Liza Oldham

16 Articles

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All Things Cease To Appear
PREMIUM

All Things Cease To Appear

Elizabeth Brundage | FICTION,  Mar 01, 2016

Tragedy leaves an indelible mark on both people and places in Brundage's (A Stranger Like You) piercing new novel. Part mystery, part ghost story, and entirely brilliant, this title will entrance book clubs and literary fiction readers.
The Mystery of the Venus Island Fetish
PREMIUM

The Mystery of the Venus Island Fetish

Tim Flannery | MYSTERY,  Feb 01, 2016

Ribald and filled with of-the-time views on race, Flannery's debut has trouble keeping a handle on its wide cast of characters. The setting is perfect for a post-Depression farce, and while many of the elements are there, the effect comes off more muddled than effervescent. Flannery/Butterworth clearly considers the pun the ultimate form of humor, so readers with similar sensibilities may find enjoyment here. [See Prepub Alert, 8/17/15.]
Goddess
PREMIUM

Goddess

Kelly Gardiner | FICTION,  Sep 01, 2015

With her transgressive actions and devil-may-care attitude, d'Aubigny's life seems almost tailor-made for fans of historical fiction.
Orphan Number Eight
PREMIUM

Orphan Number Eight

Kim Van Alkemade | FICTION,  Jul 10, 2015

The story of how Rachel gains agency—psychologically, bodily, and romantically—never feels forced. This is not a plucky orphan narrative; ingrained years of submissive behavior often make it hard for Rachel to get out of her own way. Though van Alkemade defaults to telling rather than showing, Rachel's moments of courage still feel earned. Her burgeoning feelings for another girl at the home are treated with depth and help the story stand out from others. The premise and lesbian representation make this a solid recommendation for fans of Jodi Picoult and Sarah Waters.
The Book of Speculation
PREMIUM

The Book of Speculation

Erika Swyler | FICTION,  Apr 15, 2015

Debut author Swyler creates a melancholy world with hints of magic at the edges. When the narrative shifts from the emotionally myopic Simon to the circus, the story really starts to gleam. Each member of the troupe shimmers with mystery, and one gets the sense that they are most free, most themselves, when onstage. Fans of historical novels, especially titles with circus themes or touched with a hint of the supernatural such as Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, Katharine Dunn's Geek Love, or Katharine Howe's The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, won't want to leave this festival.
The Cherokee Rose: A Novel of Gardens and Ghosts
PREMIUM

The Cherokee Rose: A Novel of Gardens and Ghosts

Tiya Miles | FICTION,  Apr 01, 2015

With the character arcs and the exploration of an often-overlooked area of history—the Native American ownership of African slaves—this is solid choice for book clubs that savor meaty discussion.
The Fifth Heart
PREMIUM

The Fifth Heart

Dan Simmons | FICTION,  Feb 15, 2015

Simmons enthusiasts will take the journey; others may find the various conceits too frustrating.[See Prepub Alert, 9/22/14; five-city tour.]
The Siege Winter
PREMIUM

The Siege Winter

Samantha Norman | FICTION,  Jan 01, 2015

The rigidity of status in feudal society rightly permeates every scene, but Norman and Franklin excel at showing how the war impacts everyone in this richly researched, female-driven historical mystery. [See Prepub Alert, 8/11/14.]
The Secret Place
PREMIUM

The Secret Place

Tana French | FICTION,  Sep 05, 2014

True to form, French succeeds yet again in both wholly satisfying and deeply unsettling the reader. Not to be missed. [Previewed in Kristi Chadwick's mystery spotlight feature "Pushing Boundaries," LJ 4/15/14; a September LibraryReads Pick.]
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