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"Infertile Ground: Surviving an Alcoholic Parent" by Michael L. Patton is a nonfiction book that delves into the author's difficult childhood with an abusive, alcoholic father. Patton recounts his experiences growing up in West Virginia, highlighting both hopeful and dire moments. The narrative also explores Patton's efforts to break the cycle of abuse as an adult, offering a raw and detailed account of his journey. Despite some long-winded sections, Patton's writing is powerful and engaging, providing comfort and insight for readers dealing with their own family trauma. [Extracted from the article]

"Angélique" by Guillaume Musso, translated by Rosie Eyre, is a French suspense novel set in Paris during Christmas 2021. The story follows retired police officer Mathias Taillefer and 17-year-old Louise Collange as they investigate the death of Louise's mother, retired prima ballerina Stella Petrenko. The narrative unfolds through three parallel tracks, revealing twists and psychological insights into the characters. Despite a convoluted structure, fans of Musso's work will likely enjoy this captivating mystery. [Extracted from the article]

Tracy Clark's novel "Echo (Harriet Foster #3)" follows detective Harriet Foster as she investigates the death of a college student in Chicago, linking it to a decades-old murder. Foster uncovers an anonymous vigilante group seeking justice and faces threats from an unknown individual. While the novel doesn't offer groundbreaking elements, it creates a vivid winter setting and portrays Foster as a determined protagonist, making it a satisfying read for fans of the series. [Extracted from the article]

"The Bastard" by S.M. LaViolette is a suspenseful and seductive Regency romance novel that focuses on the character of John Fielding, a wealthy merchant with a dark past. The story delves into John's abusive and violent upbringing through bleak and bloody flashbacks, while in the present, he is driven by a desire for vengeance. However, his mission is complicated by his growing attraction to Cordelia Page, an upper-class spinster. The novel explores their evolving relationship, with Cordelia drawing John into emotional intimacy and John introducing Cordelia to passion and pleasure. Despite some strained moments of understanding and forgiveness, the book successfully balances intrigue, romance, and sensuality, making it a worthy addition to the series. [Extracted from the article]

"Twisted Knight" by K. Bromberg is the first book in the Tangled Hearts series, a sexy contemporary romance novel that explores themes of corporate espionage and revenge. The story follows Rowan Rothschild, a strong-willed woman who wants to prove herself in her family's liquor company, TinSpirits. However, her incompetent and condescending brother, Rhett, is driving the business into the ground. When Rhett brings in Holden Knight, a wealthy businessman seeking revenge for the death of his brother, Rowan and Holden's intense chemistry leads to a series of steamy encounters. The book ends with a tantalizing cliff-hanger, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. [Extracted from the article]

"They All Fall the Same" by Wes Browne is a gritty debut novel that follows marijuana kingpin Burl Spoon as he seeks revenge against a narcotics dealer who supplied his daughter with fentanyl. Set in Jackson County, Kentucky, the story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, addiction, and the criminal justice system in Appalachia. Browne's narrative is enriched with authentic details drawn from his experience with the region's legal system, making it a compelling read for fans of Eli Cranor. [Extracted from the article]

Bradford Morrow concludes his Forgers trilogy with "The Forger's Requiem," a novel that follows a rivalry between literary forgers Henry Slader and Will Gardener. The story takes a dark turn when Nicole, Will's daughter, becomes involved in the conflict, leading to a series of events that challenge the characters' loyalties and abilities. Despite incorporating literary trivia, the novel is criticized for its slow pace and lack of the previous books' momentum. [Extracted from the article]

"Infertile Ground: Surviving an Alcoholic Parent" by Michael L. Patton is a nonfiction book that delves into the author's challenging childhood with an abusive, alcoholic father. Patton shares his experiences growing up in West Virginia, highlighting both hopeful and distressing moments. The narrative also explores Patton's efforts to break free from the cycle of abuse as an adult, offering a raw and detailed account of his journey towards healing and empathy. Despite some lengthy passages, Patton's powerful storytelling may resonate with readers seeking solace from their own family traumas. [Extracted from the article]

