MEMOIR AND TRUE CRIME interweave in this story of a writer turned private investigator pursuing the truth in a high-profile sexual assault case. Thoughtful, sensitive writing; not an easy read, but a rewarding one. B PLUS

TELL ME EVERYTHING
Flatiron Books
2022

FRESH, WITTY SCIENCE FICTION adventure from John Scalzi has wild monsters, fantastical world-building, and wonderfully drawn characters. Enjoy the ride (but keep your hands safely inside the carriage). B PLUS

THE KAIJU PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Tor Books
2022

SLEEK TIME-TRAVEL THRILLER mixes its classic science-fiction themes with glossy luxury adventure à la Michael Crichton. Add to that a wealth of knowledge about Ancient Rome, and you get a completely captivating read. B PLUS

A COIN FOR THE FERRYMAN
Imbrifex Books
2022

THE SCIENCE OF HEARTBREAK AND LONELINESS, deftly braided with the personal experiences of the writer, a journalist who interviews researchers and professionals while making her own path through a wrenching divorce. Revelatory and touching. B PLUS

HEARTBREAK
W. W. Norton & Company
2022

A NOVEL ABOUT LANGUAGE about a novelist writing about language, but also about parallel universes and love and family and climate change and Erik Satie and the nature of being. Lovely Norwegian experimental fiction is an oddly comforting read. B PLUS

PRESENT TENSE MACHINE
Farrar
2022

A WITCH TURNED POLICE CONSULTANT must clear her boyfriend of a mysterious murder; fortunately, she has the help of her magical family and her grumpy owl familiar. Well-plotted paranormal mystery with great characters and a hint of sweet romance. B PLUS

OWL MELT WITH YOU (THE OWL STAR WITCH MYSTERIES BOOK 6)
Badchen Publishing
2022

CHARMING SOUTH CAROLINA MYSTERY stars a retired schoolteacher sleuth investigating a murder at her forty-fifth high school reunion. Well-plotted whodunnit with a vivid cast of characters bonded by family, friendship, and faith. B PLUS

AN UNSAVORY MESS (EUGEENA PATTERSON MYSTERIES)
Independently published
2021

RE-ENVISIONING BLACK SPIRITUALITY, incorporating the dignity of family, community, nature, history, and the body. Powerful vision deeply rooted in the African American Christian tradition offers wisdom for people of many backgrounds. B PLUS

THIS HERE FLESH
Convergent Books
2022

THE COMPLICATED FRIENDSHIP OF TWO young Black women—one adopted by white parents, one raised in a Black household—shows its strains as some cruel truths are revealed. Pointed, deft social satire relies on vivid characterizations. B PLUS

CHERISH FARRAH
Dutton
2022

AN EPIC SUPERNATURAL BATTLE threatens the earth, and only the huntress Arden Finch can gather elves, djinn, weres, vampires, and other magical beings to fight the ancient gods. Sharp, sexy fantasy with relatable characters and a strong Black voice. B PLUS

ETERNAL HUNTRESS: SHADOWS OF OTHERSIDE BOOK 5
Benu Media
2021