This week’s fiction recommendations feature a series mystery that is described as a “gleeful romp,” along with novels by prominent young writers such as Téa Obreht, Helen Oyeyemi, and Tommy Orange. These writers have achieved significant recognition at a relatively young age, with Obreht and Oyeyemi both being under 40 and Orange winning multiple prestigious awards. The future of literature is bright with such talented individuals.
For nonfiction enthusiasts, we suggest a memoir by a painter, a biography of three jazz legends, an essay collection by the late Joan Acocella, and a journalist’s exploration of American citizens grappling with a divided nation. Happy reading. — Gregory Cowles
Silvia and her mother find themselves in the Morningside, a deteriorating luxury apartment building in a sinking version of New York. As Silvia learns about her heritage through her aunt’s folk tales, she becomes intrigued by a mysterious resident in the penthouse.
Veronica Speedwell and her partner embark on their ninth crime-solving adventure set in the Victorian era, where they uncover the truth behind a seemingly preserved wax mannequin that turns out to be a deceased young woman.
Berkley | $28
Joan Acocella, known for her insightful dance critiques, is celebrated in this posthumous collection for her profound analysis and passion across various art forms. Her knowledge and enthusiasm are unparalleled, making her a truly irreplaceable figure.
Farrar, Straus & Giroux | $35
Tommy Orange’s latest work follows a survivor of a Native American massacre in the 19th century, tracing the impact on his descendants in 21st-century Oakland. The novel blends historical tragedy with contemporary struggles.
Helen Oyeyemi’s newest magical realist tale features a protagonist named Hero navigating the mystical city of Prague during a bachelorette weekend. The story takes unexpected turns as the narrative seems to have a mind of its own.
Riverhead | $28
David Kaplan delves into the lives of three iconic jazz musicians who collaborated on the legendary album “Kind of Blue.” Despite not being a jazz expert, Kaplan expertly weaves a captivating narrative around these musical legends.
This biography chronicles the artistic journey of Flack, from her days as an Abstract Expressionist mingling with art luminaries to her success as a pioneering photorealist. The book captures the challenges and triumphs of Flack’s career in the heart of New York’s art scene.
Penn State University Press | $37.50
Finkel’s book follows a group of individuals navigating the turbulent period between the 2016 and 2020 U.S. presidential elections. Centered around a white Iraq war veteran struggling to reconcile with a changing country, the narrative is both agile and thought-provoking.
