FRIENDSHIP, SECRETS, AND LIES: as a woman’s wedding approaches, her bridesmaid, an old friend from childhood, plans to reveal a devastating truth. Sleek English psychological thriller. SOLID B

THE BRIDESMAID: THE ADDICTIVE NEW PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER THAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IN 2021
Boldwood Books
2021

A CHEROKEE FAMILY SHATTERED by loss draws closer amid the memories of their dead and the power of their history and spiritual tradition. Lovely, dreamlike, wrenching novel. B PLUS

THE REMOVED
Ecco
2021

INTERNET-ENABLED SCAMMING: from the Fyre Festival to “influencer” shenanigans, how hype culture, social media, and the post-truth society are opening new frontiers of grifting. B PLUS

HYPE
Hanover Square Press
2021

CRISP, ACTION-PACKED PARANORMAL adventure features lots of fighting, intriguing creatures from fae to werewolves, and a badass vampire hero whose wisecracks never stop. Fun especially for Jim Butcher fans. SOLID B

THOSE WONDERFUL TOYS: PRETERNATURAL CHRONICLES BOOK 7 (THE PRETERNATURAL CHRONICLES)
Argento Publishing
2021

HOW A NOW-FORGOTTEN NOVELIST made a bigger mark on the fields of sustainable farming and environmental advocacy. Fascinating bio of Louis Bromfield, who put his fame and fortune to work in service to the land. B PLUS

THE PLANTER OF MODERN LIFE
W. W. Norton & Company
2020

STRUNG-OUT EXISTENTIAL NOIR detective yarn with a unique mix of the grim and the whimsical: Jonathan Ames’s first foray into mystery is hard to characterize, but holds you riveted. SOLID B

A MAN NAMED DOLL
Mulholland Books
2021

HIGH-TECH SUPERHEROES BATTLE crime and a corrupt privatized police force in a dystopian near-future Seattle. Sharply plotted thriller is a delight for anyone who loves science fiction and superhero adventures. A MINUS

SUPER-BORG DIES
Tac Anderson
2020

HEARTBREAKING, EXQUISITE NOVEL about a dozen people tied together by love, secrets, and lies. Beautiful characterization and meticulous prose. B PLUS

THE END OF THE DAY
Gallery/Scout Press
2020

A PODCAST, RADIO, AND HER FAMILY’S struggling restaurant: Hana Khan has a lot to handle, even without the new place (and handsome guy) on the block. Charming romance with an engaging setting in Toronto’s South Asian community. B PLUS

HANA KHAN CARRIES ON
Berkley
2021

A LONELY DEATH ON MARS, uncovered after years, and a mysterious stranger with a troubling secret. Well-crafted SF story with elements of both the classic mystery and the modern Western is a compelling read. B PLUS

THE VINES OF MARS: MURDER ON A SMALL COLONIAL PLANET
Prisoner 16670
2020