BookBrowse Editorial Review
Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers
by Caroline Fraser
(6/18/2025)
Fraser focuses on the Bunker Hill Mine and Smelting Complex, a lead and silver mining and processing operation that heavily polluted the air, soil, and waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest over the course of a century, affecting the health of countless individuals, particularly children...She also links its pollution—as well as the high levels of lead that children were being exposed to throughout the country via lead paint and leaded gasoline, "a toxic cocktail" that poisoned a gene
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown
by Candace Fleming
(5/21/2025)
Fleming's interviews with Jones' followers and survivors make it clear why so many people believed in him. It was partly because of his charisma... but also because of the tangible good he was doing, especially for the Black community... But what makes Death in the Jungle particularly interesting are the perspectives of members who did not believe that Jones knew what was best for them, like the group of younger members who grew disillusioned with Jones, his rhetoric, and his creepy contr
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor
(3/26/2025)
Maeve begins to dig into her father's past and discovers more than she bargained for. Filled with mystery, loss, and unique magic, The Otherwhere Post is a solid sophomore novel for Emily J. Taylor. Taylor writes a solid mystery, with shocking revelations that feel natural to the progression of Maeve's search. Although these emerge slowly at first, the world building and character development keep the story moving; the slower moments convey emotion and remind readers of the loss a
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout
(2/12/2025)
This graphic novel is the story of the intertwined lives of two young women who will risk everything to help others. Annick and Emma are both spurred into action by the discovery of a difficult truth—in Annick's case, that her family history is a lie; in Emma's case, that the Jewish people of Amsterdam are being killed... During the Holocaust and Nazi occupation, artwork like Emma's could be a symbol of hope and defiance: whether in the form of forged IDs and ration cards or of sketches an
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay
(12/4/2024)
This is very much a character-driven novel. Although each timeline has its own small plot, there is no overarching storyline. Rather, the narrative focuses on the typical complexities of father-son relationships compounded by cultural expectations, racial prejudice, and the desire to find one's place in the world. Enzo's story is particularly interesting because it takes place during the lockdown phase of the COVID pandemic; readers will have lived through the events of this time themselves and
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Schubert Treatment: A Story of Music and Healing
by Claire Oppert
(10/16/2024)
The interspersed backstory provides depth and captures Oppert's motivation, and as she begins to work in a more clinical setting, these sections explain the development and testing of the Schubert Treatment—the calming effect of music that reduced pain and anxiety, named after the famous Austrian composer, Franz Schubert. Oppert's writing is emotional and detailed, bringing individuals to life in only a few pages, and the inclusion of specific pieces of music at the beginning of each vigne
BookBrowse Editorial Review
A Gentleman and a Thief: The Daring Jewel Heists of a Jazz Age Rogue
by Dean Jobb
(7/17/2024)
In the Roaring Twenties—an era known for its flash and glamour as well as its gangsters and bootleggers—Arthur Barry used a combination of charm, cool-headedness, and shrewd observational skills to become one of America's most infamous jewel thieves. In A Gentleman and a Thief, Dean Jobb shares the stranger-than-fiction story of a young boy from Massachusetts who became a master cat burglar, took an English monarch on a tour of NYC, stole millions of dollars in jewels, a
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Last Murder at the End of the World: A Novel
by Stuart Turton
(6/5/2024)
Since a deadly fog overtook the planet, the vestiges of humanity have not only survived but worked together to create a picturesque existence under the oversight of the elders. When Niema, the head elder, is brutally murdered, the island's security system begins to fail. Prior to her death and fearing the likelihood of violence, Niema programmed the security system so that only the death of her murderer would stop the encroaching fog, for reasons that will later become clear. The story is a
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis
(4/3/2024)
As the story races toward its climax, Neely becomes increasingly unstable, struggling with the literal voices in her head as she tries to separate hallucination from truth. A series of flashbacks and short, heartbreaking chapters escalate the suspense until the truth is revealed in a dark twist that readers won't see coming. Under This Red Rock shines a light on the challenges of mental illness through a brutal murder mystery whose conclusion will shock even the most hardened mystery fans
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Women: A Novel
by Kristin Hannah
(2/7/2024)
