BRILLIANT, BRUTAL SATIRE of the corporate world and how it mangles and misuses Black men’s gifts. Incisive social commentary is also laugh-out-loud funny and, at times, heartbreaking. A MINUS

BLACK BUCK
Mariner Books
2021

SOMEONE’S FRAMING BREE for murder, and that’s the least of her worries. But with the help of her supernatural friends, maybe she can stop the end of the world? Sassy, sexy paranormal mystery with non-stop action. B PLUS

MIDLIFE GHOST HUNTER: A PARANORMAL WOMEN'S FICTION (THE FORTY PROOF SERIES BOOK 4)
Hijinks Ink Publishing
2020

A MEDIEVAL CARPENTER TURNS SLEUTH to solve the murder of a beloved local nun. A richly imagined 14th century setting and engaging characters make this a solidly entertaining mystery. B PLUS

THE ANCHORESS OF CHESTERFIELD: JOHN THE CARPENTER (BOOK 4) (JOHN THE CARPENTER MYSTERIES)
The Mystery Press
2021

INFLAMMATION AND THE BRAIN: how new research into the tiny cells called microglia may revolutionize the fields of neuromedicine and psychiatry. Fascinating interviews, thorough documentation, smooth and readable writing! B PLUS

THE ANGEL AND THE ASSASSIN
Ballantine Books
2020

A RETIRED HITMAN BATTLES the people suddenly trying to kill him after decades out of the game. Sharp thriller from Thomas Perry captures the point of view of those—on both sides of the law—to whom life and death are logistics. B PLUS

EDDIE'S BOY
Mysterious Press
2020

A DRAGON, A BARD, A VILLAGE (or town?), and an unlikely band of adventurers add up to a witty, entertaining riff on classic high fantasy. Fun for Pratchett fans! B PLUS

THE PART ABOUT THE DRAGON WAS (MOSTLY) TRUE
The Parliament House
2020

A NO-FRILLS LIFE IN NORTHERN IRELAND and a young woman whose no-nonsense approach to her job (chip shop), her mother (an Irish Blanche DuBois), and her community (still devastated by The Troubles) gets her through. Funny, raunchy, real. B PLUS

BIG GIRL, SMALL TOWN
Algonquin Books
2020

ACCIDENTAL TIME TRAVEL from the 2040s to 1999 gives a woman a new perspective on her past and future. Smart SF with a touch of romance and a Christmas theme! B PLUS

TALKING TO HERSELF: A CHRISTMAS TIME TRAVEL TALE
Melissa Powell Gay LLC
2020

THE DIFFICULTY OF TRUE COMPASSION, and of connecting deeply with others, occupies a writer’s thoughts until a longtime friend makes an extraordinary request. Meditative, nuanced, melancholy. B PLUS

WHAT ARE YOU GOING THROUGH
Riverhead Books
2020

A HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF DRUGS, prohibition, and policing around the world. Packed with riveting interviews and revealing anecdotes, entertaining and informative. SOLID B

DOPEWORLD
St. Martin's Press
2020