LibraryAware February 2024

Adult Fiction

The Bullet Swallower
by Elizabeth Gonzalez James

In this supernatural western, Antonio Sonoro robs a train in 1895 Texas and the violent aftermath still reverberates in 1964 Mexico, where renowned actor and singer Jaime Sonoro discovers a book detailing his ancestors' crimes over the centuries. Read-alikes: Oscar Hokeah's Calling for a Blanket Dance; Victor LaValle's horror-tinged Lone Women.

Raiders of the Lost Heart
by Jo Segura

In this steamy and action-packed debut, archaeologist Dr. Corrie Mejía must work with her professional nemesis, Dr. Ford Matthews, on a dig in Mexico that may be the resting place of famed Aztec warrior Chimalli. Read-alikes: Ali Hazelwood's Below Zero; Sarah Smith's On Location.

Everyone On This Train is a Suspect
by Benjamin Stevenson

The Mystery Writers' Society hosts a crime festival on a multi-day train trip across Australia -- and there's a murder. Festival-goer and writer Ernest Cunningham delightfully spins the tale of what happened in this fast-paced sequel to Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. Read-alikes: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express; Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders mysteries or his Daniel Hawthorne series.

Adult Nonfiction

Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine
by Uché Blackstock, MD

Second-generation physician Dr. Uché Blackstock recounts her education and career in medicine, and describes how her experiences led her to found Advancing Health Equity, an organization dedicated to dismantling systemic racism in healthcare. Further reading: Sickening by Anne Pollock; Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa; Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington.

The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943
by James Holland

World War II historian James Holland (Brothers in Arms) chronicles the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Italy in his dramatic and compelling latest, featuring diary excerpts, letters, and other firsthand accounts. Further reading: The Force: The Legendary Special Ops Unit and WWII's Mission Impossible by Saul David.

Youth Fiction

Lunar New Year Love Story
by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham

A disastrous date and a spilled family secret prove that Valentina’s family is cursed to be heartbroken forever. Still, she strikes a bargain with Saint Valentine to find love within the year. This vividly detailed graphic novel blends romance and a coming-of-age story.

A Royal Conundrum
by Lisa Yee; illustrated by Dan Santat

Olive Cobin Zang is used to feeling lonely and invisible. That changes, however, after she’s chosen to train as an undercover crime-fighter with four other offbeat, unusually talented kids. This quirky series opener is packed with suspense. Read-alike: Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullen.

Contact your librarian for more great books!