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PREMIUM
The Street -- HIPPO TEST
Only recently finding a new audience, largely through the promotion of Skip Gates, this is a novel not to miss.
PREMIUM
The Black Hawk - - HIPPO TEST
The way Bourne blends the past and present lives of Owl and Hawk, tracing their union and endlessly complicated love affair is deeply rewarding. This last book will make readers deeply sorry that Bourne is retiring from the field. At least she left this last gift.
NPR’s Summer Reading Poll has produced “100 Favorite Books For Young Readers.” September book picks arrive, as do fall favorites. The NYT writes about the flood of political books and Michael S. Schmidt proves he has good timing with Donald Trump v. The United States: Inside the Struggle to Stop a President (Random House). The Sunburst Awards for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic are announced.
PREMIUM
Send for Me
Fans of historical fiction will appreciate this well-written, character-driven tale.
With poignant prose documenting historical scenarios but also invoking currently resonant issues—environmental responsibility, immigration and displacement, workers’ and women’s rights, social ills laid bare by calamity
Suspense fans will devour this twisted tale of intricately interwoven characters. The many turns will surprise and keep readers thinking long after they’ve finished.
PREMIUM
Finished Off in Fondant
There are few surprises in this second book in the series, following Cobblered to Death. Even the killer is obvious, with no sparks to the standard romantic triangle. The mystery’s appeal is solely for foodies who enjoy televised competitions.
PREMIUM
Fortune Favors the Dead
This is a fun whodunit for high schoolers up through adults. It’s easy to pick up and put down again, perfect for a cozy weekend read.
PREMIUM
The Lakehouse
Clifford’s (“Jay Porter” series) sixth stand-alone (after Occam’s Razor) captivates with pell-mell action, striking characters, and a tantalizingly complex plot, yet at times is also melodramatic with shifting perspectives, cliff-hanging chapter endings, and ultimately an enigmatic finish.
PREMIUM
A Big Fat Greek Murder
It’s a little much to have two out-of-control women, one a stalker, in the same book that is already stuffed with characters and some unnecessary side stories. Readers of the first in the series, Statue of Limitations, or fans of Collins’s “Flower Shop” mysteries, might find this of interest.
Lily and the secondary characters are rich and complicated, and details about martial arts and Chinese culture add depth to the story. While it isn’t necessary to have read the previous book in the series to enjoy this one, readers won’t understand the extent of Lily’s emotional conflict without that context. This series continues to impress and should find a wide, appreciative audience.
Along with a rip-roaring suspense plot, Molloy adds depth with critiques of gender conventions that causes readers to investigate the assumptions they bring to the text. She breathes new life into the unreliable narrator thriller genre in a book everyone will be talking about.
Love was in the air the weekend of August 28–30, despite the turmoil rocking the romance industry for the better part of 2020. Following the May cancellation of the prestigious RITA Awards, now retired and replaced by the Vivian, the Romance Writers of America (RWA) forged ahead to produce a memorable annual virtual conference.
PREMIUM
Who Wants To Marry a Duke
Olivia’s scientific gifts will draw in and delight fans of bluestocking romances, such as Tessa Dare’s A Week To Be Wicked, still this classic Regency series will be most appreciated if read in order.
PREMIUM
Blood of Zeus
With strong pacing, excellent chemistry between the leads, and a suspenseful cliff-hanger ending, Wild and Payne prove more than up to the daunting task of setting up a compelling story that will sustain over multiple books. This superb paranormal romance is sure to leave genre fans and admirers of the authors wanting more.
PREMIUM
Dark Song
This latest installment (following Dark Illusion) in an ongoing, beloved paranormal series features all the trademarks of classic Feehan; suspense, passion, and exceptional worldbuilding. A must-read for the author’s many fans.
PREMIUM
All Scot and Bothered
Byrne crafts a smoldering romance that combines an enticing, well-matched couple with an original storyline about the underbelly of Victorian society that keeps readers guessing. Fans will clamor to pick up the first in the series (How To Love a Duke in Ten Days) if they haven’t already.
