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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
Errata – Michael Allen Zell
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “New Orleans seems to exist as a blank slate for outsiders to grasp and cast their own aspirations, pretenses, and prejudices upon. A few of the outsiders always end up lingering, holding fast, and adding to … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Modern Literary Fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged book reviews, mystery, New Orleans, noir
1 Comment
Power Play – F. Ethan Repp
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Democracy doesn’t just happen, it takes dedicated citizens continuously fighting to preserve it. Elected officials will get away with as much as they can and if no one picks on them for a long time, they … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Political fiction
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Shadow Truth (a Novella) – Bill Larkin
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…the elimination of costly criminal trials, freeing the truly innocent, simplifying background checks, and making society as a whole more honest. Other than curing terminal diseases, can you think of anything more important?” What personal liberties … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
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Sufferstone: Book I of the Dolvia Saga – Stella Atrium
(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) What does it mean to call a place home? What are the consequences of commitment? These are some of the questions raised in the conflict between being alien and feeling the land as home. A soldier … Continue reading
Posted in Sci-Fi/Speculative/Fantasy/Mythology
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Crossroads: A Camino Tale – F. R. Merrill
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “As they stood before a large stone crucifix of the body of Christ carved in a three-dimensional form she pulled out her syringe. When she moved toward Amanda to complete the deed, her sister Margie stepped … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Travel
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Hollywood Clown – Jason Lassen
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “What’s worse than an out-of-work actor? An out-of-work actor who dresses up like Santa for a month for Hollywood power players and is reminded he’s a lonely depressed, out-of-work actor dressing up in costumes all year … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Humor & Satire
1 Comment
Soy Sauce for Beginners – Kirstin Chen
(Reviewed by JD Jung) One pushed me to return to America, the other urged me to pull out the knife, let the wound heal, and remain in Singapore. But I was done choosing sides, pleasing one over the other. From … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Modern Literary Fiction, Travel
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Russian Roulette (One Eyed Jack) – Christopher J. Lynch
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “There are plenty of people in this world who want to see me dead, what the hell difference does one more make” That’s one of the occupational hazards of being a professional blackmailer, which John Sharp … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
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