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UnderratedReads is devoted to discovering underrated books and under-represented authors. We highlight hidden gems from around the world–honest reviews only, never pay-to-play.
Category Archives: Fiction
Pereira Maintains – Antonio Tabucchi, translated by Patrick Creagh
(Reviewed by JD Jung) When I picked up Pereira Maintains at Paperback Exchange in Florence, Italy, I had no idea how relevant this novel would feel today. Set in Portugal in the summer of 1938, during the rise of fascism … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Italian Literature
Tagged fascism, Italian literature, political fiction, Portugal
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Joan of the Arcane – Alexandra Fleder
(Reviewed by JD Jung) What happens when a former punk-rock singer reaches her forties, her children have left home for college, and suburban life suddenly feels like a cage? That’s where Joan finds herself in this wonderfully original and often … Continue reading
Almost Blue -Carlo Lucarelli (Author) , Oonagh Stransky (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “That’s why I’m listening to the city tonight, with Chet Baker playing softly in the background.” Another book I picked up while visiting Bologna, Italy, was Almost Blue by Carlo Lucarelli at Feltrinelli Librerie. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Italian Literature
Tagged crime fiction, Italian literature, noir
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Buyer Beware – Catherine Ryan Howard
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Set on the outskirts of Dublin in 2025, Buyer Beware follows Ellie as she moves into the first home she’s ever owned. Unfortunately, it’s cold, filthy, and falling apart, and with little money to spare, she can … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Irish Literature, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged Irish literature, murder
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From Lompoc With Love – Haris Orkin
Reviewed by Don Jung) From Lompoc With Love is the sixth in a series of spy thrillers that is fast paced with nonstop action that takes you around the world. James Flynn is a retired “secret agent” who is trying to … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged espionage, spy thriller
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Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils – Sandra Jackson-Opoku
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I usually gravitate toward gritty thrillers rather than cozy mysteries, so I wasn’t expecting Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils to hook me the way it did. But this engaging culinary mystery quickly won me over. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged cozy mystery, recipes
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Happy Life – David Foenkinos (Author), Sam Taylor (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Eric Kherson is forty years old, divorced, has little contact with his son, and is struggling to find meaning in his life. He makes a good living but feels disconnected from both his personal life and … Continue reading
Posted in French Literature, Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged French literature, life, purpose
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Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt – Ben Reeves
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt offers a fascinating and deeply original perspective on death through the character of Travis Smith, who is death in human form. Rather than causing death or deciding who dies, Travis … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged death
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Lisette – Clare Castleberry
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I’ll be honest — erotic horror isn’t usually my genre. But after enjoying Clare Castleberry’s Bound by Blood, I gave Lisette a chance, and I’m glad I did. Set against the gritty backdrop of New Orleans … Continue reading
Posted in Dark/Sordid/Bizarre, Horror
Tagged horror, murder, New Orleans, sex, short books
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