ROLLICKING ADVENTURES of a scam artist, both hilarious and poignant, in this amazing debut novel from Nigeria. A MINUS

I DO NOT COME TO YOU BY CHANCE
Hyperion Books
2009

COMPELLING, GRIM dystopian novel of a mind-controlled future, resistance, and a mother’s love. Unforgettable. A MINUS

VERACITY
Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
2010

COMPACT, DOURLY FUNNY stories about men in working-class and literary Egypt from an award-winning writer. A MINUS

A DOG WITH NO TAIL
American University in Cairo Press
2010

UNDEAD 1930s BANK ROBBERS. Genius premise, well executed fable; evokes Dillinger, James, other US Robin Hoods. A MINUS

THE MANY DEATHS OF THE FIREFLY BROTHERS
Random House Publishing Group
2010

SWEET BUT NOT SUGARY fable about love and resilience and a marriage bureau in a small Indian city. Charming! A MINUS

THE MARRIAGE BUREAU FOR RICH PEOPLE
Amy Einhorn Books
2009

TURBOCHARGED THRILLER tale of superspy with intermittent dementia, his slacker son on the run for their lives. A MINUS

ONCE A SPY
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
2010

ELEGAIC, VIVID, touching re-imagination by Maryse Conde of her grandmother’s life in 19th century Guadeloupe. A MINUS

VICTOIRE: MY MOTHER’S MOTHER
Atria Books
2010

ZIPPY MYSTERY, 11th in the Puzzle Lady series, features a sleuth-off between Cora and her rival Sudoku Lady. A MINUS

THE PUZZLE LADY VS. THE SUDOKU LADY: A PUZZLE LADY MYSTERY
Minotaur Books
2010

MAGNIFICENT 1920s country-house mystery; unforgettable Scottish sleuth Dandy Gilver goes undercover as a maid. A MINUS

DANDY GILVER AND THE PROPER TREATMENT OF BLOODSTAINS
Hodder & Stoughton General Division
2009

GRIPPING TRUE STORIES of crime, politics, and corruption in Los Angeles of the 1920s and 30s. Fascinating! A MINUS

A BRIGHT AND GUILTY PLACE: MURDER, CORRUPTION, AND L.A.’S SCANDALOUS COMING OF AGE
Doubleday Books
2009