EXTRAORDINARY NEAR-FUTURE SF sets the arrival of aliens in the Virgin Islands for a deft flip of the usual script. Brilliant characterization, strong world-building. A MINUS

THE LESSON
Blackstone
2019

MULTIVERSE-HOPPING THRILLER poses some big questions amid an action-packed plot. Fast pace, thoughtful worldbuilding. B PLUS

THE INFINITE-INFINITE
MK Williams Publishing, LLC
2019

EXQUISITE ARGENTINE NOVEL traces a woman’s life through her fascination with art, history, and above all with self-invention and self-delusion. Spare, lovely prose. B PLUS

OPTIC NERVE
Catapult
2019

HIGH-ENERGY STEAMPUNK ADVENTURE set in an alternate Indianapolis still part of the “Albion Empire.” Lots of action, humor, and a strong Black voice. B PLUS

PIMP MY AIRSHIP
Apex Book Company
2019

SLEEK ENGLISH THRILLER is packed with action, violence, and some highly memorable characters. B PLUS

THE BIRDHOUSE
Bloodhound Books
2019

GRANDLY SCALED HORROR wrings deep chills from the everyday. Powerful, haunting novel. A MINUS

IMAGINARY FRIEND
Grand Central Publishing
2019

SMART, SUSPENSEFUL SCIENCE FICTION thriller raises big issues without losing a second from its relentless page-turning pace. Big adrenaline, sharp prose. A MINUS

RECURSION
Ballantine Books
2019

POETIC, UNSETTLING MEMOIR in essays of a life shaped by violence, illness, and love that was never quite enough. Lush, elegant prose. B PLUS

KNOCK WOOD
Dzanc Books
2019

A DAUGHTER’S SHATTERING MEMOIR of a childhood where betrayal lay behind a glossy veneer of glamour and privilege. Candid and powerful. B PLUS

WILD GAME
Mariner Books
2019

JOHN HODGMAN’S GOOFY-SUAVE charm bubbles over in this fine collection of essays on topics both silly and serious. B PLUS

MEDALLION STATUS
Viking
2019