Black Summer by M. W. Craven

 

M.W. Craven continues to impress with the second book in the Washington Poe series. Set immediately after the events of the first book, The Puppet Show , this installment presents Poe with another challenging case.

Six years ago, Washington Poe led the investigation that resulted in the conviction of the charismatic chef Jared Keaton for the murder of his daughter, Elizabeth. Although her body was never found, Poe gathered enough evidence for a conviction. Now, a woman has emerged, claiming to be Elizabeth, shifting the focus to Poe and raising questions about his investigation. When this woman mysteriously disappears again, suspicion turns toward Poe. He finds himself needing Tilly Bradshaw's assistance to clear his name and uncover the truth about what really happened to Elizabeth: is she alive or dead?

Craven excels at twisty thrillers with intricate plots. His breakneck pacing keeps me engaged, and I love his characters. Tilly is a quirky character, and her relationship with Poe rings true. The writing is good and, at times, witty. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series. 

4.5/5 stars.

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Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel

 I was initially confused until I realized that the story features look-alike characters with different names across alternate worlds. Once I figured this out, I couldn't put the book down.

It's 2031, and the United States has collapsed. Areas are now republics run by militias. In Los Angeles, when the curfew is finally lifted, Kareem Fayed throws a party to celebrate. Gloria, accompanied by her roommate Ari, decides to attend only to have the host disappear, and doppelgangers of Gloria and another friend show up. 

In a parallel universe, the United States is a surveillance state run by the Service. Citizens are encouraged to report individuals who criticize the State or otherwise act in an unharmonious manner. When a physics experiment goes awry, it sets off a chain of events that affect both worlds.

I am amazed at how deftly St. John Mandel builds both worlds and how each character is identifiable in each situation. It's a story about human resilience in the face of the unimaginable. As with all of her books, Exit Party is an elegantly written novel with memorable characters and settings. I have read most of her books, and this one ranks up there with my favorite, Station Eleven. 

4.5/5 stars. 

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Infinite Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver

Infinite Wisdom is Weaver's second book in his Wisdom series, following Artificial Wisdom, a science fiction techno-thriller, which set the stage for this compelling novel. Set in the near future, the series depicts a world on the brink of collapse following a catastrophic climate crisis. Both books offer an engaging look at a future society influenced by AI. If you haven't read Artificial Wisdom yet, I recommend skipping this review; it contains spoilers relating to that book.

It is now five years after the high-stakes election pitting Solomon, an advanced artificial intellect, against a former US president. With the world on the brink of collapse, nations and their systems of government dissolve, and governance falls to a single individual. People now have neurochips that enable the world leader to connect with everyone. Mandated to terraform Earth and restore the climate, Solomon faces civil unrest and resistance. Losing his patience, Solomon calls for a referendum: all individuals must vote either to Upgrade and irrevocably merge their human consciousness with Solomon to delete their destructive ways, or to Unplug, bricking every digital chip on Earth (including Solomon), forcing civilization to restart from a pre-digital era.

The story shifts locations and follows Marcus Tully and his friends, who are the individuals closest to Solomon, as they waver about which direction society should take. There are moral dilemmas and personal conflicts to contend with, as well as the challenge of trying to save society. 

Despite the scope and complexity of its universe, the story never bogs down. Exceptional world-building makes for an immersive environment that feels both vast and meticulously thought out. I'm not sure if there will be another book in the series, if not, this is an excellent conclusion. 

4.5/5 stars.

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Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan

 

Whether you love, dislike, or are somewhere in between in your feelings about President Donald Trump, if you follow current events, you should read this book. It is a fascinating and insightful look into the White House and the people who surround President Trump, making it essential for understanding recent political developments. 

The authors, although biased at times, give an unflinching account of how decisions were made on situations ranging from the imposition of tariffs to the decision to engage in war in Iran. Their behind-the-scenes insights can make you feel more connected to the inner workings of power, heightening curiosity about political decision-making. 

