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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
The Silver Book – Olivia Laing
(Reviewed by JD Jung) It’s September 17, 1974, and twenty-two-year-old art student Nicolas flees London after the death of his older lover, Alan, sensing that staying would invite suspicion he cannot afford. Venice seems like the perfect place to begin … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction
Tagged Italian cinema, Italy, LGBTQ
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The Quiet War: Canadian Front – Michael J. Lalonde
(Reviewed by JD Jung) This debut espionage thriller introduces readers to an often-overlooked corner of military fiction: Canadian special operations. In The Quiet War, the immediate threat is Al-Najm al-Saghir, who isn’t just a terrorist; his long-term plan is to … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged Canada, espionage, military fiction, thriller
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Rat Town Blues: Slag Ferguson, Book One – Brian Kaufman
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Mark “Slag” Ferguson, an unlicensed private investigator and part-time bartender is always trying to make ends meet. However now in his mid-thirties, he finds himself thrust into a pair of cases that quickly spin beyond his … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged detective fiction, infidelity, noir, self-destruction
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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