QUIRKY, LARGER-THAN-LIFE characters abound in this latest Wyoming picaresque from Tim Sandlin. SOLID B

LYDIA
Sourcebooks Landmark
2011

ENGROSSING LOOK AT some of Victorian England’s key figures and their fascination with erotica, sexual freedom. SOLID B

PLEASURE BOUND: VICTORIAN SEX REBELS AND THE NEW EROTICISM
W. W. Norton & Company
2011

CHARMING FRENCH NOVEL follows four Gen-X siblings stealing time from their complicated lives to hang out, bond. B PLUS

FRENCH LEAVE
Europa Editions, Incorporated
2011

BLEAK WELSH NOIR follows an amnesiac detective on the run from enemies he can’t remember. Wryly powerful. B PLUS

BANK OF THE BLACK SHEEP
Serpent’s Tail
2011

INTRIGUING JAPANESE THRILLER centers around a complex plot to frame an average man for political assassination. SOLID B

REMOTE CONTROL
Kodansha USA
2011

DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY DRAMA from J. D. Mason is as well-crafted as ever, but even grimmer than her other books. SOLID B

SOMEBODY PICK UP MY PIECES
St. Martin’s Press
2012

STEAMPUNK SUPERNATURAL ALT-HISTORY with plenty of action is a ripping yarn that’s tremendous Victoriana fun. B PLUS

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE CLOCKWORK MAN
Pyr
2011

GRITTY LOCAL COLOR, vivid Florida characters star in thriller that could have used a bit more polish and focus. B MINUS

DEVIL’S SLEW (DETECTIVE BARRETT RAINES MYSTERIES)
Minotaur Books
2011