Stylish and polished, Brace’s literary thriller abounds in evocative description, crisp and engaging dialogue, and puzzles that it’s often a pleasure to tease out, from the clues embedded in the shocking film to those about Andromeda herself—her motives and her desires. As evidence burns up and goons dog her investigation, Andromeda chases leads across Europe, eventually becoming embroiled with that film’s director—a rising star about to debut an adaptation of Faust at Cannes.
For all the urgency of her case, the protagonist relishes her high-rolling investigation, driving Ferraris and Panteras and taking every opportunity to sunbathe. Her past is opaque, and her present an element of a puzzle around it: Who is she, exactly? Why does she readily agree to appear in a film from pornographer Cherry Falco? Is she being lured into the same traps that snared Margot, or is she—and the author—playing some clever game? A sense of playful unease suffuses the novel, as Brace toys with expectations, inviting readers to ask whether she’s a retrograde fantasy figure or just playing the part and in fact steps ahead of everyone.
Takeaway: This puzzle-rich literary mystery sends a journalist into the world of the global elite and perverse arthouse films.
Great for fans of: Paul Auster, Sara Gran’s Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-

Young readers will delight in Pengwee, who is lovably innocent as he tries to master the art of deep breathing. His first attempt at a “Superpower Breath” comes out with such power he nearly knocks over his mother, but it doesn’t take him long to learn the ropes, and soon he is able to defeat even seemingly insurmountable fears. The Ice Festival is also irresistible–a winter-themed extravaganza of carnival games, entertainment, and tempting penguin snacks, like the “imported fried smelt” or “whale blubber cones.” Alexandra Rusu’s whimsical watercolor illustrations add a dreamlike feel, with subtle lines and cool shades that match the story’s midwinter motif.
Nutley offers a sliver of suspense alongside the charm by embracing thrill rides that can be intimidating to so many kids. Once Pengwee learns to put his emotional calming talents to use, the Ice Monster is transformed in his eyes from terrifying to exhilarating–a concept notably important to Nutley, who is a certified meditation instructor with a fondness for teaching mindfulness to youth. Adult readers will appreciate the introduction to self-soothing, and this engaging story adeptly captures the intensity of childhood fears–and the skills to handle them.
Takeaway: A young penguin learns–and shows readers–how deep breathing can help overcome fears.
Great for fans of: Rachel Bright’s The Lion Inside, Gaia Cornwall’s Jabari Jumps.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B
While attending a gathering of grandees out to stop another war at any cost, Chadwick meets and falls for Lady Melanie Fitzgibbon. Meanwhile, the British counter intelligence agents, led by Chadwick’s friend, Doug Larson, try to thwart the Germans, leading to an exciting cat-and-mouse game. Readers will be fascinated to learn about the early stages of the development of radar through Chadwick’s eyes. Though charming, his affair with Fitzgibbon could have proven more nuanced and resonant had his internal conflicts been more deeply explored. Likewise, more focus on the intriguing Penelope Pomeroy, her attraction to Chadwick, and her actions late in the narrative might have enriched the novel’s espionage elements and brought some diversity to its prevailing masculine perspective.
Forsyth’s deep knowledge of his subject matter, combined with his enthusiasm for flying, is evident throughout the novel, though for readers more interested in character than aviation history may find the abundance of detail slows the narrative pace. Still, despite some overcrowding, historical war fiction fans will be pleased, especially those fascinated by the high-flying lives of pilots.
Takeaway: This high-flying historical novel will please readers fascinated by aviation, fighter pilots, and World War II.
Great for fans of: Peter Townsend’s Duel of Eagles, Eric Brown’s Wings on My Sleeve, R. A. “Bob” Hoover’s Forever Flying.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Tracy’s talents as a musician help her negotiate her world, and music lovers will appreciate the prominent role it plays within the story. Skipstone embeds a wide variety of references to both classical music and popular songs of the late 60s, enhanced by a suggested Spotify playlist, as well as the lyrics of the songs Tracy herself writes to express her anger, angst, longing, and love. Framed as an autobiography, Tracy’s passionate first-person narration vibrates with intense emotion and explicit detail, allowing readers to experience her fury, frustration, and excitement as she strives to live life on her own terms.
In her fight to live authentically, Tracy proves herself to be a protagonist ahead of her time, using casual profanity, wearing a “manguise” so she can be perceived as male, and aggressively confronting male characters who try to hold her back. Though her progressive attitudes towards politics, race, gender, and sexuality are more common in our time than they were in hers, readers will find this character’s revolutionary courage inspiring. Skipstone’s other main players are also well-developed–even those that serve as obstacles to Tracy’s progress. This story’s impassioned cry against repression will encourage readers to face their own challenges with strength and determination.
Takeaway: The inspiring and emotional story of a young lesbian’s journey toward wholeness in Texas in the 1960s.
