph, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. The series will welcome a lineup of bestselling and award-winning authors, including Lisa Unger Fiona Davis, Beatriz Williams, Lisa Genova, and Wilbur Ross, for intimate evening conversations, and book signings, with "a backdrop of coastal elegance.



" Guests are invited to "enjoy stimulating conversations about the books and the writing process" as they enjoy wine and light bites. Each ticket includes a copy of the featured book, in partnership with Martin House Books. Following Unger's appearance, the 2025 lineup will include Fiona Davis, author of "The Stolen Queen," on May 21; Jim Pierce, author of "The Beginning," on July 2; Mary Alice Monroe, author of "Where the Rivers Merge," on July 9; Victoria Christopher Murray, author if "Harlem Rhapsody," on July 16; and Jessa Maxwell, author of "Dead of Summer" on July 23.

Four events are scheduled for the month of August; including on Aug. 6, with Beatriz Williams, author of "Under the Stars;" Aug. 13 with Lisa Genova, author of "More or Less Maddy"; Aug.

20 with Wilbur Ross, author of "Risks & Returns"; and Aug. 27 with Karen White, author of "That Last Carolina Summer." On Sept.

3, Sarah McCoy, author of "Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?", will be the final guest of the series. Each Wednesday evening event includes wine, sparkling wine, light bites, and engaging dialogue in Ocean House’s Seaside Ballroom and Terrace, offering a unique opportunity for literary enthusiasts and cultural travelers alike. "Whether a devoted book-lover or simply looking for an elegant evening of culture and conversation, the 'Author Series at Ocean House' is a highlight of the season,” said president and managing director of Ocean House Collection Dant Hirsch in a news release.

“We are very fortunate to have Deborah and these amazing authors share their time with our Ocean House guests." Seating is limited. Reservations are required can be made by visiting the events page of Ocean House.

For more information, visit oceanhouseri.com . Follow Ocean House happenings at @OceanHouseRI on Instagram and Facebook.

— Nancy Burns-Fusaro.