Lisa M. Matlin’s previous novel, The Stranger Upstairs, is one of my favorite books of the last few years. I can’t even remember all the details of the plot (which is more the fault of my poor memory than any flaw in Matlin’s writing); I just remember Matlin’s incredibly entertaining writing style, and the many … Continue reading Review: The Only One Who Knows, by Lisa M. Matlin (Ballentine)
Review: Nowhere Burning, by Catriona Ward (Tor Nightfire)
I am a Catriona Ward loyalist; I will read anything she writes without question or spoilers. All of her work is amazing, but I think Nowhere Burning is the best thing she has written to date. In my opinion, it is best to experience this novel with absolutely no knowledge of the plot. Nowhere Burning … Continue reading Review: Nowhere Burning, by Catriona Ward (Tor Nightfire)
My Week in Reading, February 27th, 2026
I am lucky enough to be reading an advance copy of Solace House, the new novel from Will Maclean (co-writer of Broken Veil, one of my favorite podcasts). It’s about a group of British students who spend their summer break clearing out some old, abandoned properties. I’m about halfway through, and it is incredibly tense. … Continue reading My Week in Reading, February 27th, 2026
My Week in Reading, February 2nd, 2026
It has been a heck of a strong week! I spent most of the week consumed by Catriona Ward’s new novel, Nowhere Burning. I am a Catriona Ward loyalist, and shun all spoilers for her books. I trust Ward, and she has fucking nailed it once again. Nowhere Burning is her best book since Sundial. … Continue reading My Week in Reading, February 2nd, 2026
My Week in Reading, January 16, 2026
I hope you’ve been able to find some peace this week. The Shadower, by Maria and Peter Hoey (published on March 24, 2026) Lindsey Chung Dates a White Boy!!!, by Asia Miller (published on May 5, 2026) I love graphic novels. I cannot draw, so I’m constantly in awe of the artistic talents of others. … Continue reading My Week in Reading, January 16, 2026
My week in Reading, January 9th, 2026
Happy New Year! Rabbit Test and Other Stories, by Samantha Mills (published on 21 April, 2026) Yes, I’m still reading a short story (almost) every day, and this collection of deeply moving tales is a great start to my 2026 efforts. I’m about halfway through this collection and nearly every story has left me in … Continue reading My week in Reading, January 9th, 2026
Review: Girls, by Annet Schaap (trans. Laura Watkinson)
I adored this translated YA collection of feminist takes on folk tales and fairy stories from Dutch author Annet Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson. Schapp kicks things off with Mr Stiltskin, and it’s a terrific start. We follow the path of the traditional tale, but the surprise ending is absolutely perfect. Wolf, a twist on … Continue reading Review: Girls, by Annet Schaap (trans. Laura Watkinson)
Review: Northern Nights, edited by Michael Kelly (Undertow)
I have mentioned this many times before, but a new release from Undertow Publications is a cause for celebration. Northern Nights, a new anthology of Canadian fiction, is of the incredibly high caliber I have come to expect from Undertow’s output. Lovingly edited by Michael Kelly, this is a collection of uncanny darkness. Award-winning young … Continue reading Review: Northern Nights, edited by Michael Kelly (Undertow)
Review: Canoes, by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Jessica Moore (Archipelago)
Maylis de Kerangal’s novel Eastbound was a recent favorite of mine, and a real surprise. This beautiful collection is translated from French to English by Jessica Moore. In Bivouac, a trip to the dentist reminds a woman of a visit to Paris. It’s a great introduction to Kerangal’s vivid writing, and how she establishes a … Continue reading Review: Canoes, by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Jessica Moore (Archipelago)
Review: Dearest, by Jacquie Walters (Mulholland Books)
Flora has welcomed a baby girl into her family, and she’s settling into parenthood. There’s just one problem; her husband is still deployed, and she’s struggling to keep sane figuring things out by herself. Things look hopeful when Flora reaches out to her estranged mother, and her mother shows up on her doorstep, ready to … Continue reading Review: Dearest, by Jacquie Walters (Mulholland Books)
California Reading 