Existential mysteries at the heart of ‘Missing’

Tim Gautreaux’s fine new book could be mistaken for a conventional crime novel.

'Eiffel's Tower' a fascinating story of famous landmark

It is probably the most famous man-made landmark in history.

Online teasers precede new Dan Brown novel

The promotion for new thriller will itself be a bit of a puzzle.

Novel weaves together wonders of math, baseball

Japanese writer Yoko Ogawa has a hit with this slender book.

Author’s insider knowledge enlivens ‘Ultimate Weapon’

A wild search ends up in pre-invasion Baghdad, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

'Shanghai Girls' is a tale of two cultures, two sisters

Lisa See weaves story of sisters with tales of Chinese immigrants struggling to get along in a new land.

Novel looks at highs, lows of Nebraska clan

Pamela Carter Joern’s “The Plain Sense of Things” is a real gem, maybe even a gem-and-a-half.

Instant Michael Jackson books coming

People and Life magazine each are preparing commemorative editions, which are due in August.

‘Angel’s Game’ seductively draws readers into mysterious labyrinth

This book is quite likely a work of great literature.

You can bank on ‘Road Dogs’ being vintage Leonard

Author has assembled a cast of familiar characters from previous novels.

Governor's daughter tells Nebraska family's story

This is an interesting and lively family history of one of Nebraska's First Families.

Sherlock Holmes pursues Jack the Ripper in 'Dust and Shadow'

Novel is a brilliant piece of work and one that smoothly captures the moods of late Victorian London.

Novelist tackles family dynamics in 'Believers'

The beauty of this novel is in the details.

'The Strain' a gruesome viral vampire saga

Just in time for summer -- and presciently perhaps, for the swine flu -- comes "The Strain," a sort of "Twilight" for the testosterone set, swapping romance for thrills and gore.

Tale is gripping view of hockey, love, fate

Gus Carpenter is the goalie for a town hockey team in Michigan competing in the state championship game. He lets the puck get by him for the winning score, and becomes the town scapegoat from then on. The town,

Girls from Ames have been there for each other for forty years

Most female readers of ‘The Girls From Ames’ will be hooked from the start by the extraordinary bond.

Mideast heats up in 'Vulcan's Fire'

While the U.S. military is reluctantly regearing itself to fight unconventional warfare (see Secretary of Defense Gates’ latest budget request), the novelists are way, way ahead.

Obsession with Donner heroine leads to pilgrimage

Gabrielle Burton’s book is an account of the author’s fascination with the life and death of Tamsen Donner, a member of the ill-fated Donner party of westward travelers, who were trapped by early snows

‘Last Mango’ is fast, fun and faith-based read

Kyle Mango’s got a real dilemma.

Emotional poems capture pain, love

Author Hilda Raz is the long-time editor of Prairie Schooner.

Books to keep you turning pages all summer long

From viral vampirism to recent disasters, these books will keep you awake at night (reading).