Based on years of research and guidance from real-life Vietnam War nurses, The Women vividly describes the horrors of war and the beauty of friendship and forgiveness while honoring the women whose service in Vietnam has been largely ignored.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold
(1/10/2024)
Love is a pervasive theme throughout the story—the love of God, the love of family, the love for one's city and country—and although Rieke's future remains unknown, it's clear that Frieda's story ended with a family who loved her and a granddaughter determined to share her experiences with the world. The Blood Wars is a story of love, faith, and perseverance that honors both the Jews in WWII-era Romania and a young woman who found the strength to hope in the face of darkness.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Reformatory: A Novel
by Tananarive Due
(11/1/2023)
Gracetown, Florida in 1950 is deep in the Jim Crow South and home to the Gracetown School for Boys, a reformatory school with a dark reputation. After kicking a white teenager while defending his older sister Gloria, Robert Stephens Jr., a Black 12-year-old, is sent to Gracetown, where he is thrown into a world of ghosts, brutal punishments and a superintendent with dark motives and darker secrets. Desperate to save her brother, Gloria pushes back against the blatant racism of her town to fight
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I
by Douglas Brunt
(9/20/2023)
Rudolf Diesel was a man ahead of his time. He used creativity and ingenuity to invent things that he truly believed would help society, and he remained optimistic and determined despite many hardships and setbacks. Although the circumstances of his death remain a mystery, Brunt's chronicle of his life and times raises the specter of "what if" and provides a fascinating alternative account of Diesel’s fate. Equal parts biography, military history, and political thriller, T
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner
(5/17/2023)
Meissner's extensive research into this time period and movement is clear in her detailed descriptions of mental institutions and the resistance Helen meets as she advocates for the differently abled. Brutal and heartbreaking, yet ultimately joyful, Only the Beautiful not only shines a light on a dark period in American history but shows the importance of speaking out for what's right.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Spice Road: Spice Road #1
by Maiya Ibrahim
(3/15/2023)
Maiya Ibrahim effectively uses small details to help create a setting that feels entirely real. Readers will feel the heat and emptiness of the Forbidden Wastes, smell the myriad spices in the bazaar and shudder at the brokenness and despair of those whose lives have been destroyed by war. Ibrahim has written a wonderful debut filled with unique magic, vivid imagery, and extensive worldbuilding that will appeal to fans of fantasy, strong female leads, and unbreakable family bonds.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Villa: A Novel
by Rachel Hawkins
(2/1/2023)
The Villa is a story of toxic relationships, dangerous secrets and men who underestimate the women in their lives. Rachel Hawkins's latest is a must-read for devotees of psychological thrillers with twisty endings, fans of dual timelines with unique setups and readers who enjoy strong female leads who do whatever it takes to succeed.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Strike the Zither: Kingdom of Three #1
by Joan He
(11/2/2022)
Strike the Zither is a historical fantasy filled with action and intrigue, humans and gods, loyalty and honor. Although it reimagines a classic Chinese novel, Zither can be read and enjoyed regardless of a reader's knowledge of the source material, and the list of characters and artwork included at the beginning of the book will serve as a helpful guide to the expansive world Joan He has recreated. Fans of Asian literature will appreciate the nods to Chinese mythology and c
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong
(9/21/2022)
Armstrong's story has remarkable depth. Emmaline and Kathleen are two very different individuals, but they both experience significant character growth throughout the story, due largely to the discrimination they're forced to endure. The War Librarian is a book about the power of the written word, as well as a story about following your dreams and fighting inequality in whatever way possible. Fans of strong female leads will enjoy seeing Emmaline and Kathleen overcome adversity, while lov
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Facemaker: A Visionary Surgeon's Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I
by Lindsey Fitzharris
(8/3/2022)
Fitzharris describes Gillies' surgical techniques in detail, and while some specificity helps allow for visualization of the process, the descriptions occasionally become overly complex. The pictures included in the book are of greater benefit, showing several patients before, during and after their surgeries. Equally tragic and inspirational, detailed and thoroughly intriguing, The Facemaker brilliantly recounts the innovative efforts of Harold Gillies as he not only restored the faces o
BookBrowse Editorial Review
River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile
by Candice Millard
(6/22/2022)