Morelli’s wonderfully intertwined, quiet tale set during unquiet times reveals truths about the human character and the will to survive. The well-balanced historical fiction on the plight of stolen artwork during World War II moves smoothly between the centuries, focusing on individuals and their own motivations, fears, and ambitions. The theme of survival appears often in the narrative, connected to both people and objects alike and creating another layer for readers to enjoy.
PREMIUM
Forsaken Island
Recommended as an excellent YA crossover, appealing to fans of the Christian genre, fantasy, romance, and adventure.
The character-driven mystery by the award-winning author of Death al Dente is darker than many cozies. Readers attracted to unusual settings and mature, introspective amateur sleuths will appreciate this intricately plotted story depicting the impact of murder on the family and community.
PREMIUM
Interference
Parks, better known for character-driven mysteries, ventures into Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch territory with a procedural thriller with an sf edge and a ton of heart that leads to an explosive (and emotional) finale. Even though Parks’s staccato writing style, where every sentence is a potential paragraph, takes some getting used to, this should satisfy a wide swath of readers.
PREMIUM
Hanging Falls
Crime fiction fans or readers who appreciate K-9 mysteries will easily catch on to the latest series entry (after Tracking Game). Readers who follow Mattie and Robo will be eager for the updated story line.
PREMIUM
The Silent Conspiracy
Shaw delivers a second action-packed installment in the “Jack Logan” series (after The Network). The characters are well drawn and the story amps up to a cliff-hanger ending that will satisfy most thriller lovers. This book will appeal to fans of puzzle-solving thrillers and catastrophe stories from authors such as Steve Berry, David Baldacci, and Robin Cook.
PREMIUM
Killer Kung Pao
Chien infuses the latest deftly crafted entry in her delectable “Noodle Shop” series (after Egg Drop Dead) with plenty of wry charm and dry wit, making this another tempting, too-good-to-miss treat for culinary cozy fans.
The latest pastiche by the author of Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Dust is a clever follow-up to The Hound of the Baskervilles. The language, characters, and pacing is accurate enough to satisfy even hard-core Holmes fans.
PREMIUM
A Pretty Deceit
Verity Kent plays a dangerous game of espionage in a story set just several weeks after Penny for Your Secrets. The ongoing story line involving Ardmore will intrigue series readers. Fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd will appreciate the psychological and social issues affecting the British after World War I
PREMIUM
Grave Secrets
James’s debut is a sometimes silly, often funny twist on the vampire romance genre. The delightfully written Toni is about the unlikeliest heroine one expects to encounter. Throw in a few zombies for good measure, and readers are left with a novel perfect for fans of Charlaine Harris and Gail Carriger.
Drawn from folklore and history, Harrow’s (The Ten Thousand Doors of January) lyrical prose immerses readers in a story of power and secrets that is not easily forgotten.
PREMIUM
An Unnatural Life
Wagner (The Green and Growing) delivers a work with a focus of a “what makes one human?” theme in an exciting novella that recalls Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Emily Devenport’s “Medusa Cycle” series.
PREMIUM
Nucleation
Unger’s (The Gophers of High Charity) video game credits are well matched to this space adventure. Dialog among rivals, teammates, and machine interfaces keeps the story moving quickly. Recommended for fans of technothrillers and those who appreciate a strong lead character navigating readers through the technical bits.
PREMIUM
The Bright and Breaking Sea
Neill’s (“Chicagoland Vampires” series) newest series start is a fantastical sea journey, filled with conflict on multiple levels. Entertaining for its fun, fast-paced action, political drama, and slow-burn romance. [See Prepub Alert, 4/29/20.]
PREMIUM
Divinity’s Twilight: Rebirth
Newcomer Russell’s new high fantasy series launch is well written with a definite steampunk vibe and sword-and-sorcery appeal. Readers of alternate-world fantasy will find this a satisfying read and a good start for a new author who’s soon to have a loyal following.
Quincy (“Rebellious Brides” series) delivers a steamy Regency fraught with family discord as well as societal and racial prejudices. This gripping series starter ultimately triumphs with an honorable hero and a spirited Anglo-Arab heroine who fights for acceptance and love on her own terms.
PREMIUM
A Little Bit of Karma
Best-selling author Billingsley’s (More to Life) first foray into the romantic suspense genre is an absolute thrill ride. The plot builds slowly, but gains momentum the minute the Lovejoys go on the run. While there’s pulse-pounding action, the emphasis remains on the couple’s emotional development. Overall, an exciting entry from an author with legions of fans.
