Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a slow build story about a sound editor and aging actor awakening long dormant magic from Nazi occultism hidden in a Mexican horror movie. Recommended.
Books
Review: Emergent Properties
Emergent Properties by Aimee Ogden features an AI investigating corporate machinations while caught between zir powerful, feuding mothers. This novella is fun, fast, and contemplates being your own person in the face of expectations. Recommended.
Review: The Deep Sky
The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei combines a compelling mystery with interesting technology, family strife, and lots of bird facts. This science fiction novel rests on excellent world building and is worth your time. Highly recommended.
Review: Speak of the Devil
Speak of the Devil by Rose Wilding is a hell of a ride. Her depiction of gaslighting is as devastating as it is accurate. Follow seven women as they try to figure out who among them killed the horrible man that connects them all together. Can they find the murderer before the police do? And if they find out who killed him, will they protect her? Highly recommended.
Review: The Last Drop of Hemlock
The Last Drop of Hemlock is a beautifully depicted mystery during the Jazz Age in New York City. Vivian Kelly must solve who is threatening her neighbors, friends, and sister while staying ahead of the police and figuring out where she stands with her boss. This delightful mystery does not disappoint. Recommended.
Review: Built from the Fire
Built from the Fire by Victor Luckerson tells the story of Greenwood, OK through generations of the Goodwin family. This book chronicles the changes from Tulsa Race Massacre to the present day challenges faced by the citizens of Greenwood. Highly Recommended.
Review: Paradise-1
Paradise-1 by David Wellington is a big book full of big ideas. It's also a fun read with interesting characters like Alexandra Petrova. Highly recommended.
Review: March’s End
March's End is Polansky at peak form; he's a writer who improves with each book; and he's a writer you should be reading. Highly Recommended
Review: Spring’s Arcana
Spring's Arcana is an enjoyable opening to The Dead God's Heart duology. Follow Nat as she enters a world of gods in attempt to save her mother's life, or at least pay the hospital bills. Flying vans, car monsters, and a Cinderella moment make this a fun fantasy despite it being an incomplete story. Highly recommended.
Review: The Body by the Sea
The Body by the Sea by Jean-Luc Bannalec follows Georges Dupin as he tries to solve the murder of one of Concarneau's wealthier citizens. This police procedural also acts as a tour through Concarneau. Highly recommended.