Review: Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden's Syndrome by John Scalzi
The review examines John Scalzi’s companion novella *Unlocked: An Oral History of Haden’s Syndrome*, released alongside his novel *Lock In*. It adopts an oral‑history structure, echoing Max Brooks’s *World War Z*, to present a mosaic of viewpoints on a fictional pandemic that leaves victims “locked in.” While the book delivers a few emotionally resonant moments—particularly involving the president and first lady—it falls short of the gritty realism that made *World War Z* compelling, earning a 3.5‑out‑of‑5 rating.
Review: Lock In by John Scalzi
John Scalzi’s *Lock In* imagines a pandemic that leaves millions conscious but immobile, prompting the creation of neural uplinks that let the afflicted control robotic avatars and other bodies. The story follows Haden FBI agent Chris Shane, who uses a robotic...
Review: The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly’s nineteenth Bosch novel, *The Wrong Side of Goodbye*, sees the veteran detective leave the LAPD and volunteer in a cash‑strapped small town while still running his private‑investigator practice. The plot splits between chasing a serial rapist and a...
Review: Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
Blood Over Bright Haven, a new fantasy novel by M.L. Wang, follows Sciona, a determined woman aiming to join Tiran’s male‑only High Magistry, and Thomil, a Kwen refugee who survived a deadly crossing. Their partnership uncovers a hidden truth about...
Review: Shadow Cell by Andrew Bustamante and Jihi Bustamante
The review of "Shadow Cell" examines how CIA operatives Andrew and Jihi Bustamante introduced two major reforms: cell networks and people networks. By borrowing Al‑Qaeda’s decentralized cell structure, the agency aimed to cut red tape and limit mole damage. The...
Review: A Quiet Man by Tom Wood
Tom Wood’s ninth Victor the Assassin novel, *A Quiet Man*, veers toward a Jack Reacher‑style plot, pairing the lone assassin with a local police officer and a bike‑gang showdown. The protagonist abandons his trademark paranoia and strict self‑rules, creating a...
Review: A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Raybourn
Deanna Raybourn’s fourth Veronica Speedwell adventure, *A Treacherous Curse*, hit shelves on March 20, 2026. The novel pits the duo against a clichéd Egyptian mummy‑curse mystery, blending Victorian intrigue with modern humor and sexual tension. While the plot is familiar, the well‑established...
Review: Clown Town by Mick Herron
Mick Herron’s latest espionage novel, *Clown Town*, released on March 18 2026, earns a 4.5‑out‑of‑5 rating. The story intertwines a missing library book from former MI‑5 chief David Cartwright with current head Diana Taverner’s fallout from the Troubles, delivering sharp humor and...