Five of the summer’s best and most daring graphic novels
In these comics, a birdlike monster watches over a small boy. Anaïs Nin comes into her own as a writer. And masculinity? It's a death cult.
By Jacob BroganCristina García’s sequel to ‘Dreaming in Cuban’ is worth the wait
Thirty years and five novels later, in a sequel called “Vanishing Maps,” Garcia revisits the Del Pino family in a delightful new novel
By Marion WinikJames McBride’s new novel entertains while getting deep about equality
"The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store," by James McBride, is a moving tale about a Jewish woman who tries to save a Black boy during the Depression.
By Ron CharlesIt’s not just Barbie. Philip Marlowe gets a modern reboot, too.
With her new book, "The Second Murderer," Denise Mina becomes the first female writer to re-create Raymond Chandler’s infamous detective.
By Maureen CorriganThe novel ‘Prom Mom’ builds on the true story of a teen who killed her baby
Laura Lippman’s latest thriller imagines the complicated life of the teen dubbed ‘Prom Mom’ after she’s released from prison.
By Eliza NellumsCan you be a good citizen if you make the world worse?
Lydia Kiesling takes on climate change, capitalism and personal accountability in her new novel, ‘Mobility’
By Apoorva TadepalliIn 1970, a gay detective debuted in ‘Fadeout.’ His creator’s struggle lives on.
Joseph Hansen took a risk creating Dave Brandstetter. With a Netflix series in development and new book editions, it’s time to shine a light on Hansen’s work.
By Michael Sims‘Kala’ is more than your typical ‘missing girl’ mystery
Colin Walsh’s new novel, “Kala,” set on the west coast of Ireland, brings together old friends reckoning with a terrible event in their shared past.
By Ellen AkinsA bumbling man-child, it turns out, can still be a funny antihero
Ben Purkert’s witty debut novel stars a sometimes lovable screw-up who would feel at home in a novel by Philip Roth.
By Mark AthitakisBrando Skyhorse’s satire imagines a wall around a ‘perfect’ life
In Brando Skyhorse's sharp satire "My Name Is Iris," a Mexican American woman is determined to fit in, but America doesn't want her.
By Ron CharlesAnn Patchett’s latest, ‘Tom Lake,’ reminds us why she’s beloved
The new novel from the author of such books as “The Dutch House” and “Bel Canto” explores love in its many forms.
By Marion WinikFor an aging novelist, the blurring lines of fact and fiction
Tom Rachman expertly blends his character’s reality with her imagination in his enticing new novel, ‘The Imposters’
By Allegra GoodmanRBG inspires once again, this time a novel
“The Majority,” by Elizabeth L. Silver, stars a Supreme very much like Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Are we ready for this twist on reality?
By Suzanne BerneWhen a building collapses, the search for a missing loved one begins
In "Excavations," a heroine scours Seoul to solve the mystery of her husband’s disappearance.
By Violet KimA catastrophic flood alters a city — and a lifelong friendship
"No One Prayed Over Their Graves" is a gorgeous new novel from Khaled Khalifa, one of Syria’s most celebrated novelists.
By Sarah CypherColson Whitehead returns to Harlem in ‘Crook Manifesto’
In this sequel to “Harlem Shuffle,” the Jackson 5 are coming to town and furniture salesman Ray Carney slides back into crime.
By Gabriel BumpDid a Nazi occultist really put a curse on this forgotten movie?
"Silver Nitrate" brings together satanic cults, demonic dogs and old-fashioned ghosts to tell a story of Mexico City’s film industry.
By Elizabeth HandThese stories will help you deal with cults and fanatics
Four new science fiction novels offer timely meditations on an urgent issue.
By Charlie Jane AndersRichard Russo’s ‘Somebody’s Fool’ is haunted by a ghost named Sully
Russo’s third novel set in the fictional Upstate New York town of North Bath is about Peter, the son of Donald “Sully” Sullivan, star of the previous books.
By Ron CharlesThe perfect detective tales for midsummer reading
Finding the magic in works from new authors and classic storytellers.
By Michael Dirda