A mystical adventure awaits Gwendolyn Montgomery, an NYC power publicist, who finds herself caught in web of murder. Clarence Haynes discusses his book The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery, which has been described as "a fresh, authentic voice in urban fantasy and horror."

You may know Laura Lippman for her Tess Monaghan series of mysteries. In her latest novel, Murder Takes a Vacation, we meet Muriel Blossom, who once worked with Tess. Now retired and widowed, she takes her first trip to Europe, which promptly goes awry. Lippman discusses her new work, which The New York Times calls "a rollicking adventure of the highest order."

Our second Summer Reading Challenge is underway! This week, All Of It producer Jordan Lauf discusses some beach reads that could fit in the five Summer Reading Challenge categories. Listeners weigh in with their recommendations. Click here to sign up for the Challenge!

We are previewing the sights and sounds of summer. We've talked about movies, music, and podcasts. Now Vulture critic Kathryn VanArendonk joins us to talk about some of the season's most anticipated TV shows, from a new season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds to Love Island USA. Plus listeners share what they excited to be watching this season. 

Summer is a time when change seems more possible than ever. But is that really how it happens? Can people actually reinvent themselves in the warmer months? This week, we present stories — and some comedy — about people and their summer selves.

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

Prologue: Host Ira Glass reflects on his feelings about going to the beach. (3 minutes)Act One: Producer Dana Chivvis explores the case of a 66-year-old working lifeguard who is suing New York State for age discrimination after refusing to wear a Speedo on the job. (16 minutes)Act Two: A troupe of comedians tells personal stories about summer experiences and improvises scenes based on them. (23 minutes)Act Three: Producer Neil Drumming tells the story of his dad and his family’s timeshare in Orlando, Florida. (14 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

This American Life privacy policy.Learn more about sponsor message choices.

Meg Wolitzer presents four works that consider various forms of risk, and risk taking.  In “Clicking on Heaven’s Door,” by Anand Giridharadas, performed by Negin Farsad, the pearly gates require an online account, a password, a security question…you get the idea.  “The Stand-In,” by Gerald Jones and Jean Marple, imagines a unique job. It’s read by Tony Hale.  David Sedaris creates the ultimate in well-meant interference in other people’s lives—oh, and there’s a parrot.  “Farnsworth” is read by Jessica Keenan Wynn.  And—dining at the end of the world.  Where’s the waiter?  Robin Hemley’s “The Last Customer,” is read by Jane Curtin and Mike Doyle.

As summer kicks off, a fresh wave of films is hitting screens big and small. Vulture film critic Alison Willmore joins us to break down her list of films to see in the next few weeks, from "Superman" to "The Naked Gun."

Looking for some new podcast suggestions for the summer? Lauren Passell, curator of Podcast The Newsletter and podcast writer for LifeHacker shares her standout picks, from recent hilarious fiction to sharp cultural commentary that are perfect for road trips, beach days, or just beating the heat.