Book Review
Red Water
An unsolved disappearance and Croatia’s independence overlap in Jurica Pavičić’s expansive novel "Red Water". In 1989, Silva disappears near Split, then part of Yugoslavia. A lengthy hunt ensues, continuing decades after the...
Book Review
Small Fires
In Ronnie Turner’s eerie novel "Small Fires", a land is ruled by tales of the devil. Suspected for murdering their parents, Lily and her beastly sister, Della, escape to the God-Forgotten, a remote island inhabited by the fearful Folk,...
Book Review
History Lessons
A Black woman in academia mobilizes her research skills to investigate a murder in Zoe B. Wallbrook’s spirited novel "History Lessons". A junior professor at illustrious Harrison University, Daphne studies the history of Black families...
Book Review
We Are the Match
In Mary E. Roach’s smoldering novel "We Are the Match", a modern retelling of the Trojan War, star-crossed lovers maneuver against a powerful crime family for revenge. After losing her sisters on the island of Troy to bombs and fire,...
Book Review
It Was Her House First
Plans to renovate a storied mansion are threatened by its ghosts in Cherie Priest’s secret-laden novel "It Was Her House First". In the 1930s, after the death of her daughter Priscilla, film star Venita commits suicide, orchestrates...
Book Review
Origins of Desire in Orchid Fens
A woman allies with vengeful river spirits in Lynn Hutchinson Lee’s eerie novel "Origins of Desire in Orchid Fens". In Carminetown, Orchid and her mother hide their Romani identity to prevent another forced exodus. At the nearby orchid...
Book Review
Somewhere Past the End
Soon-to-be mothers struggle with cult brainwashing in Alexandria Faulkenbury’s question-filled novel "Somewhere Past the End". Disowned after her teenage pregnancy, Teresa finds a new family with Richmond and his alternative religious...
Book Review
Sympathy for Wild Girls
Demree McGhee’s "Sympathy for Wild Girls" is an atmospheric short story collection about the restlessness of Black girls and women. Attentive to queer Black femininity, this collection centers those who are discontent with love,...