Reviews in Brief

A thought-provoking stew of odd tales and lingering lessons, The Man Who Buried Chickens (and Other Stories) by A.I. Johnson is a rewarding foray into the eccentric side of storytelling. From the horrific shock of being replaced in your own life to the madness brought on by a plumbing system with a penchant for psychological torture, these off-kilter stories play gracefully at the edge of the bizarre and inexplicable. Each story is fronted by distinct yet consistently neurotic narrators, and the vivid prose is grittily detailed, showcasing a talented pen gleefully fluctuating from satirical and clever to sinister and chilling. Taking subtle and profound jabs at social ills such as bigotry, dehumanization, untrustworthiness, inequality, extractive labor, and common indecency, this strange collection is in turns meaningful and perplexing, but always original.

Logic clashes with legend in Guardians of the Ley Lines by Greg Maxfield, a thoughtful and entertaining supernatural thriller that challenges both ancient beliefs and the arrogance of modernity. A data-driven researcher is determined to disprove the existence of ley lines in the spiritual nexus of Redstone, Arizona, but the inexplicable phenomena he finds there transcend indigenous folklore or cozy local delusions. Quick-moving and relentlessly probing about the clash of science and spirit, this novel delivers a clever condemnation of contemporary society and a stern reminder for all to respect the lifeblood of the Earth.

Refreshingly forthright in its professional and personal wisdom, Part of a Greater Something: Discover Your Purpose and Joy in Business and Professional Life by Lawrence Doochin is a contemporary guide for crafting a joy-driven and fulfilling life. The brief and compelling chapters suggest ways to identify one’s true gifts, set value-aligned goals, overcome deep-seated fears, and take responsibility for what we put into the world, among many other transformative pieces of advice. Standing apart from other business and self-help books, the author draws creative parallels to nature, astrophysics, religion, poetry, philosophy, and literature to deliver his message, with a focus on inspiring new generations to build a more intentional and sustainable future. Accessible, mind-expanding, and bluntly critical towards unhealthy systems of thought, this book has the potential to actually make good on its purpose to help people both personally and globally.

A locked-door murder mystery ensnaring an elite New England clan of property magnates, presumptive governors, and poorly buried secrets, Choice or Chance by Abby Reilly is an engrossing mixture of high-stakes family drama and cozy mystery. Behind the scenes of an imminent victory party for their patriarch, the Wescott family is feuding, drinking, and scheming, but under the cover of a violent nor’easter, a shocking murder threatens to unravel their privileged legacy. Slow-burning exposition, a tragically tangled backstory, and richly crafted characters unveiled via alternating narrative perspectives make this taught thriller an exhilarating and voyeuristic glimpse into loyalty, rivalry, and the inescapable ties of family.

A sleuthing team of siblings must bury their bitterness to find the father they’d both left behind in Yellow Tape by Alicia Ellis, the first installment of the Gray Girls Mysteries series. A brutal murder unites the odd couple of Ivy and Rose after nearly three decades, leading to a covert hunt through the charming but shadowy swirl of small-town life. Laced with acerbic wit and consistent palpable tension, this cleverly crafted procedural mystery is a tour de force of familial drama, highlighted by dual narration and the thematic minefields of abandonment, morality, and the undeniable bonds of family.

A tragic, empowering, and brutally honest work of autofiction, Broken Pieces by Natalie Monique Rich recounts the emotionally charged story of the author’s hopes, homes, and heartbreaks. Condensing decades of life into a compelling novella, Rich recalls the rise and fall of her marriage, hard lessons learned about motherhood, the unique grief of betrayal, and the disappointing realities of an unpredictable life. Every page is dense with detail, but the prose occasionally feels rushed, and the relentless flow of loss and struggle leaves little room for readers to process the emotional peaks and valleys. Nonetheless, this powerful and relatable story is a truly striking tale of resilience.