In addition to Labor Day, September brings with it another 1 of the AVLtoday team’s favorite holidays: National Read a Book Day. Taking place Mon., Sept. 6, it’s a day to unplug, pick up a book + indulge in the joy of reading. To help you along, we’re highlighting 5 new releases penned by WNC authors.

The Wind Under the Door by Thomas Calder I Release date: March 21, 2021 I Set in Asheville, the debut novel from the editor of alt-weekly Mountain Xpress explores an artist’s chance romance that’s complicated by the arrival of long-estranged folks from both parties' pasts.

The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton by Neal Hutcheson by Neal Hutcheson I Release date: Apr. 2, 2021 I While author and documentary filmmaker Hutcheson is based in Raleigh, we’re including him for this extensive portrait of the legendary Haywood County moonshiner that features photos, essays + interviews. Bonus: There’s a foreword from Jackson County-based author David Joy.

And the Crows Took Their Eyes by Vicki Lane I Release date: Oct. 16, 2020 I Madison County-based mystery writer Vicki Lane explores the 1863 Shelton Laurel Massacre, a Confederate execution of 13 Madison County men accused of being Union sympathizers, from the perspective of 5 witnesses.

Murder at Asheville's Battery Park Hotel: The Search for Helen Clevenger's Killer by Anne Chesky Smith I Release date: July 26, 2021 I The result of nearly a decade’s worth of research, this work from local author Smith examines the shockingl 1936 shooting of an Asheville teen that made national headlines.

My Mistress’ Eyes are Black by Terry Roberts I Release date: July 27, 2021 I The 4th work from the award-winning, Weaverville-based author is a quintessential murder mystery that includes significant historic themes, like white supremacy + the eugenics movement.