For Readers: Laura

Really enjoyed this new historical mystery set in 1920s Philly! I found the main characters to be a lot more substantial than those in other similar historicals, which made this a compelling read. Edie felt more realistic than other heroines, and I would love to read more about Gil. The Philadelphia setting was a nice change of pace, too, even if we don't get too much detail about it. While I guessed the culprit early on, it still felt like a page-turner. Will definitely read the next installment!

In 1840s Mexico, a pair with a complicated past must protect their land and loved ones from invading Americans and other deadly creatures. This read is the best of both worlds: a page-turner with beautifully-written characters.

Another excellent work from Lindsey Fitzharris. I loved The Butchering Art, and though the overall subject matter initially seemed less interesting to me (I'm not one for military history), I eagerly picked this one up and was not disappointed. Fitzharris provides a great overview of the conflict for anyone whose World War I knowledge is limited to a chapter in a school textbook, and does a wonderful job weaving the greater history of the war with Gillies and his accomplishments. The audiobook version was great, and is enthusiastically narrated by a relative of the subject of the book.

A little hard to describe but an absolute page-turner, this was a five-star read for me! Set primarily in the 1950s, this story follows the fates of a family of young wealthy women who seem doomed to die at a young age. It's a little gothic, it's feminist, it's unusual, it's heartbreaking, it's beautifully written. Definitely worth a read.

An incredibly readable book about the overlooked death workers who take care of our communities when the unthinkable happens. Despite the heavy topics and graphic details, this was one of my fastest reads all year. Campbell is a captivating writer, balancing interesting facts with memorable human insight from both herself and the people she meets. Highly recommended, and this one will stick with you long after the last page.

An atmospheric historical fantasty novella that managed to squeeze intriguing world-building, an engaging mystery, and a satisfying ending into a short number of pages (though I would've been happy to read more!).