Novels

Our longtime book reviewer makes some page-turning suggestions for book lovers of all sorts -- and for those who might be shopping for book lovers.

Herron's Slough House series of spy novels is the basis for the "Slow Horses" program on AppleTV+ -- and Season Two of "Slow Horses" started streaming earlier this month.

We chat with the gifted American author whose many books include "The Patron Saint of Liars," "The Magician's Assistant," "Bel Canto," and "The Dutch House."

"[Hamid] reminds us yet again that fiction sometimes provides the most direct path to truth." -- BookPage (starred review)

"[Hamid] reminds us yet again that fiction sometimes provides the most direct path to truth." -- BookPage (starred review)

Mei, a teenage girl in 1960s China, becomes Mao Zedong's protégée as well as his lover -- and also a heroine of the Cultural Revolution -- in this captivating historical novel.

"Recommended to fans of Paula McLean's 'The Paris Wife' and anyone who enjoyed Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast.'" -- Booklist

"[Hamid] reminds us yet again that fiction sometimes provides the most direct path to truth." -- BookPage (starred review)

"A sure bet for readers of personal war stories and those who want to know, 'What about the women and children?'" -- Booklist

Page-turners for the beach, the pool, the lake, the hammock, and/or that cozy sofa near the air-conditioning unit.