THE “OUTLAW WIZARD” TROPE gets a fresh take in this inventive rural Alabama fantasy. “Methmagician” Howard Marsh, scion of an old family with powers, works spells for the law to keep himself in drugs and junk food. Sharp, vivid writing! B PLUS

BRINGING HOME THE RAIN: THE REDEMPTION OF HOWARD MARSH 1 (THE JUBAL COUNTY SAGA)
Broken Oak Publishing
2021

THE SOVIET SPY INSIDE the Manhattan Project—how he got there, and how he got away with it. Fascinating story explores a complex intelligence operation, as well as the factors that led Iowa-born George Koval to spy for the USSR. B PLUS

SLEEPER AGENT
Simon & Schuster
2021

THE POWER OF HARM REDUCTION, and how it presents a compassionate, effective alternative to an unwinnable “war on drugs,” documented in a compelling, eloquent, deeply researched book that could not be more timely. A MINUS

UNDOING DRUGS
Hachette Go
2021