AUDACIOUS, ABSORBING FANTASY THRILLER heralds the return of reluctant magic-user Ray Lilly, this time to an eerie nightmare world that only he can conquer. Satisfyingly twisty plot, memorable characters, tough paranormal noir voice. A MINUS

THE IRON GATE: TWENTY PALACES
Radar Avenue Press
2022

A CHICAGO CHILDHOOD REMEMBERED in rich, evocative detail—powerful novel captures the last days of the Robert Taylor Homes, when “urban renewal” put an end to a community already besieged by violence, racism, and public neglect. B PLUS

LAST SUMMER ON STATE STREET
William Morrow
2022