Featuring: Stacey Abrams, Harvey Araton, Nicole Baart, Josiah Bancroft, I. S. Berry, Tobias S. Buckell, Martin Clark, Tom Hanks, Richard Kadrey, Cassandra Khaw, Jonathan Lethem, Max Marshall, Martha Wells

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Stacey Abrams, ROGUE JUSTICE (Doubleday)

A blackmailed federal judge, a secret court and a brazen murder may lead to an unprecedented national crisis…

Supreme Court clerk Avery Keene is back, trying to get her feet on solid ground after unraveling an international conspiracy in While Justice Sleeps. But as the sparks of Congressional hearings and political skirmishes swirl around her, Avery is approached at a legal conference by Preston Davies, an unassuming young man and fellow law clerk to a federal judge in Idaho. Davies believes his boss, Judge Francesca Whitner, was being blackmailed in the days before she died. Desperate to understand what happened, he gives Avery a file, a burner phone, and a fearful warning that there are highly dangerous people involved.

Another shocking murder leads Avery to a list of names – all federal judges – and, alarmingly, all judges on the FISA Court (the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court), also known as America’s “secret court.” It is this body which grants permission to the government to wiretap Americans or spy on corporations suspected of terrorism. As Avery digs deeper, she begins to see a frightening pattern – and she worries that something far more sinister may be unfolding inside the nation’s third branch of government. With lives at stake, Avery must race the clock and an unexpected enemy to find the answer.

The second novel starring Avery Keene. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since it was announced (I very much enjoyed While Justice Sleeps), and started reading it as soon as I got it. Happy to report that it gets going quickly, and kept me hooked from start to finish. Let’s hope for more in the series! Rogue Justice is out now, published by Doubleday in North America, and Harper Collins in the UK.

Also on CR: Review of While Justice Slept

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Harvey Araton, CRASHING THE BORDERS (Free Press)

The game of basketball has gone global and is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. Talented players from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa are literally crashing the borders as the level of their game now often equals that of the American pros, who no longer are sure winners in international competition and who must compete with foreign players for coveted spots on NBA rosters. Yet that refreshing world outlook stands in stark contrast to the game’s troubled image here at home. The concept of team play in the NBA has declined as the league’s marketers and television promoters have placed a premium on hyping individual stars instead of teams, and the players have come to see that big-buck contracts and endorsements come to those who selfishly demand the spotlight for themselves.

In this taut, simmering book, Harvey Araton points his finger at the greed and exploitation that has weakened the American game and opens a discussion on the volatile, undiscussed subject that lies at the heart of basketball’s crisis: race. It begins, he argues, at the college level, where, too often, undereducated, inner-city talents are expected to perform for the benefit of affluent white crowds and to fill the coffers of their respective schools in what Araton calls a kind of “modern-day minstrel show.” Harvey Araton knows the players well enough to see beyond the stereotypes, and by combining passion and knowledge he calls on the NBA to heal itself and, with a hopeful sense of the possible, he points the way to a better future.

I’ve been doing some research on the NBA, politics, and its place in the world more broadly, and so I picked up Araton’s book on a bit of a whim. I started reading it the same day I bought it, and what I found was an interesting discussion of the changing nature of the NBA from the 1990s to the mid-2000s (with a sprinkling of history in there, too). It was interesting to put Araton’s analysis and observations into a contemporary context, and much of what he says appears to hold up — in some cases, to have become even more true as time has passed. It’s an interesting and engaging read, well-written. Crashing the Borders was published by Free Press, back in 2005 (paperback edition, which I have, released in 2008).

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Nicole Baart, THE LONG WAY BACK (Atria Books)

When an Instagram-famous teenager mysteriously disappears, her mother grapples with the revelation of dark secrets…

Mother and daughter Charlie and Eva never sought social media fame, but when a stunning photo of Eva went viral, fame found them. Now, after more than two years documenting life on the road in their vintage Airstream trailer, the duo has temporarily settled on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Eva is happily finishing her senior year of high school and applying to college, but Charlie longs for the adventures they left behind.

