The Adversary, by Michael Crummey
Suspenseful historical fiction, set in nineteenth century northern Newfoundland. Three contemptable characters circle one another, vying for power over this remote, forgotten land.
Read MoreCountry People, by Daniel Mason
If you loved North Woods, you will really enjoy Mason’s new novel. A tongue-in-cheek homage to the country people of New England, who transform a California family. Loved it.
Read MoreCelestial Lights, by Cecile Pin
A novel that asks big questions about what motivates our dangerous, expensive explorations in space, with a likeable, decent protagonist. An honest questioning, wrapped in a good story.
Read MoreThe Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton, by Jennifer N. Brown
A history-mystery! Jennifer N. Brown takes a genuine mystery from the tumultuous period of Tudor England and Henry VIII, and spins a tale of mystery, murder, and suspense. Great to take along on vacation.
Read MoreTheo of Golden, by Allen Levi
A well-mannered, friendly, discreet elderly gentleman visits the town of Golden, bringing kindness, friendship, and an appreciation for art and nature to this community. The mystery of who Theo is, and why he comes to Golden, is the center of this feel-good novel.
Read MoreThe Things We Never Say, by Elizabeth Strout
Must-read this summer! This might be Strout’s best yet. Be sure to check out my previous reviews of her work—you might be tempted to read all her novels.
Read MoreThe Lost Empire of Emanuel Nobel: Romanovs, Revolutionaries, and the Forgotten Titan Who Fueled the World, by Douglas Brunt
Learn about Emanuel Nobel, a captain of industry and innovation who should be remembered as easily as Rockefeller— but isn’t. Why? Reads like a thriller, fascinating.
Read MoreA Far-Flung Life, by M.L. Stedman
A well researched and beautifully written novel to break your heart, uplift your soul, and be one of the best novels you will read in 2026.
Read MoreKin, by Tayari Jones
The story of two motherless young women, seeking a way forward in life, in spite of their emotional wounds, in the Jim Crow South. Reconciliation with their loss is inevitable. A tragedy with a Shakespearean tone.
Read MoreThe Keeper, by Tana French
Third and final novel of the Cal Hooper trilogy, The Keeper is a gripping mystery, set in beautiful rural Ireland, with a very appealing protagonist. French is so much more than a mystery writer, although she is expert at that.
Read MoreGo Gentle, by Maria Semple
Maria Semple returns with another bright, flawed, endearing protagonist you will enjoy, Adora Hazzard. Be sure to check out my review of her previous novel, Where’d You Go, Bernadette? (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/whered-you-go-bernadette-by-maria-semple?rq=semple).
Read MoreSon of Nobody, by Yann Martel
Parallel stories of a graduate student, and the ancient Greek epic he uncovers, each with relevance for today. Highly recommended.
Read MoreHow To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay, by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson is the queen of my tribe, and David Sedaris is the king. Here is her new self-help book, filled with ways to trick your mind into cooperating with your goals and wishes for a happier day. Laugh your way to better mental health.
Read MoreSkylark, by Paula McLain
Entertaining historical fiction, following two tales of Paris, and two stories of resistance to authoritarian power.
Read MoreAudition, by Katie Kitamura
First person narrative of a middle-aged actress, with two different paths in life described in two parts. Exploration of memory, motive, and how little we know about ourselves, others, and our choices.
Read MoreHorse, by Geraldine Brooks
Slow-paced historical fiction, telling the story of Lexington, a legendary thoroughbred horse of the Antebellum era, unveiling the untold, ugly story of slavery in the development of beautiful racing horses.
Read MoreWriters & Lovers, and Heart the Lover, by Lily King
Read this pair of novels in the order they were published. Stories describing the youthful joys of self-discovery, without concern for the lifelong consequences of choices made in innocence and naivety. An homage to love, and the love of writing.
Read MoreA Guardian and a Thief, by Megha Majumdar
Two guardians of their families’ fates, battling for survival and security in a flooding, hot Kolkata. A tightly crafted page turner, recommended.
Read MoreAsk Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, by Maureen Callahan
Finally, the one book that pulls together all the facts, describing the misogynistic behaviors of the Kennedy men, and presents the complexities of the women they used and harmed.
Read MoreThe Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd's Life, by Helen Whybrow
The life and work, rewards and pitfalls of a northern New England shepherd, told in closely observed, meditative prose.
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