Millard spares no detail in describing Speke's slander, and the ruin of Burton's reputation at his former companion's hands is difficult to read, as is Speke's descent into a ceaseless rage that cost him his good name and may have contributed to his death. River of the Gods, much like Millard's previous books, is a story of courage and perseverance, but it's also a harsh look at the history of British exploration and the tragedy of pride and betrayal. Filled with stunning detail, fascinat
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Atomic Anna by Rachel Barenbaum
(5/4/2022)
Part science fiction thriller, part family drama, Atomic Anna is a unique blend of what's best about these genres. Barenbaum has created three generations of flawed but relatable women who must learn to live with the choices of their mothers and the resulting circumstances. The inclusion of time travel provides an intriguing science element as well as a ticking clock to push the characters to find the solutions to their problems. Readers of science fiction, historical fiction and multigen
BookBrowse Editorial Review
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
(3/16/2022)
Included after the epilogue are archival photographs of people, events and daily life in communist Romania, along with a detailed author's note about the revolution and Sepetys's writing process. These additions provide a welcome visual accompaniment to Cristian's story and drive home the stark reality of life in Romania at the time. Cristian is a conflicted yet courageous narrator, and his experiences, unrelatable to most of us, provide an unflinching glimpse into life under Romania's communist
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Beautiful Little Fools: A Novel
(2/2/2022)
This is a tale of powerful women who aren't afraid to take matters into their own hands. Daisy, Jordan and Catherine are drastically different characters, but their interactions with Gatsby and the resulting secrets bind them together in unforgettable ways. Their flaws and their desires make them relatable, while their cleverness and flair make them likable. Cantor's work enriches The Great Gatsby by providing new points of view and adding an interesting twist to the narrative. Fans of hi
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer
(10/6/2021)
In general, the plot is slow to start, but as Luke's research begins to uncover more truths—and as those following him grow more impatient—the pace and suspense begin to build. Chapters become shorter as the book continues, which keeps the story moving, and the last 100 or so pages proceed at a breakneck pace. Santlofer teases the reader with just enough information to keep their interest without truly giving away anything until the very end. There are several twists that are just un
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Windhall by Ava Barry
(4/7/2021)
Windhall is a fast-paced, cleverly-plotted murder mystery that exalts the opulence of Hollywood's Golden Age while also exposing the dark side of the studios and the damaging, sometimes deadly, consequences to those who defied the powerful elites. Although the novel does suffer from a lack of character development, the detailed descriptions give the reader a comprehensive picture of the era and area where Eleanor Hayes was murdered, and Hailey's efforts to solve the mystery keep the plot
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Fortune Favors the Dead: Pentecost and Parker #1
by Stephen Spotswood
(11/4/2020)
The urgency of the case — will the murderer strike again? — keeps the plot moving at a fairly quick pace, but there are plenty of slower, more reflective moments that give balance to the story by placing focus on the characters themselves. In addition to Lillian and Will, there are complex, independent women in almost every other role: bystanders, victim, love interest and suspects. Set in New York City in the mid-1940s, the story reflects the changing position of women in society as
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
(10/21/2020)
The Exiles can't be described as a happy story, but it is inspiring and thought-provoking. Exploring historical events that may be unknown to some readers, Kline offers a unique look at the treatment of those outside of the strict rules and regulations of 19th-century British society. Furthermore, the three points of view tell three distinct stories that intertwine to create a larger picture of friendship, survival and hope. It's a fascinating tale that will appeal to readers with a taste
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Nesting Dolls by Alina Adams
(8/5/2020)
The stories of Daria, Natasha and Zoe fit into one another like the nesting dolls of the book's title. However, it's not until the women of the family finally begin to share their stories with one another that they realize the importance of the past, and that sometimes getting what you need is better than getting what you want. Adams has created a beautiful story containing rich descriptions, impossible decisions and a family filled with both exasperation and love.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Book of V. by Anna Solomon
(6/24/2020)
