In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a military romance, an inventive guide to building relationships, a fictionalized portrait of a historical figure, and others.
Brian Miller
Synopsis: Magician Miller’s cheery, instructive debut explains how readers can build connections and strengthen relationships by employing the techniques of magicians.
PW’s Takeaway: Miller brilliantly outlines a system for deepening relationships.
Comparable Title: John Neffinger and Matthew Kohut’s Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential
Sample Line: “We chatted about magic, influence, persuasion, and psychology for the entire two-and-a-half-hour flight.”
Patricia D. Eddy
Synopsis: In the third standalone in Eddy’s Away from Keyboard series, hacker Wren Kane seeks to avenge her brother’s murder with the help of Ryker McCabe, a military man searching for redemption.
PW’s Takeaway: Smart, strong characters and thrilling action make this installment a must-read for romantic suspense fans.
Comparable Title: Stephanie Tyler’s Lie with Me (Shadow Force Series #1)
Sample Line: “So I’m taking the coward’s way out. At least until I get my head on straight again. This isn’t who I am.”
Rick Ferguson
Synopsis: A foulmouthed 64-year-old is caught between two prophecies.
PW’s Takeaway: Ferguson’s novel is a self-aware whirlwind of epic fantasy tropes and absurdist humor.
Comparable Title: Douglas Adams's Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency
Joan O'Hagan
Synopsis: Julius Caesar’s assassination is the backdrop for a murder mystery.
PW’s Takeaway: First published in 1988, this is a welcome reissue.
Comparable Title: S.J. Parris’s Heresy
Rebecca Rosenberg
Synopsis: Rosenberg tells the true story of Lizzie “Baby Doe” Tabor.
PW’s Takeaway: An exceptional fictionalized picture of a formidable woman.
Comparable Title: Ariel Lawhon’s I Was Anastasia