SWASHBUCKLING, EPIC ALT-HISTORY set in a New World war between Holland and France, with alchemical robots. B PLUS

THE RISING
Orbit
2015

NORTH KOREA’S ABDUCTIONS of Japanese citizens, explored in historical context. Fascinating and disturbing. B PLUS

INVITATION-ONLY ZONE: THE TRUE STORY OF NORTH KOREAS ABDUCTION PROJECT
Farrar Straus Giroux
2016

NEAR-FUTURE THRILLER SET in a decaying England laces a murder investigation with conspiracy in high places. SOLID B

DEAD POOR
Ian Wingrove
2015

UNSETTLING, CREEPY MYSTERY with a rural Swedish setting is elegantly crafted and haunting. B PLUS

THE DROWNING
Pegasus Books
2015

ROBOTICS’ POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS, compellingly presented by a historian and innovator in the field. B PLUS

OUR ROBOTS, OURSELVES: ROBOTICS AND THE MYTHS OF AUTONOMY
Penguin Publishing Group
2015

FAST-PACED HISTORICAL NOVEL follows a fierce, free-spirited woman through a series of dramatic adventures. SOLID B

PACIFICA
Book View Cafe
2016

MYCROFT HOLMES, ADVENTURER? Clever prequel with memorable characters and a rich, vivid Trinidad setting. B PLUS

MYCROFT HOLMES
Titan Books (UK)
2015

A HEADLINE-GRABBING SOCIETY TRIAL from Edwardian England, recounted with elegance and plenty of suspense. SOLID B

THE DEAD DUKE, HIS SECRET WIFE, AND THE MISSING CORPSE
Liveright Publishing Corporation
2015

CLEVER MYSTERY PITS a resourceful Seattle student against a colorful collection of chiselers and thugs. SOLID B

TIPPING THE VALET
Perseverence Press
2015

SHARP, SUSPENSEFUL HORROR boasts an on-point Boston setting, a satisfyingly spooky backstory, lots of action. B PLUS

DEAD RINGERS: A NOVEL
St. Martin’s Press
2015