When Eva goes missing less than a week before her graduation, it’s Charlie who is immediately suspected of foul play — not just by their fans, but also by the police and the FBI. As a fight about one more road trip comes to light, and the truth about their relationship is questioned, Charlie realizes the rosy facade they portrayed online hid a complicated and potentially dangerous reality. Now, to clear her name and find out what has happened to her daughter, she’ll have to confront her own role in Eva’s disappearance — and whether she knows her daughter at all.

Thought this sounded interesting, and I was offered it for review consideration. Hope to give it a read soon-ish. The Long Way Back is due to be published by Atria Books in North America and in the UK, on June 13th.

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter
Review copy received via Edelweiss

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Josiah Bancroft, THE HEXOLOGISTS (Orbit)

The Hexologists, Iz and Warren Wilby, are quite accustomed to helping desperate clients with the bugbears of city life. Aided by hexes and a bag of charmed relics, the Wilbies have recovered children abducted by chimney-wraiths, removed infestations of barb-nosed incubi, and ventured into the Gray Plains of the Unmade to soothe a troubled ghost. Well-acquainted with the weird, they never shy away from a challenging case.

But when they are approached by the royal secretary and told the king pleads to be baked into a cake — going so far as to wedge himself inside a lit oven — the Wilbies soon find themselves embroiled in a mystery that could very well see the nation turned on its head. Their effort to expose a royal secret buried under forty years of lies brings them nose to nose with a violent anti-royalist gang, avaricious ghouls, alchemists who draw their power from a hell-like dimension, and a bookish dragon who only occasionally eats people.

Armed with a love toughened by adversity and a stick of chalk that can conjure light from the darkness, hope from the hopeless, Iz and Warren Wilby are ready for whatever springs from the alleys, graves, and shadows next.

The first in a new series by the author of the acclaimed Books of Babel series. Sounds kind of interesting (the “king pleads to be baked into a cake” sounds a little odd, though), and looking forward to giving it a try. The Hexologists is due to be published by Orbit Books in North America (September 26th) and in the UK (September 28th).

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads
Review copy received via NetGalley

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I. S. Berry, THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW (Atria)

During the Arab Spring, an American spy’s final mission goes dangerously awry in this eerily realistic and sophisticated espionage debut from a former CIA officer that is perfect for fans of John le Carré, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Alan Furst.

Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain off the coast of Saudi Arabia for his final tour, he has little use for his mission — uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency against the monarchy. He certainly has no use for his naïve and ambitious twenty-eight-year-old station chief. Then Collins meets Almaisa, a beautiful and enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask.

When his trusted informant becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict, his growing romance with Almaisa — and his loyalties — upended. In an instant, he’s caught in the crosshairs of a revolution. Drawing on all his skills as a spymaster, he must navigate a bloody uprising, earn Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.

I think I first learned of this from Alma Katsu, who tweeted about enjoying it a while back. So, as a fan of Katsu’s espionage work, I decided to pick this one up to read. Hoping to do so very soon. The Peacock and the Sparrow is out now, published by Atria Books in North America and in the UK.

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Review copy received via NetGalley

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Tobias S. Buckell, A STRANGER IN THE CITADEL (Tachyon)

At the revolutionary crossroads of magic, betrayal, and long-forgotten truths, a naïve, compassionate royal and a determined, hunted librarian discover a dangerous world of mortal and ancient menaces.

The life of the youngest musketress of Ninetha has been one of hard training. But Lilith’s days have also contained many pleasures, the royal privileges of her family’s guardianship of the Cornucopia, a mystical source of limitless bounty. Lilith has never seen a book, and she never expects to encounter one within the safety of the citadel.

When Ishmael, an outcast librarian, shows up outside the Afriq Gate, Lilith saves him from immediate execution by her father’s second-in-command, the zealot Kira. As Lilith’s curiosity draws her to Ishmael, she lets slip her family’s most dangerous secret to Kira, sparking a deadly rebellion and an unexpected journey full of stunning revelations.