Great for fans of: M-E Girard’s Girl Mans Up, Gabby Rivera’s Juliet Takes a Breath, Lauren Hough’s Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Blending romance and science fiction with welcome humor, this polished and inventive meta-novel invites readers on an interactive journey, with the narrator explaining the physics of time travel in direct address. Perper and Cornog build a convincing world of worlds, and although these teaching moments’ discussions and hypotheticals might at times read like tangents, they ultimately help explicate an ever-moving plot with many twists and turns. Some readers may view the story itself as one big hypothetical from that narrator to illustrate principles of time travel, which is entertaining an original approach, though in the end the story proves to be something akin to a space-odyssey epic, set in paraverses rather than galaxies.
However, the focus on plot, metaphysics, and world building comes at a price: readers here for the paraverse-spanning love story may wish for deeper character exploration. Though the novel has a romance at its heart, Krylla and John’s love for each often seems more asserted than stirring––especially when stretching across so many paraverses. Still, lovers of twisty sci-fi with big ideas and a playful spirit will find plenty to enjoy.
Takeaway: A playful take on time travel and infinite paraverses for readers who like their SF touched with romance and humor.
Great for fans of: Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone’s This is How You Lose the Time War , Charles Yu’s How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Complete with a furnished garage the gang dubs a “pass out room,” the Cape Henry House represents freedom from barracks life, and Bosner and co. party there—and in the nearby bars, restaurants, strip joints, and dance clubs, where minor trouble always awaits them. Bittick adeptly captures the feel of nights spinning out of control, of young mens’ edgy banter that can quickly explode into anger, of uncertain flirting and scarf-some-greasy-food mornings, and above all his sailors’ urgent camaraderie, as together they seek relief from their drudging days—and the likelihood of deployment—in nights whose wildness never quite disguises their innocence or, at times, loneliness.
The author served in the Navy himself, and the novel pulses with authentic details, not just about blow ups and beer pong. Bittick marvelously captures the niceties of washing helicopters or the annoyance of aviation mechanic Bosner realizing, while working in a gearbox assembly shaft, that his hands are covered in blood rather than the hydraulic fluid he expected. The novel’s rich characterization and scenecraft are engaging, but readers looking for page-turning plotting will find little in this evocation of a passing moment
Takeaway: This hard-partying slice-of-life powerfully evokes being young, enlisted, and not yet sure who you are.
Great for fans of: John "Chick" Donohue and J. T. Molloy’s The Greatest Beer Run Ever, Rosie Schaap’s Drinking With Men.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A

McGurk weaves a well-paced, suspenseful story rich with puzzling events, surprise turns, and an irresistible premise, all while always taking care to develop her characters, fleshing out the distinctive backgrounds that will make Bree and her three close roommates–Ruby, Dash, and Susie–relatable for thriller readers of all ages. There’s no shortage of action alongside the suspense, either: when Bree and her cohorts realize they’ve been tapped to become part of an intricate spy system controlled by the Secret Intelligence Service, they start a grueling training program that eventually drops them into the middle of political reconnaissance in Turkey, all under the guise of being elite nannies. When Bree’s mission goes south and lives are lost, she braces herself for the fallout–and in the process learns painful truths about her parents and her friends.
Readers who crave thrillers that keep them guessing, with doubts about who can be trusted at every turn, will delight in the hazards that Bree and her friends face. McGurk uses the straight-laced, old England nanny system to offset recklessly dangerous undercover work, and her skillful pacing will keep readers attentive–all the way to the cliffhanger ending. Backmatter includes Q&A with the author and a sneak peek into book two of this entertaining series.
Takeaway: A twisty thriller following undercover spies who pose as nannies, loaded with betrayal, action, and suspense.
Great for fans of: Jenetta Penner’s Configured, Jillian Dodd’s The Prince.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A

Clayton sensitively handles the delicate topic of prescription drug addiction, showing how naturally dependence can begin as she depicts baseball player Brody’s career-ending injury. She demonstrates with persuasive power how the slide into opioid addiction can happen in an instant, and makes readers see that between black and white there are infinite shades of gray, especially when an addictive prescription substance prescribed can lead a patient to behavior that once would be impossible to believe. Somewhere Above It All is frank and clear-eyed about grief and domestic abuse without ever feeling exploitative.
Clayton’s active writing style ably engages readers from the very first page, and her talent for pacing and story structure provide sound underpinning to the series of surprises revealed just before the novel’s conclusion, twists that readers likely won’t see coming. Evocative prose (“I look up at the night sky. It’s a dark chalkboard speckled with tiny flecks of white chalk, a deep black abyss heavily populated with stars”) enchants, not just making the Kilimanjaro adventure gorgeous but also enriching character and storytelling. Romance readers will ugly cry throughout this spectacular and emotional tale–a testament to the author’s skill.
