Reviews in Brief

One man’s radical thesis challenges the foundation of an entire religion in The Second Stone by Eddie Russell, a genre-bending look at the intractability of faith. Before Dr. Johan Vandermeer can release his provocative ideas on the origins of Judaism, sinister forces conspire to silence his heretical views. Bolstered by a slick cast of investigators, operatives, and problematic men of the cloth, this complex and disquieting novel has a deeper purpose than plot-driven action, resulting in a timely, educational, and provocative read. While the author may occasionally pack too much information in a sentence, this meticulously plotted thriller is an engrossing study of the contemporary ties of religion, politics, power, and belief that continue to drive much of the world today, while still reading at a blistering pace.

A cozy Nordic whodunit with an endearing amateur Sherlock at the helm, Sandbakkels and Sin by George Robstad is an unpredictable first entry in the Cash Kristiansen Mystery series. When a panicked aunt summons him back to Salt Cliff Isle, Cash leaves the concrete jungle for a refreshing taste of home, but the serene memories of his youth are overshadowed by the encroachment of the modern world, as well as a shocking murder investigation. Peeling back the facade of small-town tranquility, this savvy crime-solver must navigate the secrets simmering just beneath the island’s surface, while the clues lead him back to familiar places and faces. Suspenseful but unhurried in its storytelling, as Robstad introduces an entertaining mixture of compelling characters, this cozy island mystery is both charming and gripping, in which a tense murder mystery also feels like a vacation.

A sprawling sci-fi vision of humanity’s contentious future among the stars, Born in Space by Jeremy Clift is an imagination-sparking novel about motherhood, sacrifice, and the existential battle for survival on a dying planet. When young Teagan Ward is identified as the key to a species-saving gambit, she is launched into an interstellar journey to protect her children and fulfill the destiny that has haunted her dreams since childhood. Exploring both the redemptive potential of space and the perennial perils of human corruption, this is a prophetic novel that is uniquely elaborate and immersive, breaking new ground in the science fiction genre with its attention to scientific detail, while still maintaining an entertainingly brisk pace, and exploring characters’ inner lives with realism and insight.

Offering forward-thinking wisdom on how to evolve past destructive modern practices in business, The Ethical Imperative: Leading with Conscience to Shape the Future of Business by Andrew C.M. Cooper is an original and thought-provoking model for the synthesis of corporate growth and true sustainability. Digging into the dark and abstract costs of contemporary labor and late-stage capitalism, this book is both a nuanced critique and a scathing revelation, linking disparate concepts in politics, philosophy, psychology, history, and corporate tradition to make a resounding point about the loss of professional ethics that drive the current economic system, while providing actionable ways forward that veer away from wishful thinking, given Cooper’s authority on the topic. With the overall intention of cultivating a new generation of conscientious executives to eschew the profit-now approach in favor of a viable long-term model, Cooper articulates a convincing and rousing argument to radically reframe contemporary business.

A touching reflection on the joys and memories of early fatherhood, 2 Day by Brian Nguyen is an easy-to-read children’s book written as a commemoration for the author’s children. Tenderly recounting some of the most memorable moments of parenting infants and toddlers, from sleepless nights and daycare car rides to moments of pride and lessons of unconditional love, this quick read is an endearing celebration of intimate family life. Though some of the number-themed wordplay may be a bit on the nose, the striking illustrations and strong messages of paternal appreciation can help create a stronger bond between parent and child.

Dystopian space-punk fiction with a steamy swirl of romance, A Symphony of Starlight by Amy Zed is an adrenalized fling into erotically charged sci-fi drama. A rebellious royal on the run, Gemma hustles as an underground DJ and moonlights as an assassin, but actual freedom from her family’s influence will require a serious score. A chance meeting with a hitman headhunter sends Gemma and her best friend careening off-world for a high-level job, but between a busted ship, a tangle of contradictory desires, and too many life-or-death secrets to count, their potential payday becomes a life-altering adventure. An irresistible mixture of space opera, cyberpunk, crime fiction, and romance, this novel is like nothing else in any of those genres, resulting in an endlessly fun mashup, fueled by fast-paced action and endearingly gritty characters.