Starred Reviews for Rumaan Alam, Samantha Sotto Yambao, Stephen Spotswood, Holly Stars, and more!

“Another excellent book by one of Chile’s most important contemporary voices.” —Booklist, starred review

“As readers saw in Alam’s previous novel, Leave the World Behind, there is a palpable sense of dread running through this highly recommended book as well. In this case, it is not an existential threat to humanity; it’s the train wreck that is Brooke’s life. Readers may see it coming, but they won’t be able to look away.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Stayman-London’s follow-up to One to Watch (2020) is clever, richly imagined, and downright fun.” —Booklist, starred review

“Readers who have been swept up in the cozy charm of Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi and The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee will fall hard for the mix of magical realism, fantasy mystery, and star-crossed romance in this novel from Sotto Yambao (The Beginning of Always). Highly recommended.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Walker and Anderson craft a thought-provoking, profoundly moving adventure story. Not to be missed.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Mystery readers in general would do well to place this series on their TBR lists to enjoy the twists and turns that make these titles a joy to read.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Highly recommended for readers who love mythological retellings like Madeline Miller’s Circe or those who enjoy tales of fierce women seizing control of their own destiny.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Leong’s debut is a delightful cozy fantasy that will appeal to fans of Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree and A Pirate’s Life for Tea by Rebecca Thorne.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Stars’s drag-themed cozy mystery debut is a must-purchase. Give it to fans of Kitty Murphy, Rob Osler, and Frank Anthony Polito.” —Library Journal, starred review

“This fun, well-written adventure romance from Segura (Raiders of the Lost Heart) is unputdownable. Perfect for readers who enjoy a slow burn, witty banter, and plot twists and turns.” —Library Journal, starred review

“A wonderfully tender and sexy story full of swoon-worthy lines and perfect moments that will elicit smiles, sighs, and tears and keep readers thoroughly invested in the happily-ever-after.” —Library Journal, starred review

“At times a meditation on romance, reality vs. fantasy, ghosts, and the power of written words, this metaphysical novel examines the questionable value of timekeeping while thoroughly exploring unconditional love, self-imposed constraints, and deaths of one’s body and soul.” —Library Journal, starred review

“The iconic Atwood (Dearly) has produced nearly as many volumes of poetry as fiction. Here, she creates a grand showcase of verse selected from more than a dozen collections and includes about two dozen uncollected poems. The result is classic Atwood—conversational, nearly insouciant, yet with a fierceness of perception and conviction that cuts to the bone.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Tipping her literary cap to Stephen King’s The Shining, Konen serves up a superbly crafted novel of suspense that will thrill and delight fans of Lucy Foley, Alice Feeney, and Sarah Pearse.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Another bright and gratifying love story from Cousens (The Good Part). She tackles the enemies-to-lovers trope with characteristic humor and thoughtfulness, while injecting it with complex characters and realistic situations.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Written with great humor and heart, Palit’s exemplary debut not only offers readers a beguiling combination of wit-imbued writing and a deliciously entertaining grumpy/sunshine romance but also a thoughtful, empathetic look at one woman’s efforts to connect with her family’s cultural heritage.” —Booklist, starred review

“Knowelden’s performance is so charismatic and detailed that listeners will laugh at every scoff and playful jab. With its winning romantic payoff, this performance is a crown jewel.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Jorjeana Marie’s captivating narration brings this Narnia-inspired gateway fantasy to life.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“t’s a deeply satisfying performance, even more impressive for the fact that Flanagan refuses to show off her own high kicks and dazzle, opting instead to focus the listener’s attention on the novel’s characters whose ages and personalities are simply utterly distinct and real to us. Her skill and control are a quiet marvel.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Rey’s vocal prowess and command of accents give the characters depth and dimension, allowing listeners to laugh, cry, and fall in love with them.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Everhart’s (Wanderlust) latest is a perfect love story for cautious wounded hearts who need a bit of hope.” —Library Journal, starred review

“A piercing and thought-provoking must-listen. This is storytelling at its finest.” —Library Journal, starred review

“A compelling thriller based on the work of actual 19th-century doctors, serving as a chilling reminder that women have long been deprived of bodily autonomy.” —Library Journal, starred review

“This is a powerful work with beautiful prose, heartbreaking dialogue, and emotional heft. The superb narration enhances the book, making it a valuable addition to any audio fiction collection.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Huston’s (Skinner) newest is an excellent listen for those seeking a reality-bending fantasy with a quirky protagonist. Libraries hoping to offer tales that are off the beaten path will want to check this out.” —Library Journal, starred review

“This will have listeners believing in a new, inclusive resurgence of the urban fantasy subgenre. Recommended for fans of Laurell K. Hamilton’s “Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter” series.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Listeners seeking endearing characters and spooky vibes will be enchanted with this winning rom-com. Share with fans of Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics or Lana Harper’s From Bad to Cursed.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Filled with meet-cutes, misunderstandings, and nervous feelings of first love, Ellis (Love & Other Scams) offers a delightful queer rom-com that addresses serious societal issues.” —Library Journal, starred review

“The history and cultural perpetuation of disordered eating, especially in women, are deeply, compellingly explored. A must-buy.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Narrators Caroline Lee and Geraldine Hakewill weave the threads of this tense exploration of free will.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Crews’s novel, published in 1988, is finally on audio, and it’s worth the wait. Matt Godfrey’s masterful storytelling brings it to life.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Powers’s hushed tones and fascinating multilingual expressions make the Lady’s despair and deep understanding of her situation completely believable.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Lovely One is an essential addition for all public and academic libraries that will resonate with and inspire a broad audience of listeners and dreamers who enjoy memoir, history, and civics.” —Booklist Starred Review

“With her deep, husky voice, legendary singer Staples reads her own moving picture book
biography about an exemplary career that took her from early days performing in Midwest Baptist
churches to playing packed venues around the world.” —Booklist Starred Review