Cementville by Paulette Livers

On the opening page of this amazing novel, seven black hearses roll down the highway toward the small  Kentucky town Continue reading →

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A sprawling tale of love and loss, Americanah tracks the immigrant experience of two Nigerians, childhood sweethearts who seek to Continue reading →

Murder In The Ball Park by Robert Goldsborough

Nero Wolfe lives. Although Rex Stout, creator of the popular series, died in 1975, the iconic investigator continues to thrive Continue reading →

Swann’s Lake of Despair by Charles Salzberg

Henry Swann is back. Both smart and smart talking, he embodies the voice and spirit of the classic hardboiled detective, Continue reading →

The Black Hour by Lori Rader-Day

This debut novel tackles one of society’s ongoing horrors: random violence and its aftermath. Shot at point blank range, Chicago sociology Continue reading →

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

Don’t be put off by the first few pages of this expansive, wonderful book. What starts with the whiny voice Continue reading →

Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932 by Francine Prose

In 1932, French law prohibited women from wearing more than five items of men’s clothing at any one time. Those Continue reading →

Masie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

The Maise Dobbs mystery series is ten books-strong. This, the first, introduces the intrepid young woman who pulls herself up Continue reading →