Thought this sounded really interesting. I haven’t read much of Buckell’s work, but what I have tried I’ve enjoyed. Looking forward to diving into this one. A Stranger in the Citadel is due to be published by Tachyon Publications in North America and in the UK, on October 17th.

Also on CR: Review of The Executioness

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Review copy received via NetGalley

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Martin Clark, THE PLINKO BOUNCE (Rare Bird Books)

For seventeen years, small-town public defender Andy Hughes has been underpaid to look after the poor, the addicted, and the unfortunate souls who constantly cycle through the courts, charged with petty crimes.

Then, in the summer of 2020, he’s assigned to a grotesque murder case that brings national media focus to rural Patrick County, Virginia — Alicia Benson, the wife of a wealthy businessman, is murdered in her home. The accused killer, Damian Bullins, is a cunning felon with a long history of violence, and he confesses to the police. He even admits his guilt to Andy.

But a simple typographical error and a shocking discovery begin to complicate the state’s case, making it possible Bullins might escape punishment. Duty-bound to give his client a thorough defense, Andy — despite his misgivings — agrees to fight for a not-guilty verdict, a decision that will ultimately force him to make profound, life-and-death choices, both inside and outside the courtroom.

I’ve only read one other novel by Martin Clark, The Substitution Order, which I very much enjoyed. I’ve been meaning to read more of his work — in particular The Legal Limit, which a family member enjoyed and recommended — so when I was offered The Plinko Bounce for consideration, I jumped at the chance. The Plinko Bounce is due to be published by Rare Bird Books in North America and in the UK, on September 12th.

Also on CR: Review of The Substitution Order

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads
Review copy received from publisher

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Tom Hanks, THE MAKING OF ANOTHER MOTION PICTURE MASTERPIECE (Knopf)

Part One of this story takes place in 1947. A troubled soldier, returning from the war, meets his talented five-year-old nephew, leaves an indelible impression, and then disappears for twenty-three years.

Cut to 1970: The nephew, now drawing underground comic books in Oakland, California, reconnects with his uncle and, remembering the comic book he saw when he was five, draws a new version with his uncle as a World War II fighting hero.

Cut to the present day: A commercially successful director discovers the 1970 comic book and decides to turn it into a contemporary superhero movie.

Cue the cast: We meet the film’s extremely difficult male star, his wonderful leading lady, the eccentric writer/director, the producer, the gofer production assistant, and everyone else on both sides of the camera.

Bonus material: Interspersed throughout are three comic books that are featured in the story—all created by Tom Hanks himself—including the comic book that becomes the official tie-in to this novel’s “major motion picture masterpiece.”

This has been on my most-anticipated list ever since it was announced. I very much enjoyed Hanks’s short story collections, Uncommon Type, so I’m very interested to see what he does with a full-length novel. I’ll be reading this very soon. The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece is out now, published by Knopf in North America and Hutchinson Heinemann in the UK.

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Review copy received via Edelweiss

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Cassandra Khaw & Richard Kadrey, THE DEAD TAKE THE A TRAIN (Tor Nightfire)

Julie Crews is a coked-up, burnt-out thirty-something who packs a lot of magic into her small body. She’s been trying to establish herself in the NYC magic scene, and she’ll work the most gruesome gigs to claw her way to the top.

Julie is desperate for a quick career boost to break the dead-end grind, but her pleas draw the attention of an eldritch god who is hungry for revenge. Her power grab sets off a deadly chain of events that puts her closest friends – and the entire world – directly in the path of annihilation.

The first explosive adventure in the Carrion City Duology, The Dead Take the A Train fuses Khaw’s cosmic horror and Kadrey’s gritty fantasy into a full-throttle thrill ride straight into New York’s magical underbelly.

The first novel in the authors’ Carrion City series. I’m a fan of both of these authors’ work, so very much looking forward to reading what they’ve come up with together. (Also, the premise is highly intriguing.) The Dead Take the A Train is due to be published by Tor Nightfire in North America and Titan Books in the UK, on October 3rd.