This is very much a character-driven book with a strong focus on the personal growth and conflicts of Esther, Vee and Lily. Solomon chooses to focus the struggles of all three women around marriage, albeit in very different ways. At their heart, all three stories are about female autonomy—or lack thereof, in Esther's case—and carefully examine how a woman's place and role has changed but in some respects remained the same over the centuries. Featuring three women from societies with
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
(3/4/2020)
Although mystery lovers may be able to pick up on many of the clues, Swanson expertly subverts the usual tropes to create a haunting conclusion that harkens back to one of Agatha Christie's most famous novels. The book stands out among the current field of domestic dramas and foreign detectives as a celebration of the genre.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes
(2/5/2020)
Although a few subplots are wrapped up, many of the characters' fates are left open-ended, and while it's not necessary to always give everyone a happy ending, another chapter or two could've provided a better degree of closure. That being said, there is a general feeling of optimism for the characters who do get proper endings. For those looking for a quick read that explores the concept of one man's trash being another man's treasure, Luke Geddes' debut will hit the spot.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand
(11/13/2019)
With a spunky heroine, her odd but earnest partner, and a dazzling yet dark setting, Hand has created a page-turning tale that perfectly balances fiction with the true history of Riverview. Additionally, the inclusion of themes such as gender identity and the objectification of young girls make Curious Toys a story that is relevant for modern times while still maintaining the feel of early 20th century Chicago.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Fireborne: The Aurelian Cycle Book 1
by Rosaria Munda
(10/30/2019)
Numerous YA novels focus on the beginnings of revolution, but few feature the aftermath, and Munda has stepped into that gap to explore what happens after the fighting is done and everything isn't necessarily as happy and peaceful as people thought it would be. The action and ferocity of the dragon battles keep the pace moving, but it's truly Annie, Lee and their complex history that make Fireborne a fantastic beginning to this trilogy.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Winemaker's Wife by Kristin Harmel
(9/4/2019)
The novel has a fairly predictable story, but it shares the lesser-known tale of the French winemakers and their role in fighting back against the Nazis. Although these specific events are fictional, Harmel is able to bring life to the landscape and the people of the Champagne region of France through her intricate descriptions of winemaking and her vivid depictions of the vineyards and the wine cellars.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Deception Cove: Neah Bay Book 1
by Owen Laukkanen
(5/29/2019)
Deception Cove has plenty of adrenaline and edge-of-your-seat moments, but those moments are balanced with the deeper emotional connections between Jess and Mason, as well as by their love for Lucy. Not your typical thriller, Laukkanen has crafted a story of forgiveness, loyalty and love with interesting characters and a beautifully wild landscape that brilliantly sets the stage for follow-up novels.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
(5/1/2019)
Elly Griffiths has skillfully created a story within a story, and blended the two together in a natural and interesting fashion. The Stranger Diaries is a modern murder mystery featuring a ghost story and an ominous setting that builds upon the framework of the countless Gothic romance novels that came before.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia
by Christina Thompson
(4/3/2019)
Unfortunately, even centuries of research aren't enough to come to a final conclusion regarding the origins of the first Polynesians. Thompson presents many of the pieces of this historical puzzle, but there are still essential parts missing. Nevertheless, Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia presents a colorful and thorough picture of a Polynesian culture that is today returning to its roots by reviving ancient practices and traditions, such as wayfinding.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
(3/6/2019)
Finding Dorothy is a fictionalized yet thoroughly researched peek behind the curtain of the famous stories of Oz, exploring the lives of Maud and Frank and their experiences that later surfaced in Baum's famous novels, including one that inspired a classic American film. Elizabeth Letts narrates Maud Gage Baum's biography eloquently, while reminding readers that they should never lose hope that a brighter day is waiting just beyond the rainbow.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
News of Our Loved Ones by Abigail DeWitt
(1/9/2019)
News of Our Loved Ones may be fiction, but it is reminiscent of so many war survival stories, the legacies of which still impact us today. It is a story of war and loss, but it's also a story of family and love and how our stories shape the next generation.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke
(10/3/2018)
The Boneless Mercies is an epic fantasy filled with fierce heroines, strong friendships, and a quest for greatness. Their friendships are realistic and moving; there are moments of joy and laughter, as well as tension and anger, but there's a true sense of camaraderie underlying it all.