INTRIGUING 1914 MYSTERY: a maverick London detective investigates the deaths of models at an elegant store. SOLID B

THE MANNEQUIN HOUSE
Creme de La Crime
2013

INTRICATE FANTASY TALE interweaves nature magic with the vividly cosmopolitan spirit of Toronto. SOLID B

SISTER MINE
Grand Central Publishing
2013

A TV PRODUCER’S CHARMINGLY neurotic tales of his family, his work, and the rarefied world of celebrities.

INTRIGUING NOIR PASTICHE stars Dashiell Hammett, on the trail of a real-life Maltese Falcon.  Smartly done.

IN PRAISE OF TINKERING, and the mechanical and intellectual innovations that drive social change. Persuasive! SOLID B

THE TINKERERS
Basic Books (AZ)
2013

SCREENWRITER AND TWITTER CELEB Kelly Oxford shares wacky stories of her wild youth, snarky mommying.  SOLID B

A TINY MEXICAN VILLAGE is transformed by a US quack doctor’s pirate radio station. Lovely 1930s historical.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT his father’s 1970 death inspire a reporter to dig deep into his family history.

A PAMPERED HOTEL HEIR, a troubled marriage, and a brutal murder add up to a compelling true crime story.

A SPECIALTY FARMER’S IMPASSIONED argument for the preservation of heirloom fruits and vegetables. Convincing!