A TEENAGED DOMINICAN BRIDE makes her way in mid-1960s Manhattan. Vividly drawn characters and a deeply relatable story. B PLUS

DOMINICANA
Flatiron Books
2019

A SLACKER TURNS SLEUTH in this existential detective story rich with local Baltimore flavor. Witty, gritty, ultimately absurdist. B PLUS

DRUNK: A NOVEL
Wylder Dance Press, LLC
2019

MULTIVERSE-HOPPING THRILLER poses some big questions amid an action-packed plot. Fast pace, thoughtful worldbuilding. B PLUS

THE INFINITE-INFINITE
MK Williams Publishing, LLC
2019

EXQUISITE ARGENTINE NOVEL traces a woman’s life through her fascination with art, history, and above all with self-invention and self-delusion. Spare, lovely prose. B PLUS

OPTIC NERVE
Catapult
2019

HIGH-ENERGY STEAMPUNK ADVENTURE set in an alternate Indianapolis still part of the “Albion Empire.” Lots of action, humor, and a strong Black voice. B PLUS

PIMP MY AIRSHIP
Apex Book Company
2019

SLEEK ENGLISH THRILLER is packed with action, violence, and some highly memorable characters. B PLUS

THE BIRDHOUSE
Bloodhound Books
2019

POETIC, UNSETTLING MEMOIR in essays of a life shaped by violence, illness, and love that was never quite enough. Lush, elegant prose. B PLUS

KNOCK WOOD
Dzanc Books
2019

A DAUGHTER’S SHATTERING MEMOIR of a childhood where betrayal lay behind a glossy veneer of glamour and privilege. Candid and powerful. B PLUS

WILD GAME
Mariner Books
2019

JOHN HODGMAN’S GOOFY-SUAVE charm bubbles over in this fine collection of essays on topics both silly and serious. B PLUS

MEDALLION STATUS
Viking
2019

EERIE, LYRICAL SCOTTISH novel updates the ancient tale of the selkie in some surprising ways. Lovely prose. B PLUS

SEALSKIN
Europa Editions
2019