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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
Ilium: A novel – Lea Carpenter
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The game of espionage, at its essence, is observation, seduction, patience. And a fluid relationship with your sense of self. To commit espionage at the highest levels you have to be willing to forget who you … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged CIA, espionage, M16, Mossad
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Broadcast Blues (Clare Carlson Mystery Book 6) – R.G. Belsky
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Clare Carlson, news director for Channel 10 News in New York City is experiencing a mid-life crisis. She’s about to turn fifty years old, three times married, and still looking for Mr. Right. Let’s also not … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged crime fiction, murder, New York City
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The Vacation House – Jane Shemilt
(Reviewed by JD Jung) 2003 -Thirteen-year-old Sofie and her family toiled at a vacation house on the island of Paxos, Greece. This house was owned by a wealthy British family and frequented every summer by them and their friends. When … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged class, Greece, London, Sexual abuse
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Violets – Kyung-Sook Shin, translated by Anton Hur
(reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned “San’s attraction did not originate this summer. But rather it has lain in wait for millennia before bursting forth all at once. “ San was no stranger to abandonment. Her father left right after she … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Far Eastern Literature, World Literature
Tagged culture, Korea, mysogeny, Seoul
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Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience – Raj Tawney
(reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned In Raj Tawney’s captivating memoir, Colorful Palate: A Flavorful Journey Through a Mixed American Experience, readers are treated to a poignant exploration of identity, family, and cultural diversity. Set against the backdrop of suburban New … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Culture, Food & Cooking
Tagged diversity, family, India, multiculture, New York City
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Dogboy v Catfish – Luke Gracias
Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned When I first read the title, Dogboy v Catfish, I thought that it sounded silly, and was skeptical as to whether I would enjoy the book. I hope others are not turned off by it, … Continue reading
Posted in Australian Literature, Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged Australian fiction, Crime, deception, divorce, drugs, murder
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January – Sara Gallardo, translated by Frances Riddle
(reviewed by JD Jung) January (Enero) first published in Spanish in 1958, follows the daily life and thoughts of sixteen-year-old Nefer, who finds she is pregnant after a rape. Nefer works on the family farm, and lives in the shadow … Continue reading
Posted in Latin American Literature, Lost and almost forgotten
Tagged abortion, Argentina, class, culture, rape, short books
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The Moscow Affair: A Nicole Graves Mystery – Nancy Boyarsky
(reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned Private investigator Nicole Grave’s fiancé , Reinhardt, has disappeared. Actually, it’s not that unusual. First, he worked as a chief inspector for the London Metropolitan Police. He then took a rather secretive job, where his … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged espionage, Moscow, murder, Russia
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All Who Wander – Joe Clifford
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I’ve spent years in therapy pushing dark memories into a black corner where, without light, I though the wild things could not grow. I was wrong. Left alone and ignored, I’ve provided ideal conditions for them to … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged family dysfunction, psychological drama
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