SAVAGELY INSIGHTFUL NOVEL about motherhood, daughterhood, and the infinite number of stress points in families blends the structure of a psychological thriller with poetic, almost philosophical prose. B PLUS

THE PUSH
Pamela Dorman Books
2021

CHARMING ROMANTIC MYSTERY finds intrigue in both the silent film industry and 1920s high society. Well crafted plot, engaging writing, memorable characters! B PLUS

THE BARONET UNLEASHED (STELLA HART BOOK 3)
Falstaff Books
2021

MIND, BODY, AND THE ZEITGEIST: the always brilliant Alison Bechdel shines with another autobiographical graphic memoir, this time an exploration of her lifelong love/hate relationship with fitness (and literature, philosophy, daytime TV)… B PLUS

THE SECRET TO SUPERHUMAN STRENGTH
Mariner Books
2021

A CHARMING FAIRY TALE of a couple on a train to nowhere mixes the sweet and the unsettling in nearly equal measure, but love of all kinds always holds center stage. B PLUS

PEACES
Riverhead Books
2021

THE “OUTLAW WIZARD” TROPE gets a fresh take in this inventive rural Alabama fantasy. “Methmagician” Howard Marsh, scion of an old family with powers, works spells for the law to keep himself in drugs and junk food. Sharp, vivid writing! B PLUS

BRINGING HOME THE RAIN: THE REDEMPTION OF HOWARD MARSH 1 (THE JUBAL COUNTY SAGA)
Broken Oak Publishing
2021

THE SOVIET SPY INSIDE the Manhattan Project—how he got there, and how he got away with it. Fascinating story explores a complex intelligence operation, as well as the factors that led Iowa-born George Koval to spy for the USSR. B PLUS

SLEEPER AGENT
Simon & Schuster
2021

THE POWER OF HARM REDUCTION, and how it presents a compassionate, effective alternative to an unwinnable “war on drugs,” documented in a compelling, eloquent, deeply researched book that could not be more timely. A MINUS

UNDOING DRUGS
Hachette Go
2021

A NOT-EXACTLY-HUMAN POLICE INSPECTOR, a daring archaeologist, and her bumbling reporter husband track down mysteries in the Cotswolds and in the Himalayas. Fun paranormal mystery with great characters, tight plotting, ridiculous puns. B PLUS

INSPECTOR HOBBES AND THE COMMON PEOPLE: COMEDY CRIME FANTASY (UNHUMAN BOOK 5)
The Witcherley Book Company
2021

EVOCATIVE NOIR THRILLER, set at the beginning of Mexico’s 1970s “Dirty War” against political dissidents. Tense and action-packed, but with thoughtful characterization and a vivid sense of place. A MINUS

VELVET WAS THE NIGHT
Del Rey
2021

AN ENCHANTING PUZZLE OF A NOVEL ties together an apprentice lexicographer and her counterpart from 100 years earlier in a word-dazzled mystery. Brilliant, eloquent, warm-hearted. A MINUS

THE LIAR'S DICTIONARY
Doubleday
2021