mc-books

Suspense plays no part in this story, though perhaps it never does for the truly faithful. Instead, readers get a rotating series of perspectives that, together, suggest something essential about the mystery and the terror of spiritual passion.

“Swoon” by Bea Martinez-Gatell delves into the history and influence of fandom, from Lord Byron to Elvis to the Beatles.

Cher’s memoir, Louise Erdrich’s “The Mighty Red” and a reissued novel by Jack Kerouac’s daughter are among notable recent releases.

What is it about the Mitfords? Even today, the sisters — born to minor British nobility, deprived of formal education, raised to marry well — have a surprisingly strong grip on transatlantic culture.

The term “scientific fiction,” a subtle adjustment to science fiction, is often used to describe weighty literary novels about cutting-edge technologies and big ideas, and it’s an apt way to describe Aja Gabel’s riveting second novel, “Lightbreakers.”

There were so many great mystery novels published this year that it was difficult to pick just 10 for this list. But here they are.