"No Place Left to Hide" by Megan Lally is a young adult novel that follows Pacific Northwest Waldorf Prep senior Brooke Goodwin as she navigates revenge, unexpected revelations, and shattered expectations. The story alternates between present-day events and flashbacks to a party that took place three months earlier, leading up to a deadly turn of events. Filled with genre-typical teen drama and romance, the novel promises mind-bending twists that will keep readers engaged. The majority of characters in the book are white, and the story is recommended for readers aged 14 and up. [Extracted from the article]

"Silentcide 2: Vengeance" is a fast-paced thriller that follows the story of assassin siblings, Chris and Michelle Barton, as they seek revenge against their former mentor, Irene Shaw. The book combines explosive action with complex character development, delving into the sibling relationship and introducing new dynamics with other characters. The standout character is Irene, a refined yet ruthless villain whose actions add a layer of political intrigue to the plot. While the multitude of elements can sometimes feel overwhelming, the author ties them together in a satisfying climax. This book is recommended for fans of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp series and Brad Thor's Scot Harvath series. [Extracted from the article]

"Kill Yours, Kill Mine" by Katherine Kovacic is a fast-paced thriller that follows a group of grieving women seeking revenge for the deaths of their sisters at the hands of abusive partners. Encouraged by their therapist, the women form a support group and devise a plan to murder each other's sisters' killers. While the dialogue and narrative structure have some flaws, the novel effectively highlights the issue of domestic abuse and explores themes of anger and closure. The book offers a satisfying and grisly portrayal of these women seeking justice. [Extracted from the article]

"For She Is Wrath" is a Pakistani-inspired fantasy novel by Emily Varga that combines revenge and romance. The story follows Dania, a skilled swordswoman who is wrongly imprisoned for murder. With the help of another prisoner named Noor, Dania escapes and seeks revenge on those who have wronged her, including the emperor and her former lover. The book features evocative prose and vivid descriptions of Pakistani culture, including food, clothing, and weaponry. The story concludes with a satisfying resolution. Recommended for readers aged 13 and up. [Extracted from the article]

"My Kind of Trouble" by L.A. Schwartz is an entertaining romcom that draws inspiration from "The Music Man." The story follows Huxter Harmony Hale as she seeks revenge against the town mayor by proposing a music festival that will never happen. To make her scheme believable, Harmony must secure the land owned by Preston Jones, an autistic librarian who is dedicated to caring for his younger sister and preserving the library's youth programs. As Harmony and Preston navigate their complicated relationship, the novel emphasizes healthy communication and features well-handled representation of autism and body positivity. [Extracted from the article]

"Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back!" is a zany and tongue-twisting sequel to the original Snoodles in Space book. The story takes place in Noodleham, a unique town filled with oddball drama. The main characters, Ricky and Briana, have become the envy of Grumpy Grimy Groodleman, the inventor of the outdated "Groodlemobile." Grumpy teams up with Evil Kidoodle from Planet Zoodle to seek revenge on Ricky and Briana by turning them into nincompoops with an insatiable desire for grool. However, a surprising change of heart occurs, leading to a happy ending for all. The book is filled with vibrant illustrations that match the frenetic pace of the story, and fans of wordplay will enjoy the challenging sequences. This book is recommended for fans of the Bug Scouts series and the Pizza and Taco Lunch Special series. [Extracted from the article]

In "Zawa + the Belly of the Beast," written by Michael Dialynas, siblings Thatcher and Bandit Blackbird regularly steal fresh ingredients from the despotic mayor's mega-factory to create meals for their family's bakery. During a recent food run, Bandit accidentally frees Zawa, a mythologized humanoid guardian imprisoned within the factory. Thatcher recruits Zawa to join a resistance group aiming to overthrow the mayor, unaware that Zawa is connected to other Zawa protectors who seek revenge against the city for its oppression of the environment. Dialynas combines a critique of capitalism with unique character design and worldbuilding, offering a story that promotes a sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans, the Zawa, and the land. This book is recommended for readers aged 14 and up. [Extracted from the article]

