-
-
About
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
Who Knows You by Heart – C. J. Farley
(Reviewed by JD Jung) In this multilayered and gripping novel, we are introduced to Octavia Crenshaw—a thirty-year-old Jamaican American software engineer whose journey is as compelling as the technological world that she navigates. A Columbia graduate and New Yorker, Octavia … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged AI, computers, ethics, family, gender, race, suspense, technology
Comments Off on Who Knows You by Heart – C. J. Farley
The Boys Are Back in Town: A Brody James Mystery – Karl Kling
(Reviewed by Don Jung) Brody James leaves the military to get a job in the Police Department of his hometown that he left fifteen years ago after graduating from high school. He reunites with old school acquaintances as he settles … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged crime fiction, military, police
Comments Off on The Boys Are Back in Town: A Brody James Mystery – Karl Kling
Best Woman – Rose Dommu
(Reviewed by JD Jung) In times like these, when the world feels heavy and overwhelming, many of us crave a light and fun read. That’s what drew me to Best Woman. Yes, it’s light and humorous on the surface, but … Continue reading
Ham’s Heaven- Ori Gersht (Translated by Joanna Chen)
(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) Ham’s Heaven was a tough book to get through – but not for the usual reasons: poor plotting, pacing, etc. It was tough because it was a very emotional story that needed to be … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Middle Eastern Literature
Tagged animal, NASA, space
Comments Off on Ham’s Heaven- Ori Gersht (Translated by Joanna Chen)
The Bolden Cylinder A Bruneau Abellard Novel – Norman Woolworth
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I was excited to read The Bolden Cylinder because of its promise of jazz and its New Orleans setting—two of my favorite things. What I got was so much more: a richly layered mystery involving arson, … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged friendship, history, jazz, New Orleans
Comments Off on The Bolden Cylinder A Bruneau Abellard Novel – Norman Woolworth
Proven Innocence – Mary J. Rocco
(Reviewed by Ann Onymous ) What would you do if you found yourself suddenly awake — In total darkness…. Where am I? You don’t know Who you are You don’t know Why When Or How you got there. This intriguing … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged addiction, greed, murder
Comments Off on Proven Innocence – Mary J. Rocco
The SILO – G. S. Heist, Greg Heist
(Reviewed by Don Jung) This psychological thriller happens in one day. Well- written with vivid character development, we see Frank Braun on his last day before retiring from the Police Department. He gets an unusual request to interrogate young Jacob … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged abuse, psychological thriller
Comments Off on The SILO – G. S. Heist, Greg Heist
All We Trust – Gregory Galloway
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Half-brothers Peck and Al, launder money for a local crime lord through a bar and hardware store. They have been partners in petty crime since childhood, but adulthood has only deepened their dependence on each other. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged crime fiction, grief, loyalty
Comments Off on All We Trust – Gregory Galloway
The Night Swimmer – Simon J Houlton
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Bill Eckersley, in his late thirties, drifts through life in the working-class seaside town of Hastings, England. He’s the kind of character who reminds us of the troubled, unstable writers we’ve all read about—but without the … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged dark humor, England, mental illness
Comments Off on The Night Swimmer – Simon J Houlton
Leverage – Amran Gowani
(Reviewed by JD Jung) At only twenty-seven-year-old, Ali Jafar is a high-performing hedge fund manager for Prism Capital in San Francisco. He’s smart, respected, and has earned the confidence of his powerful boss, Paul Kingsley, founder of the firm and … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged exploitation, hedge fund, investments, racism, thriller
Comments Off on Leverage – Amran Gowani