Reviews in Brief

A shocking and multi-layered thriller, Perilous Last-Minute Christmas Shopping by Annie de Muynck is an unpredictable tale of terror, freedom, perseverance, and the occasional horror of the holidays. Written with a matter-of-fact, methodical tone that still pumps suspense into every scene, the plot moves quickly, giving readers a relentless ride through one woman’s seemingly endless nightmare. The dialogue is snappy and keeps the pace moving, although more emotion in the relationships and interactions could give the story more appeal. Despite the choppy writing and largely procedural narration, this is an expansive and spine-chilling read, and a perfect guilty pleasure for the holidays.

For fans of Jumanji, L.G. Cunningham’s The Game with No Name is a thrilling adventure for younger readers about a mysterious board game and a family in peril. The premise echoes its famous predecessor, but the story is highly inventive in its own right, with high stakes, chilling frights, and relatable lessons throughout, fronted by two engaging protagonists. The story has a creepy edge that is just right for the age range, and will keep readers turning the pages, as Cunningham is masterful at building and maintaining suspense. Cinematic and vividly written, the book should easily find an audience looking for a middle grade adventure with a slice of the macabre.

Crossley has written a very powerful work of fiction. His dialogue is sparse and serves to underscore the profound impact of his narrative. The images he paints are vivid, and the emotions visceral, especially as they center on his main protagonist. Poignant and painful, A Child is a Piece of Paper is one of those stories that will stay with you long after the last page has been read.

Midsummer’s Bottom delights with Shakespearian couplets and a cacophony of human foibles that smash up to a satisfying ending. Dash has created a stellar cast of full, engaging characters. The author dances with the Bard measure for measure as he twists and turns his characters through their tumultuous stay in Limerick. Tightly-written and imaginative, Midsummer’s Bottom glides the reader through a wonderful story towards a rewarding, and unexpected, end.

Set inside a post 9-11 New York City, the sadness and distrust of these characters rise off the page. Finegan gives each character, however minor, heft, with backstories and quirks that deepen the plot, as well as exploring varying facets of the human condition. He is a gifted wordsmith, crafting sentences that are rich and multilayered, which propels the story along beyond the intricacies of the plot. A rare work of literary fiction that also shines as a mystery and a thriller, Cooperative Lives offers a brilliant exposé on the shattered nature of modern lives.

Given today’s headlines and divided opinions about refugees, war and misuses of power, this book is a timely and impactful read. Clara Martin balances an engaging plot, compelling characters, and smart allegorical writing to deliver a powerful start to this new genre-bending series. The novel can stand alone as an entertaining work of fantasy, but there are also enough loose ends to keep readers eager for the sophomore offering from this sharp new voice in the genre.