STUNNING FAR-FUTURE SCIENCE FICTION thriller set on a generation ship approaching its destination after more than a century in space. Exciting plot is rich in action, and the world-building and characterization shine. A MINUS

BRAKING DAY
DAW
2022

A FRESHLY IMAGINED FAIRY TALE reworks many classic tropes—from the walled-in castle to the family curse to the heroine’s quest—in fascinating, inventive ways, and with a wealth of vivid descriptions. A MINUS

THE WALL
Sarah Singer
2022

ROLLICKING NOIR-FLAVORED TALE combines a Chandleresque plot with the gregarious humor of Damon Runyon, all set against a background of 1947 San Francisco that charms and wows. Lots of fun. B PLUS

RAZZMATAZZ
William Morrow
2022

BITTER ENEMIES MUST UNITE to take down an indiscriminately murderous gang in this high-tension historical Western that reflects the complexity and diversity of the 1882 US frontier in its Black gunslinger protagonist. B PLUS

MANHUNTER: A JASON PEARES HISTORICAL WESTERN BOOK 4 (JASON PEARES HISTORICAL WESTERNS)
Lomas &amp
2014

A WOMAN’S ENCOUNTERS WITH EX-BOYFRIENDS lead to some complicated revelations. Witty novel includes sharp social satire, thoughtful meditations on what it means to love, and striking evocations of New York City, past and present. B PLUS

CULT CLASSIC
MCD
2022

A FATHER’S UNFINISHED BIOGRAPHY of his artistic hero, poet and curator Frank O’Hara, becomes both a bridge and a barrier between him and the writer daughter trying to build on his work. Dazzling book about how complicated life and biography can be. B PLUS

ALSO A POET
Grove Press
2022

A U.S. MARSHAL AND HER K9 PARTNER try to protect a Montana judge from assassination, while her sheriff fiancé is back in Wyoming hunting cattle rustlers. Engaging police thriller with strong characterization, vivid local detail. B PLUS

JUSTICE (TIN STAR K9 SERIES BOOK 4)
SDG Publishing
2022

A WILD MAGICAL ADVENTURE with generous helpings of romance, literary allusion, and delightful silliness. When witches meet pirates, sparks fly…in both the metaphorical and literal senses. B PLUS

THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEWOMEN WITCHES (DANGEROUS DAMSELS #2)
Berkley
2022

BRILLIANT, KALEIDOSCOPIC MEMOIR from absolute genius Margo Jefferson views her own life through the lens of popular and high culture, and re-examines cultural touchstones through deep dives into intersectionality and identity. A MINUS

CONSTRUCTING A NERVOUS SYSTEM
Pantheon
2022

SHARP PRO WRESTLING NOIR follows a retired champion as he hunts for the killer of his best friend, a larger-than-life star of the circuit. Well crafted mystery with lots of detail on all levels of wrestling. B PLUS

LIVING THE GIMMICK
Shotgun Honey Books
2022