Takeaway: Lovers of real-world romances will tear up at this heartbreaking yet uplifting love story facing grief and addiction.
Great for fans of: Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Forever, Interrupted, Erich Segal’s Love Story.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Gilbert (Zona Romantica) does an extraordinary job plumbing the depths of the of the characters surrounding the murder in this second book in the Amanda Pennyworth series. Amanda herself comes across as deeply introspective and, although good at her job, somewhat adrift, missing a recently departed boyfriend. Her only true local connection is with her assistant Nando, and their unusual friendship is delightfully believable. Gilbert has a pitch-perfect ear for dialogue, as shown in the heartbreaking exchanges between the parents, who alternate between blaming themselves and each other. Although the plot falters a bit at the end, the well-limned characters will keep the readers glued to the pages until the last paragraph.
Also enlivening the book are the vivid setting descriptions: "there was something dishonest and dissembling about so much order and symmetry." Scenes like that contrast sharply with the cold and brisk conversation Amanda must have with the ambassador, emblematic of the cold officialdom that ignores the afflicted individuals. In an especially affecting scene, the tortured Amanda finally finds solace in ancient artifacts at a museum. Amanda's internal conflict is the true point of interest here– like all good sleuths, Amanda discovers in the end that the real mysteries are inside ourselves.
Takeaway: Haunting characterizations and complex moral questions elevate this richly told border-crossing mystery.
Great for fans of: Alex Gilley, Carmen Amato.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A-
Markham starts by chronicling his early life and his childhood with a mother who barely made ends meet, to an in-and-out father who “was never there to protect me.” Markham himself was married and a father by the age of fifteen, and he frankly acknowledges the pressures he faced as a young man with his own family to care for at such a young age. His story is rousing, with lessons and sage advice to encourage anyone striving to succeed in life, and he urges readers never to give up or feel defeated by unforeseen circumstances. Each chapter’s attention-grabbing “ingredient” to add to one's recipe of success is a clear imperative—“Don’t Dance With Ghosts” and “Add Color”—and build to Markham’s encouraging takeaways from his own intense, and sometimes painful, life lessons.
Markham’s lucrative entrepreneurial history is a theme throughout, and he displays the drive and acumen to make something out of nothing by sharing his private battles, including his victory over a period in which he was unhoused. This is a straightforward guide full of inspirational tips, relatable stories, and wisdom that will resonate with those who need some guidance, an example, or a gentle push to keep pursuing their dreams. Readers will enjoy Markham's raw, honest style and his confident reassurance that “you can do anything with your life.”
Takeaway: An inviting, encouraging self-help guide that delves into the life and drive of an entrepreneur who has overcome great hardships.
Great for fans of: Angela Duckworth’s Grit, Eric Ries’s The Lean Startup.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
The interaction of astrophysics and art excites Bullis. Whimsical captions run above the images (“Why don’t I see the familiar face hiding in all this hair?” asks one, over an arresting vision of the Seven Sisters star cluster), sometimes linking together in a loose narrative. The tone of these and of the explanatory essays accompanying the images varies between attempts at humor, technical discussions that could use clearer context, and some inviting answers to big questions, sometimes at such length that the text can appear crammed onto the page, the design decisions diminishing the impact of the images.
The essays prove strongest when Bullis points out what these fresh looks at astronomical objects reveal about them and our universe, or answers questions about the shape of a space "balloon" or why it took astronomers so long to detect the Circinus Galaxy. While some layout choices and technical terms may prove off-putting to casual readers, Bullis succeeds in offering an exciting new look at the universe.
Takeaway: This collection of images of our universe invites readers to look beyond the visual spectrum.
Great for fans of: Light from the Void: Twenty Years of Discovery with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, Michael Werner and Peter Eisenhardt’s More Things in the Heavens: How Infrared Astronomy Is Expanding Our View of the Universe.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: C
Illustrations: A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B
Valletta’s striking descriptions evoke a noir-ish California, as he cleverly uses minor details to show that Micheline, an East Coast transplant, doesn’t quite fit in, such as when she wears a “navy wool cardigan,” putting her at odds with her San Diego contemporaries. The diverse cast of colorful characters includes a blind voyeur, criminals, and exotic dancers with double lives, and Micheline in particular is so strong and engaging protagonist that readers will likely enjoy following for multiple novels. While this case gets mostly wrapped up, Valletta is careful to leave readers with plenty of questions in the end, opening them up for the next in the series.
Valletta’s choice to emulate some of the seedier aspects of earlier noir novels, especially salacious descriptions of female characters such as the “blonde with a body that would stop traffic” will likely strike many contemporary readers as trite or misogynistic despite the strong female protagonist, and his tendency to flit from one perspective to another makes it challenging at times track the narrative. However, the storyline is arresting, and will please fans of crime fiction with flawed characters, especially those who prefer the vital California noir subgenre.
