In this roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a twisty thriller, a historical mystery, and more.

★ 1414º

Paul Bradley Carr

Synopsis: Bay Area Herald reporter Lou McCarthy, the protagonist of Carr’s impressive debut, has gotten a tip that she believes might finally, after previous efforts, bring down Raum, “the most valuable private company in Silicon Valley history.”

PW’s takeaway: Carr doesn’t sacrifice character depth for the many plot twists. Readers will be hooked.

Comparable title: Michael Crichton’s Disclosure

Sample line: “Pressing the balls of his feet into the slimy carpet, Joe hobbled the ten paces from the sink to the Murphy bed that served as his living room, dining table, and office.”


★ If Necessary Alone

V.M. Knox

Synopsis: Set during WWII, Knox’s impressive sequel to In Spite of All Terror stars Clement Wisdom—who was an ordinary, happily married vicar in rural East Sussex for more than 20 years before he was recruited to serve as an operative—with a new mission.

PW’s takeaway: The lead, whose two professional obligations are often in conflict, is more than capable of sustaining a long series.

Comparable title: Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series

Sample line: “Having no mortal enemy to blame for her premature death made it harder and despite all attempts at justification, Clement felt responsible.”


L’Origine

Lilianne Milgrom

Synopsis: Milgrom’s debut revolves around a copyist named Lilianne Milgrom’s engagement with a Courbet painting.

PW’s takeaway: Milgrom offers delicious, emotionally powerful reading.

Comparable title: Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring


Medusa

Rosie Hewlett

Synopsis: Hewlett gives a complex voice to the Ancient Greek gorgon Medusa.

PW’s takeaway: Lovers of mythology are sure to be pleased by this deeper look into Medusa’s origin story.

Comparable title: Madeline Miller’s Circe


Unlucky Seven

Dave Zeltserman

Synopsis: The seven short stories in this collection combine sharp-edged prose with grim twists.

PW’s takeaway: Zeltserman ends his tales with a wicked bite that upends what readers expect.

Comparable title: James Ellroy’s Hollywood Nocturnes