The book does a good job of explaining the roles of the powerful figures surrounding Trump and how they rose to prominence during his second administration.  It helps one grasp how Trump’s current actions may have lasting effects on the presidency, making one feel more aware of ongoing political shifts. 

Driven by his need to stamp his name and beliefs on everything ranging from the role of the president to his place in history, this mercurial man has surrounded himself with flatterers and packed committees with loyalists to achieve his goals. He has weaponized the Department of Justice to prosecute his perceived enemies, and is trying to erase the balance of power that exists to rein in the presidency. This is a turning point for the American government and a wake-up call for all Americans.

I found this book hard to put down. I was surprised by how the authors were able to obtain detailed information about meetings and behind-the-scenes decisions. Anyone who wants to be well informed about current events and global politics should read this book.  

5/5 stars.

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Everything Happens So Much by Andrew H. Murray

 Everything Happens So Much has been compared to Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but while both are absurdist science-fiction romps, Murray's execution falls short. His over-the-top quirkiness becomes tiring halfway through, and I found the main character unsympathetic. 

Esme Good is so bored with her life that she is addicted to The Elsewheres, a potion that transports users to a 15-minute alternate reality to spice things up. After a meeting with her boss doesn't go as intended and she faces an even more dismal future, she takes a dose of The Elsewheres and finds herself in a universe where she is suddenly a very important person. This forces her to step outside her submissive self and become someone beyond her comfort zone to set things right in her universe. 

I had a problem relating to Esme, especially her lack of ambition. Even when she tries to change and things go awry, she remains unsympathetic. I liked the premise, but the forced humor didn't sit well. The book explores loneliness and self-reliance well. Esme grows as a character and rises to her challenges, proving she doesn't need to escape into alternate realities to find happiness. 

2.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company, for an advance copy of this book for review in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is November 10, 2026.

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The Body in the Bath by Ragnar Jonasson

 

This is the third book featuring Icelandic detective Helgi Reykdal, known for his relatable struggles and dedication. Death at the Sanatorium  and The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer , are the first and second books in the series, respectively. This time, Helgi is fighting for his freedom after being accused of a crime he didn't commit.

One month after the death of Anita, the love of his life, Helgi, feeling lost and burdened by grief, returns to work. Haunted by the belief that his former girlfriend, Bergpora, purposefully ran down Anita, Helgi tries to distract himself by digging into the disappearance of Hulda, a former detective who vanished and is presumed dead. But when Bergpora is found dead, and Helgi is suspected of killing her, his focus shifts from the cold case to saving himself from prison.

I enjoy this series, despite Jonasson's penchant for ending his books on a cliffhanger. All three of his books in this series feature compelling plots, and Helgi's personal struggles add depth. The well-translated Icelandic narratives beautifully showcase Iceland and its people. If you love Nordic noir crime thrillers, I highly recommend this series. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is November 10, 2026.

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The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman

I enjoy Alice Hoffman's stories, especially those involving witches and magic (see Practical Magic). Her books are not in the fantasy genre but rather in the magical realism vein. That's a big difference for me.

Set at Radcliffe College in the 1950s, it follows two women: Ava, a young woman whose abilities as a witch were kept from her, and Lauren, from a prominent Cambridge family who uses her magic whenever possible. Both are selected to join the Lilith Society, a college secret society for witches only. Here they learn the history of witches in Massachusetts, especially the Salem witch trials. It is here that Ava discovers letters written in the 1600s that help her understand witchcraft and the burden that goes with it. As Lauren and Ava bond, they rely on each other to navigate the politically charged era of McCarthyism, misogyny, and the limited freedom women were allowed. 

This book opened my eyes to just how recent women were allowed societal freedom. Even now, as our right to govern our own bodies is being withdrawn, we still have rights we (I) take for granted. The Witches of Cambridge is an entertaining and enlightening book. It is beautifully written and weaves the past and present into a riveting read. I loved how Ava and Lauren grew as women and how they drew on each other's strengths. I believe this may be the beginning of a new series. If so, I can't wait for the next book.

 4/5 stars.

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