The Wood Nymph and the Cranky Saint
Daimbert returns to Yurt for another cozy fantasy adventure, but a jumble of disconnected mysteries, an irritating new wizard, and an abrupt climax leave this sequel far short of *A Bad Spell in Yurt*'s charm. Even a delightful wood nymph can't quite save it.
Lethe
An ambitious, idea-dense debut with aquatic hybrids, psychic dolphins, wormholes, cyclops tribes, and a mysteriously idyllic world. The first two-thirds are gripping and full of promise, but a muddled final stretch and weak payoff keep it from fully cashing in on its fascinating setup.
Alien Nation: Extreme Prejudice
An unexpectedly thoughtful Alien Nation tie-in featuring a Pittsburgh-set murder mystery, creeping horror, and surprisingly nuanced explorations of racism. What could have been campy franchise fiction turns out to be a genuinely enjoyable police procedural.
Double Mobius Sphere
A deceptively dense first-contact mystery about a child prodigy, a starship crew, and humanity's place in the universe. Packed with mathematics, science, and philosophy, it's a fascinating exploration of big questions—even if the ending offers more heart than answers.
Guilt-Edged Ivory
Theo and Ran return to Ivory for a murder mystery full of aristocratic intrigue. It's an enjoyable read, but the low stakes and focus on the whodunit leave less room for the rich relationships that made the earlier books so exceptional.
Far Edge of Darkness
A group of modern-day strangers find themselves enslaved in ancient Rome, caught in a dangerous time-travel conspiracy. A well-written, suspenseful action novel that's solidly enjoyable, even if its central mystery proves more compelling than its resolution.
House of Illusion
A young librarian visits her eccentric aunt's mysterious estate, hoping for adventure. An intriguing opening, a charming mechanic, and some genuinely terrible plotting make for a deeply disappointing Gothic mystery.
Tea with the Black Dragon
A supposedly fantastical romance-thriller whose dragons barely dragon, characters barely investigate, and technical jargon never seems to end. At least Mayland Long is likable.
Those Who Hunt the Night
A Victorian vampire murder mystery with exceptional characterization, rich historical detail, and a conclusion that doesn't quite live up to the journey.