Also on CR: Interview with Cassandra Khaw (2016); Guest Post on “Everything is Exhausting” (Khaw); Reviews of Walk Among Us (Khaw), Sandman Slim, Kill the Dead, Aloha From Hell, Devil in the Dollhouse, Devil Said Bang, Kill City Blues, (Kadrey)

Follow the Author (Khaw): Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter
Follow the Author (Kadrey): Website, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter
Review copy received via NetGalley

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Jonathan Lethem, BROOKLYN CRIME NOVEL (Ecco)

On the streets of 1970s Brooklyn, a daily ritual goes down: the dance. Money is exchanged, belongings surrendered, power asserted. The promise of violence lies everywhere, a currency itself. For these children, Black, brown, and white, the street is a stage in shadow. And in the wings hide the other players: parents; cops; renovators; landlords; those who write the headlines, the histories, and laws; those who award this neighborhood its name.

The rules appear obvious at first. But in memory’s prism, criminals and victims may seem to trade places. The voices of the past may seem to rise and gather as if in harmony, then make war with one another. A street may seem to crack open and reveal what lies behind its glimmering facade. None who lived through it are ever permitted to forget.

A new crime novel from Lethem. He’s an author I still haven’t had much experience with, for some reason, despite liking the sound of most of his books (and owning them, too). Maybe I’ll finally break my habit of “saving for later” and get to this sooner rather than later? Preferably, before it’s published, too. Brooklyn Crime Novel is due to be published by Ecco in North America (October 3rd) and Atlantic Books in the UK (November 2nd).

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads
Review copy received via Edelweiss

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Max Marshall, AMONG THE BROS (Harper)

When Max Marshall arrived on the campus of the College of Charleston in 2018, he hoped to investigate a small-time fraternity Xanax trafficking ring. Instead, he found a homicide, several student deaths, and millions of dollars circulating around the Deep South. He also opened up an elite world hidden to outsiders. Behind the pop culture cliches of “Greek life” lies one of the major breeding grounds of American power: 80 percent of Fortune 500 executives, 85 percent of Supreme Court justices, and all but four presidents since 1825 have been fraternity members. With unprecedented immersion, this book takes readers inside that bubble.

Under the live oaks and Spanish moss of Travel + Leisure’s “Most Beautiful Campus in America,” Marshall traces several “C of C” boys’ journeys from fraternity pledges to interstate drug traffickers. The result is a true-life story of hubris, status, money, drugs, and murder — one that lifts a curtain on an ecstatic and disturbing way of life. With expert pacing and a cool eye, he follows a never-ending party that continues after funerals and mass arrests.

The world of fraternities/sororities in North American universities is fascinating to me. Weird, but also fascinating. So, this book’s synopsis really caught my attention. I’ll be reading this very soon. Among the Bros is due to be published by Harper Collins in North America and in the UK, on November 7th.

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads
Review copy received via NetGalley

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Martha Wells, CITY OF BONES (Tor.com)

The city of Charisat, a tiered monolith of the Ancients’ design, sits on the edge of the vast desert known as the Waste. Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working in the bottom tiers of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors.

When Khat is hired by the all-powerful Warders to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients’ arcane engines, he, and his party, begin unravelling the mysteries of an age-old technology.

This they expected.

They soon find themselves as the last line of defense between the suffering masses of Charisat and a fanatical cult, bent on unleashing an evil upon the city with an undying thirst for bone.

That, they did not expect.

This updated and revised edition is the author’s preferred text.

This is a re-issue of one Wells’s 1995 novel. With the success of the author’s Murderbot Diaries books, it’s great that earlier novels, perhaps missed by many SFF readers, are getting re-issued. I think, also, that following the release of the excellent Witch King stand-alone novel, readers will be looking to get caught up on Wells’s earlier fantasy novels, too. City of Bones is due to be published by Tor.com in North America and in the UK, on September 5th.

Also on CR: Reviews of All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, Rogue Protocol, Exit Strategy, Network Effect, and Fugitive Telemetry

Follow the Author: Website, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter
Review copy received via NetGalley