In Victoria Gilbert's novel, "A Killer Clue: A Hunter and Clewe Mystery," book collector Cam Clewe and librarian Jane Hunter find themselves investigating two murder cases. When Eloise Anderson asks for their help in clearing her mother's name, who died in prison for her husband's murder, Cam and Jane agree to assist. However, things become more complicated when Eloise is arrested for the murder of a former police detective. As they delve into the case, their knowledge of vintage books becomes crucial in solving the mystery. Gilbert's book offers a satisfying read for fans of Golden Age whodunits. [Extracted from the article]

"Janie Ligon's Revenge" is a fiction novel that tells the story of Janie Ligon, an American executive living in the UK, who is going through a difficult divorce and seeks revenge against her husband and his new wife. Set in the 1990s, the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and retribution at the dawn of the digital era. Janie's perspective is filled with justified bitterness, while her husband's correspondence with his new wife is portrayed through old-school love letters. The book delves into the complexities of relationships and the impact of technology on personal lives. [Extracted from the article]

"The Chainbreakers" by Julian Randall is a children's/YA fantasy novel about twelve-year-old Violet Moon, who is next in line to become a Reaper like her father. When her father is abducted by the Children of the Shark, Violet must take on the role of captain of the Mooney, a magical boat used to rescue souls. Despite opposition from her first mate and the Chainbreakers Council, Violet is determined to find her father and faces challenges along the way. This propulsive fantasy adventure explores themes of grief, legacy, and revenge, and features a diverse cast of characters. [Extracted from the article]

"Collective Vengeance: A 27-Year-Old Coerced Abortion Jeopardizes a Supreme Court Nomination" is a politically charged thriller by Joseph Stanley. The story follows Samantha, a rape victim who was coerced into having an abortion by the son of a powerful family. Decades later, the son is now a nominee for the Supreme Court, and Samantha's friend is seeking revenge on her behalf. The book explores themes of accountability, abuses of power, and civil rights. While the main character's agency is limited, the novel is fast-paced and gripping, with real-world concerns and unexpected twists. [Extracted from the article]

"Angel of Vengeance: A Pendergast Novel" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the 22nd installment in the series featuring paranormal FBI investigator Aloysius Pendergast. In this book, Pendergast uses a dimensional portal to travel to an alternate version of 1880 New York City to protect his ward, Constance Greene's siblings from a sadistic doctor. However, Pendergast's evil twin brother, Diogenes, also follows them through the portal and forms an alliance with the doctor. The story is filled with contrivances and dialogue that some may find unrealistic, and the series as a whole has received mixed reviews. [Extracted from the article]

Sable Yong's debut collection of essays, "Die Hot with a Vengeance: Essays on Vanity," explores the societal emphasis on beauty and its impact. As a former beauty editor at Allure magazine, Yong criticizes beauty culture while also acknowledging her own participation in it. The collection is marked by contradictions, as Yong both laments the focus on appearance and embraces it as a form of self-expression. While attempting to reconcile these conflicting perspectives, Yong falls short in addressing the broader social and aesthetic values that shape our understanding of beauty. Overall, readers may find this collection candid but perplexing. [Extracted from the article]

Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights is a queer graphic novel that retells an Arthurian legend. In the story, Merlin is missing and the fae seek revenge against Camelot. Knights Tristan and Lancelot must put aside their differences to help sorceress Morgan le Fay find Merlin before the fae can harm her half brother's reign. As they embark on their journey, the two knights grow closer, but dangerous secrets threaten their relationship. The book features expressive characters and colorful illustrations, making it an engaging and action-packed romance for fans of Arthurian legends. [Extracted from the article]

Deep Living with the Enneagram ROXANNE HOWEMURPHY Synopsis: Life coach Howe-Murphy explores the principles of the enneagram. PWs Takeaway: This detailed work will appeal to spiritual readers. Read the Review: [...]

In Jones's The Only Good Indians (Saga, May; reviewed on p. 181), four friends from the Blackfeet Nation, who have moved away from the reservation, fight an elk-shaped entity that [...]