A HAPLESS PRIVATE EYE caught up in a supernatural conflict has only his wits and some spooky vampire allies to help him save San Diego. Smart, funny fantasy. B PLUS

INVESTIGATION, MEDIATION, VINDICATION: A COMEDIC URBAN FANTASY (THE MANY TRAVAILS OF JOHN SMITH BOOK 1)
Ghost Falls Press
2020

RUNNING FROM ABSENCE TO ABSENCE, a woman reflects on emptiness and past pain in a series of hotel rooms. Dreamlike stream of consciousness, elegant prose. SOLID B

STRANGE HOTEL
Farrar
2020

THE LONELY JOURNEYS OF INSOMNIA, explored in extravagant fireworks of prose. Lovely and thought-provoking. B PLUS

THE SHAPELESS UNEASE
Grove Press
2020

FROM LUANDA TO LISBON, a writer celebrates her African and European heritages and her complicated family. Charming, evocative novel. B PLUS

THAT HAIR
Tin House Books
2020

A DEEP FRIENDSHIP between two young Black women is tested by generations of family secrets and abuse. Gorgeously nuanced, heartbreaking story. B PLUS

SAVING RUBY KING
Park Row
2020

THE SCULPTOR RUTH ASAWA’S extraordinary life, from a childhood in internment camps to shining in the galleries and museums of the world. Vivid, deeply researched biography of a great artist and a tireless advocate. B PLUS

EVERYTHING SHE TOUCHED
Chronicle Books
2020

A VETERAN ZOMBIE HUNTER, fresh off three years of suspended animation, finds himself up against an infected campground and corporate skulduggery. Horror with a dash of wit and heart. B PLUS

CINCO DE ZOMBIE: A PRE-APOCALYPSE POST-TACO ZOMBIE NOVEL (THE SILVERCREST EXPERIMENT BOOK 1)
Love &amp
2019

A TEEN ARTIST WRESTLING with gender identity, an anonymous troll, and a complicated web of relationships, lovingly brought to life in a vivid, affirming story. B PLUS

FELIX EVER AFTER
HarperCollins
2020

YOUNG LOVE THREATENED by deadly secrets and police racism in post-World War II England. Compelling book combines mystery, romance, and a distinctive perspective on recent history. B PLUS

THIS LOVELY CITY
Anansi International
2020

A CLOSEKNIT BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD in St. Louis, swept away by “urban renewal,” brought vividly to life in a warm-hearted and loving memoir. B PLUS

THE LAST CHILDREN OF MILL CREEK
Belt Publishing
2020