PREMIUM
Red Hot Texan
Garbera’s new series launch, a delectable spin-off of her “Dangerous Delaneys” stories, hits all the right notes: a cozy, hometown setting, a sweet romance with genuine yet flawed characters, and a mildly sensuous atmosphere. A solid choice for Jodi Thomas fans.
PREMIUM
If the Boot Fits
Although her vindictive boss has damaged her confidence and belief in herself, Amanda is surrounded by supportive friends and a steady, sexy, and respectful love interest in Sam. The sexual tension and flirty banter between the two will have readers rooting them on and anticipating Dru’s comeuppance. Another winner from rising star Weatherspoon.
PREMIUM
The Paper Daughters of Chinatown
Some readers may be disappointed that the Chinese characters in the novel are not nearly as well developed as Dolly is and that the mission’s insistence that they give up their own culture to convert to Christianity is not questioned. However, many readers will find Dolly’s bravery and commitment to her faith inspirational, and Moore’s impressively detailed research makes this a good introduction to this often neglected chapter in American history.
PREMIUM
Jubilee
From its heart-pounding opening, poet Givhan’s second novel (after Trinity Sight) leads readers into the dark recesses of Bianca’s traumatic experiences and subsequent healing.
Robinson fans will be hungry for the next chapter in the Gilead saga, and the beauty and humanity of Robinson’s prose will win over new fans. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
The Blind Light
Unpredictable character arcs will keep readers wondering what will happen next, and the many tragedies and triumphs of each family evoke the same epic feel of generational change as Edna Ferber’s Giant.
PREMIUM
A Lover’s Discourse
This beautifully told and gently introspective story of a young couple touches upon a host of relatable topics, from cultural and generational differences to socioeconomical perceptions and relationship issues between genders. Readers will have much to ponder, and book groups especially will appreciate.
PREMIUM
Leave the World Behind
Highly recommended and perfectly timed for today’s uncertain world. [See Prepub Alert, 4/1/2020.]
PREMIUM
Stillicide
Jones’s compressed, minimalist style heightens the effect of a precarious future for a world where climate chaos is deadly serious, creating an absorbing narrative for sophisticated readers.
PREMIUM
The Seventh Mansion
Meijer (Rag) does a creditable job of connecting the troubled psychology of a contemporary teen with the sometimes lurid accounts of the lives of saints, suggesting that the extremities of their respective devotions are similar. Not for everyone, but refreshingly bold and original.
PREMIUM
The Readers’ Room
For fans of book-centered novels such as Gabrielle Zevin’s The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry craving a slightly harder edge.
PREMIUM
The Invention of Sound
Combining straight narrative with excerpts from Blush’s manuscript, Oscarpocalypse Now, Palahniuk’s (Adjustment Day) novel undergirds the ordinary reality of movie production with a horror movie universe possessing curiously biblical overtones, a world where justice ultimately prevails
Abdoh (Tehran at Twilight) explores the lives behind the war-torn headlines in a way that captures the full humanity of the participants. Channeling a bit of Tim O’Brien and a good deal of Joseph Heller, he has written the best novel to date on the Middle East’s ceaseless wars.
French’s second stand-alone novel (after The Witch Elm) is a slow-burn stunner that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night. Recommend to the author’s legions of fans, as well as those who enjoy crime fiction set in small towns like Julia Keller’s or Jane Harper’s novels.
PREMIUM
Monstre. Vol. 1
The novel alternates time lines between those first days and the days three months later to pulse-pounding effect in this sprawling, violent, gory, and still somewhat hopeful first in what will be an epic series.
Hansen’s marvelous debut is a fast-paced, action-filled ride through the multiverse, introducing a complex found family of gender- and neurodiverse characters.
Smart, witty, and at times bloody, this book will please comic book fans who wish to take a jab at the superhero tropes, as well as readers who enjoy dark humor with a bit of satire tossed into the mix.
Essential titles reviewed in our September 2020 print issue, spanning mystery & suspense, sf/fantasy, romance, fiction, social sciences, and more.
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