THE TERRIBLE, NECESSARY BARGAINS a woman must make with her enslaver to protect the people she loves: inspired by true stories, this novel of pre-Civil War Richmond is hard to put down. B PLUS

YELLOW WIFE
Simon & Schuster
2021

A FAMILY OF SPACE RENEGADES—moonshiners, smugglers, scavengers, and rogues—face the fight of their lives against cyborg and android enforcers. High-energy “space Western” with strong characters and fascinating world building. B PLUS

DUSK MOUNTAIN BLUES: A SPACE WESTERN OPERA
Deston Munden
2020

BLACK WOMEN RESISTING SLAVERY, from Africa to the Caribbean: deeply researched look at enslaved women’s unique roles, from sparking revolt to passing down culture and tradition, draws on a wealth of 18th and 19th century documents. B PLUS

A KICK IN THE BELLY
Verso
2020

CHILDREN ON THE STREETS OF DAKAR, Senegal, begging for their living—and worse. Gentle yet heartbreaking novel draws on these real-life tragedies as the basis for a lovely, mystical tale of family and friendship. B PLUS

NO HEAVEN FOR GOOD BOYS
Random House
2021

ACTION-PACKED SPACE ADVENTURE combines an intergalactic shoot ‘em up with a time travel plot and adds a healthy dose of humor. Lots of fun; first in a series. B PLUS

THE SPACE-TIME CONUNDRUM: A FUNNY SCI-FI SPACE ADVENTURE (CAPTAIN QUASAR BOOK 1)
Aethon Books
2021

A GIRL GROUP’S PAST fame, difficulties, and deep secrets are recalled twenty years later after one of the members dies. Compelling page-turner captures the glitz and glam of the early 2000s pop scene. B PLUS

THE UNRAVELING OF CASSIDY HOLMES
William Morrow Paperbacks
2020

SOMEONE’S FRAMING BREE for murder, and that’s the least of her worries. But with the help of her supernatural friends, maybe she can stop the end of the world? Sassy, sexy paranormal mystery with non-stop action. B PLUS

MIDLIFE GHOST HUNTER: A PARANORMAL WOMEN'S FICTION (THE FORTY PROOF SERIES BOOK 4)
Hijinks Ink Publishing
2020

A MEDIEVAL CARPENTER TURNS SLEUTH to solve the murder of a beloved local nun. A richly imagined 14th century setting and engaging characters make this a solidly entertaining mystery. B PLUS

THE ANCHORESS OF CHESTERFIELD: JOHN THE CARPENTER (BOOK 4) (JOHN THE CARPENTER MYSTERIES)
The Mystery Press
2021

INFLAMMATION AND THE BRAIN: how new research into the tiny cells called microglia may revolutionize the fields of neuromedicine and psychiatry. Fascinating interviews, thorough documentation, smooth and readable writing! B PLUS

THE ANGEL AND THE ASSASSIN
Ballantine Books
2020

A RETIRED HITMAN BATTLES the people suddenly trying to kill him after decades out of the game. Sharp thriller from Thomas Perry captures the point of view of those—on both sides of the law—to whom life and death are logistics. B PLUS

EDDIE'S BOY
Mysterious Press
2020