Takeaway: An East Coast detective takes on a serial killer in California, while she struggles to make a new life in this promising series opener.
Great for fans of: James Ellroy’s The Black Dahlia, G.K. Parks’s Likely Suspects.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A
Drawing on personal stories, original inspirational quotes (“The key to finding bliss and joy in every moment is to let go”), and practical knowledge he has gathered about the real-estate game, Tran’s tome blends the styles of memoir and self-help. Tran’s advice to catch FIRE–an acronym for “financial independence, retire early”–is highly specific; his audience is those who want to follow the path he has: be a practicing doctor who finds peace and security in real estate. “Nowhere in medical school are we talking enough about the financial realities of being a doctor,” he writes, before addressing those realities with the friendly demeanor of a coach or mentor.
Tran’s idea of “burning-in” is not precisely the opposite–or the avoidance of–“burn-out,” which he considers a simple fact of life. Instead, burning-in calls for a focus on values and working for the things one is passionate about. His unique advice, in fact, includes taking on more work but being passionate about the work being done, a message sure to resonate with his target audience.
Takeaway: A doctor lays out a path for other doctors toward real wealth, not just the monetary kind.
Great for fans of: David J. Norris’s The Financially Intelligent Physician, James M. Dahle’s The White Coat Investor.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: B
Creating a storyline chock-full of science, adventure, and an intriguing look at history, Leo includes a fascinating ancient, and highly advanced entity that has been slowly affecting helpful change since the beginning of humanity. Impressive, immersive details of what the friends find inside the Ark take readers through a well-detailed tour, though some of the scientific descriptions, along with calculations worked through in character dialogue, at times get too heavy for some young readers, who may miss some nuances of the story.
Once kids and adults together hatch the eggs, Leo takes readers on an urgent journey into the reality of climate change as the kids fly on the backs of their new pterosaur friends and learn firsthand what damage is being done to the planet and all creatures trying to live on it. The kids learn that it’s now their destiny to make changes to save humanity, some doing so immediately, with the help of an ancient entity, and others over the course of their lives, by making small changes through time. Although at times an upsetting read, especially when the pterosaurs themselves are directly affected by humanity’s choices, an important yet empowering lesson will resonate with readers of all ages.
Takeaway: This climate-fiction adventure with friends, dinosaurs, and ancient secrets will please young readers who love science.
Great for fans of: Jess Redman’s The Adventure Is Now, Piers Torday’s The Last Wild.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
The Boy in the Barn is entirely engrossing, although the content, which includes abuse and torture, may be difficult to digest. Stone’s scene-setting finesse and emotional acuity are impressive, and despite a heavy emphasis on violence, she delivers a skillful story powered by crisp dialogue and narrative momentum, using flashbacks to give her characters depth—and provide readers with welcome relief from the intensity of her plot, although at times the characters memories prove wrenching, too.
The joy of this mystery is embedded in its characters, specifically Sophie, a cautious but brave protagonist who will enrapture readers. The fight for good over evil and chaos rings throughout, and readers will cheer for Sophie and Luke’s love to win in the end. The character of Gideon, a most heinous antagonist, is compelling but lacks intricacy. Fans of mystery novels will find familiar plot points, but the narrative’s charm lies in the nuance of Stone’s people’s complex emotions, which make this combination of mystery and romance shine.
Takeaway: Returning to her childhood home reveals a sinister plot against the heroine’s life in this compelling mystery tinged with romance.
Great for fans of: Willow Rose’s Don’t Lie to Me, Shanora Williams’s The Perfect Ruin.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Plague is certainly a timely subject, and Marlow's choice to present it from a non-human perspective creates a welcome, fascinating distance. The many cats of the city have charming and distinct personalities, from the brash Eusebius, to the inquisitive twins, and the wise and powerful Innocent. However, the cast is extensive, and the short length of the novel precludes much in-depth characterization. The human interactions are informative but often lack narrative momentum. Still, the theme is engaging, and the unspoken comparisons with today's world will ring true with readers: on one hand, the humans seem to be taking the plague seriously, but on the other, many turn to wild rumors of miracle cures, desperately seek scapegoats, or distrust actual sources of medicine.
Although Marlow’s plot is slow to get started, it eventually transforms into a tense and dramatic journey through the city, powered by the danger and sacrifice inherent in tales of epic quests. Ultimately, the story will appeal more to fans of historical fiction than to animal enthusiasts, but cat lovers will enjoy the lore of Le Chat and the eccentric relations between the humans and felines.
Takeaway: This intriguing story of cats facing the Black Death presents well-researched history and an engaging quest.
Great for fans of: Tad Williams’s Tailchaser's Song, Richard Adams's Watership Down.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A