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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
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
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
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
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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Precious Friends: Murder in Sag Harbor – Frank Spinelli
(Reviewed by JD Jung) This suspenseful mystery pulls you into the glamorous world of New York’s gay elite. Forty-eight-year-old JB Pulaski, a Columbia professor, has been married to Mike for seventeen years, and together they are raising their adopted son, … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance
Tagged LGBTQ, murder, Romance
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Goodbye Chinatown – Kit Fan
(Reviewed by JD Jung) This emotionally layered novel blends food, family, politics, and identity into a powerful story. Set between London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, it follows Amber Fan, a talented young chef determined to build her dream London restaurant, … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Fiction, Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged food, immigration, multiculture
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Final Transaction: Murder, Money & Real Estate – Diane Dickinson
(Reviewed by JD Jung) This fast-paced real estate murder mystery pulls readers deep into Houston’s world of wealth, ambition, and secrets. When successful realtor Todd Drake — co-owner of Drake Properties and one of Houston’s top boutique real estate agents … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged murder-mystery
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